Every ballet class starts with an exercise on the barre, a horizontal, often wooden or metal, bar that is fastened to the walls, or free-standing with supports on either side. While doing barre exercises, a dancer will stand and hold on to the barre...
My alarm goes off at 7 am, making me regret agreeing to coffee this early. I decide on a shower first, taking my time with my hair. I used to hate my hair, wanting more than anything to dye it. My mother refused to let me do anything with it, scolding me after I curled it for the first time when i was fourteen. Now I thank her mentally, for my hair being extremely healthy and soft.
I walk back into my room and open my closet, pulling out different options. Finally, I settle on a long sundress, with white flowers scattered all over it. I silently hope Gael picked out a nice café, so I didn't look out of place.
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^^ Juliettes outfit
After fixing my hair, I check the time to see that it's 8:14, leaving me enough time to grab something to eat.
In the living room, I find Livie sat up on the couch, scrolling through her phone.
"I'm leaving in a little bit to get coffee with Gael," I state while opening the fridge.
"He says you're quite the character," she replies swiftly.
I scrunch my face in reaction to her reply. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm not sure, I think he finds you- funny."
Her hesitation in word choice makes my eyes narrow. "Is that so?" I ponder while grabbing a yogurt from the shelf.
"Just don't blow it on the first date Ette."
I scoff and peel the foil lid off harshly. "Don't worry Liv, I'm pretty sure I'm his type."
I expect a response to be fired back, but instead she heads into her room and shuts the door firmly. I smirk to myself and spoon yogurt into my mouth quickly, being painfully aware of how much time I have left.
After throwing my partially empty container away, I grab my wallet and my phone off the charger, remembering I have no idea where we're meeting. When I check my notifications, I notice two new messages from Gael number came in at 2:06 am.
| Le Progres, 7 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France
|Hope you're hungry ;)
I do a little research as I walk out of the apartment, and come to the conclusion I need to take Metro 13. The Paris Metro is a short walk from where we live, in the 5th arrondissement.
I moved to Paris two years ago, and I still have trouble navigating the map system of the complex city. I've picked up on some of the customs, developing an accent and learning how to use the infamous Metro.
Livie however, has lived in Paris for several years, making her my built in guide when I packed up all my stuff and moved away from my hometown in Maine.
I'm quickly pulled away from my thoughts when I bump into something, causing me to stop in my tracks. When I look up from my phone and find a girl that's appears to be my age, apologies start to spill out of my mouth.
"Don't worry about it," she assures with a genuine smile.
I return a smile and puff up my cheeks before blowing air in response. "I should really watch where I'm going."
"Oh you have an accent! I'm so glad you aren't another tourist. Maybe you could help-"
"I wish I could, I'm actually meeting someone for a lunch date," I pause when I have a moment of deja vu from yesterday. "I'll give you my number and give you a tour later, least I could do for bumping into you."
The girl happily hands me her phone and I put my number into it, glancing at the time every few seconds.
"I'll call you!" she yells as I hurry off, trying not to bump into any more tourists.
____________________________________
Before walking into the café I pull my hair into a loose pony, pulling out two stands to frame my face. I ended up being mostly on time, and I silently pray Gael came early. To my surprise, I spot him sitting at a table by the window, drumming his fingers on the wood.
I slowly make my way over to him, analyzing his appearance. Thankfully, he didn't dress casual, instead wearing black slacks and a green dress shirt. He smiles when he sees me, getting out of his seat so he can pull out my chair.
I thank him and smooth out my dress while he sits down again, still smiling widely.
"I'm actually quite happy you wanted to take the job. I found you more intriguing than Livie."
Now it's my turn to smile, not being able to contain my excitement for his praise.
"Well I have to say, everything about this job and you seems rather intriguing." I don't hold back on buttering him up, hoping he absorbs every ounce of it.
"I think you'll be a good fit Julie. How about a coffee while we talk more about the job?"
