Real.Doc - Part 2 - Joe (English Version)

Françoise

The night unfolded in an unexpected twist, as many of our evenings tended to do lately. The party, though seemingly designed for the younger crowd, was hosted in a sprawling mansion—a masterpiece of architecture and elegance. As we approached, the grandeur of the estate took my breath away, each detail meticulously crafted, a testament to old-world charm fused with modern luxury.

We had barely stepped through the massive double doors when a man, strikingly unique, made his presence known. His hair was a cascade of golden curls, wild and untamed, framing a face adorned with a small, sharp mustache. His eyes locked onto Jase with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. Jase, who had been slightly distracted by the steps leading into the foyer, finally looked up to meet the man's gaze.

"Françoise!" Jase exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise and a hint of something else, something deeper.

"I've been looking all over for you," the man responded, his voice rich with excitement despite the slight lisp that softened his words.

"And here I am," Jase replied, his voice steady but laced with a hint of uncertainty. "May I introduce you to—"

"Her, I know," Françoise interrupted, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips. He stepped closer to me, taking my hand and pressing a kiss to it. "Enchanteé."

I nodded, a silent acknowledgment of his gesture. There was something about Françoise—his mannerisms, his energy—that commanded attention. From that moment on, he became our shadow, his presence inescapable as he flitted around, engaging Jase in animated conversation. He moved with the ease of someone who belonged everywhere and nowhere at once, his laughter echoing through the grand hallways.

In a rare moment alone, Jase leaned in close to me and whispered, "We're in trouble."

His words lingered between us, a silent warning that neither of us could ignore. We didn't stay much longer, maintaining our appearance for the customary two hours before deciding to make our exit. As we descended the grand staircase, the same one where Françoise had first approached us, he reappeared, blocking our path once more.

"Leaving so thoon?" he asked, a hint of disappointment in his tone, the lisp making his words sound almost playful.

"We have an early meeting tomorrow," Jase replied, attempting to maintain a polite demeanor.

"Or late night today," Françoise countered, his gaze shifting to me with a knowing smile.

"It was nice seeing you..." Jase began, only to be cut off once again.

"How much is she paying you?" Françoise asked, his voice firm, demanding an answer, the 's' sound drawn out slightly.

"Be nice," Jase replied, his humility shining through.

"I'll pay double," Françoise offered, his tone casual as if discussing the weather. I smiled, exchanging a glance with Jase, ready to move on, but Françoise wasn't done. "Well then, how much is Mr. Innis paying you? I'm sure I wouldn't be able to top that, but sthill, I'd like to know."

Jase hesitated, considering his words carefully before responding. "Why don't you join us? Come and see the new place."

"Oh, fun!" Françoise's face lit up as he clapped his hands together in delight, descending the stairs with renewed energy.

As we reached the entrance, our coats were handed to us. I couldn't help but admire Françoise's coat, a magnificent piece of fashion that seemed to echo his personality—large, extravagant, and impossible to miss. Our car pulled up, and as we made our move to get in, Françoise protested loudly.