Blame it on Paris

Chapter 3

12 days later, Michael was all packed. He had all his suits in the hanging bag, ready to go as well as shirts and ties. He had regular clothes all packed and all his toiletries in the other bags. His mother had helped him get Ollie all squared away and had his suitcase ready to go in the hallway as well. Michael had a backpack filled with snacks, a sippy cup and a variety of toys and activities for his son to occupy his time on the flight.

Michael had emailed back and forth with Anelise getting to know her and was surprised at the maturity that she had for being almost 21 years old. He had sent her some videos of Ollie so she could get to know his personality better. She sent back a recording of her reading him a bedtime story and Ollie loved it. He had to play the recording once every night before Ollie would go to bed.

Susan, Michael's mom, was invaluable in her help to him over those two weeks. She helped her son pack, get the house ready for an extended vacancy and helped talk Anelise up to her grandson. She loved spending time with him and she spoiled him rotten while she was there. They went to the park, the toy store and his favorite restaurant for lunch. She had never seen a child eat a quesadilla as fast as he did.

"Michael, is there anything else you need before tomorrow? I can run to the store if you need to," Susan offered.

"I think we are all set, Mom, thanks," he replied as he packed the chargers and converters in his carry-on bag.

"Anelise seems like a good choice for this trip. I'm glad Kim and Neil suggested it," Susan replied.

"I am so thankful! I have no idea what I would have done if she hadn't agreed to do this," he admitted, "It still puzzles me why she reacted the way she did when I asked if she wanted to come tonight."

"Well I guess you never know what happens behind closed doors. I get the feeling that Kim thinks of her daughter like she is still 15 and in need of parenting instead of being an adult. She actually made a comment when we were talking the other day that she was a little pissed that Anelise didn't ask for permission before she told you yes," Susan commented.

Michael stopped and looked at his mom. "Are you serious?"

She nodded, "I bet there is more to this young woman than meets the eye."

"Do you think I made a mistake?" Michael asked, "And be honest Mom."

"No. I think she is very dedicated to her studies. You don't get your Master's in less than four years without being driven. My intuition says that she just wants to spread her wings and be her own person. I think Ollie will be in very good hands and will learn things being around her, good things," Susan replied thoughtfully.

Knowing that she was the most intuitive person he had ever met, he nodded and trusted her judgement, "Thanks Mom."

She kissed his cheek, "You're welcome. I still haven't decided what present I want yet, but you have time. I will make sure you pay up when the time is right. Or maybe just a Burberry bag! I'm going up to bed now that Ollie is down for the night. We have an early morning!"

He bid her goodnight and went to his office to make sure that he had everything he needed to do his analysis of the British company his current company wanted to merge with. Being the head of accounting for his company and having experience doing forensic accounting, he was the logical choice for the owner and CEO to send over to figure out if the company was a good expansion. Craig was coming as the head of the legal department and another man, Ken Banks was coming to observe their HR department and see how the whole company operated and how British law worked. Ken was a good man and a hard worker. He was leaving his wife and two teenagers behind for this trip, but they would be coming out to visit him in July.

Satisfied that everything was packed, he climbed into bed after showering, hoping that the next three months would be a good experience.

--

Ani and Leslie were out at their favorite restaurant with some other friends celebrating the end of the spring semester. Leslie was several drinks in and Ani only had two, knowing how early she had to get up.

"Ani! I'm so jealous that you get to be around all those hot British men and their accents!" Tiffany yelled over the loud music playing from the dj.

"I know, I mean, you are getting paid while you are writing your paper! What the fuck Ani!?" Monica slurred.

"Not to mention that the guy she is working for has a deep sexy voice!" Leslie added as she went in for another mozzarella cheese stick.

"Just lucky I guess," Ani laughed as the other girls mocked her and called her their pet names for each other.

"Don't forget to call us and send pictures!!" Tiffany added and she hugged her friends, "I have to go, my parents will be here at about 11 and I don't want to be sleeping with a hangover like last time they came. Daddy cut my allowance!"

The other girls laughed and waved as she went to her Uber that was now waiting. They danced to a few more songs, then all shared a ride home. Leslie and Ani were giggling and laughing as they got out of the car and up to their apartment. Leslie plopped on Ani's bed while she changed and started her string of questions.

"You have the converter packed?" Leslie started.

"Yes."

"What about your passport?"

"In my purse with my tickets," Ani replied, trying not to roll her eyes.

"What about your cell phone and credit cards? You got everything changed and updated as you needed?"

"Leslie, yes! I have an international plan on my phone. I went to the bank to tell them what was going on and they have everything changed with no fees for conversions. I am all set. What is going on?"

Leslie sat up and sighed, "We have never been apart for this long since we met! And I can't even come and visit!"

Ani sat next to her and hugged her tightly, "I know it will be a little different and a little scary being apart. But I promise that I will text every day and try to call every few days."

Leslie nodded but asked, "Why do I feel like everything is going to change after this?"

"Because you are crazy and your imagination is running away from you again!" Ani chuckled, "Now stop all this sadness. Go get in bed and sleep off all the beers you drank. I have to leave early, but I will come and say goodbye before I go."

"What time does your flight leave?" Leslie asked sadly.

"I leave here at six, my flight leaves at 7:30 and with the time change I end up in Chicago about 10, which is perfect. The flight to London leaves about noon, so I can get to know Mr. Whitlock and Ollie a little," She explained as she yawned and pulled her covers back.

Leslie nodded and went to her room yelling, "Sleep well Brat!"

"Back at ya Snot!"

They both crawled under their covers to sleep before their lives changed for the next three months.