Page 68 of One Week in Paris
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“SORRY, IT TOOK ME SO LONG,” Matt says as he hands me my glass of wine. “I was chatting with the guy at the bar. Nice guy.”
A goofy smile spreads across my lips — I just cannot control myself.
“What’ so funny?”
“Oh, nothing. It must be the alcohol.”
He winks at me. “Well, I’d like you a little tipsy, but not too drunk.”
I smile and gulp down a big sip of my wine. It’s delicious and I need it. As much fun as I’m having with Oscar, I haven’t forgotten about the plan for tonight. The thought of it makes me sick. I hope Mom doesn’t hate me.
I decide to text Nicole. She’s at the far end of the room, chatting with one of Mark’s friends.
When is it happening?
She fishes her cell out of her clutch and apologizes to the man. I wait impatiently as she taps away.
We have a problem. He does not want to get frisky here. He says it is too risky. He wants to meet tomorrow.
—
A day before his wedding?!
What a sleaze. He absolutely must be stopped.
What will we do now?Nicole asks.
Let me think.
I spotCorrie chatting with Mark. She’s tipsy. I’ve been meaning to keep an eye on her. She always drinks too much. She’s so tiny, it’s easy for her to overdo it. The last thing I need tonight is my best friend making a scene. We want a scene all right, but not that one. Oddly enough, she seems to be getting on famously with Mark. Doesn’t surprise me — Corrie does get a little flirty and snarky when she drinks.
I need to get there. Now. As I quickly make my way to her, an idea hits me, and it’s perfect.
“Hi Mark, lovely room,” I say quickly as I grab Corrie’s arm. “Do you mind if I steal her for a second?”
He does seem to mind, but I obviously don’t give two shits.
“I’m having such a great time,” Corrie tells me. “Paris is amazing.”
I smile as I drag her to the library. “Yes, it is.”
“So, is Oscar sleeping with the French girl?”
“Not yet,” I tell her.
“How is the plan going?” she asks in hushed tones, despite the fact that we are completely alone in the library.
“Well, actually, speaking of that. I need your help, Corrie.”
Her blue eyes are curious. “What? What can I do? I wanna play.”
“Well, Nicole has tried to lure him upstairs, like we discussed, but he won’t go for it. He says it’s too risky.”
She settles her small rear in one of the arm chairs. “The man’s not stupid.”
I take a seat in the other matching chair. “He needs more incentive.”
