Barre

Chapter Four

After my drink arrives, Gael dives right into details. I try to keep up with what he's saying, but my eyes are drawn to his plump lips as he speaks.

"So I need an assistant, but there's one more thing."

I nod, trying to look interested in the conversation.

"My parents think I have a girlfriend. So really I need you to accompany me to dinners and parties. They can't know you're my sugar baby."

I nearly choke on my coffee at the mention of the last words, trying to play it off so Gael doesn't notice.

"Sugar baby?" I repeat.

"Yeah, that's essentially what you are. I hope you don't mind the title," he speculates.

"We don't have to call it that," I smile forcefully. "Just think of me as your girlfriend."

"Perfect. Are you a dancer?"

My throat tightens at the question, so I take a sip of my hot beverage and answer briefly.

"Used to be."

Gale is slightly leaned forward, seeming to be searching for more information.

"My sister was the one who got me started. She loved dance more than anyone I knew. Unfortunately she passed before she got to fulfill her dream."

"I'm so sorry, that must've been hard," he sympathizes. His hand reaches over to mine, covering my much smaller fingers.

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, waiting for a topic change.

Gael clears his throat, and pulls his hand away.

"Have you lived in Paris for long?"

"Two years," I reply, and then return the question.

"Twelve years, I fell in love with Paris straight away. I do miss the countryside though."

"Did you have a farm?"

He laughs and finishes his drink before answering. "More of an estate. However, we did have a few animals."

I start laughing uncontrollably, throwing my hand over my mouth in an attempt to muffle the sound.

"What's so funny?" Gael looks confused and a bit offended by my laughter.

"I'm just picturing you in overalls, doing farm chores."

"Why would you-" he pauses shortly before his expression changes. "I see it now."

I laugh harder, a snort almost escaping from my mouth.

"I never cleaned a barn, if that's what you're picturing. We hired people for that."

I roll my eyes and lean back in my chair. "Of course you did."

He scoffs lightly and mimics my actions, leaning back against his own chair. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I shrug and avoid his question, pretending to be interested in the tablecloth.

"I'm well aware of my privilege Ette, if that's what you're referring to."

His voice is rough, and I notice this is the first time he's used that name instead of 'Julie'. I would be lying if I said this didn't affect me.

"Just checking Gael."

He sighs and drums his fingers on his chin, appearing to be dramatically thinking.

"Are you hungry?" he proposes as his final thought.

I sigh heavily, and copy his thinking process. "I'm always hungry."

He laughs softly, and I come to a conclusion that this is my new favorite sound.

"I know a place."