Diamond Tears | Book 2 of The Champagne Chronicles

N I N E - Unseen Forces

The morning rush at Café Lumière had just started to slow down when Chantal walked in, sunglasses perched on her head, and a tired smile on her lips. Daphne, already behind the counter, glanced up and grinned at the sight of her friend.

"Look who decided to show up," Daphne teased, pouring a cup of coffee. "How's the head this morning?"

Chantal groaned as she slid onto the barstool. "It's manageable... just barely." She took off her sunglasses and rubbed her eyes. "Last night was insane."

Daphne raised an eyebrow, sliding the coffee across the counter. "Oh? You remember it all, then?"

Chantal smirked, taking a slow sip of her coffee. "Oh, I remember. Trust me. I woke up this morning with Yves next to me, and let's just say my body can confirm it was a good night."

Daphne blinked in surprise, then burst into laughter. "Well, well. Someone had fun."

Chantal shrugged with a mischievous grin. "What can I say? The guy's charming, and, you know... 18 now. So, technically legal." She winked, clearly not bothered by the events of the previous night.

Daphne shook her head, laughing as she leaned against the counter. "I'm surprised you're even awake. I mean, you were pretty into each other by the end of the night."

"Oh, I remember that too," Chantal said, smirking. "He's cute, though. Fun. Nothing serious, of course, but we had a good time." She leaned in with a grin. "And I have to say, he looks even better in the morning."

Daphne playfully rolled her eyes. "Sounds like you've got yourself a little fling."

Chantal chuckled, her fingers tapping the side of her coffee cup. "Maybe. It was a fun night, though. We'll see what happens."

Daphne was about to respond when a group of customers entered the café, and she gave Chantal an apologetic look. "Sorry we had to meet here. I've already been to class, but now I've got to work... you know, rent and all that."

Chantal waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, stop apologizing. You could just tell me how much you need, and I'd cover your rent." She smiled easily, like it was no big deal.

But Daphne shook her head firmly. "Thanks, but no. I need to do this on my own."

Chantal sighed dramatically, taking another sip of her coffee. "Alright, alright. But seriously, the offer's there. You know I don't mind."

"I appreciate it," Daphne said with a small smile. "But I'm figuring it out. Slowly but surely."

Chantal raised an eyebrow. "Fine. But when you're drowning in bills, don't say I didn't offer to help."

Daphne laughed, then leaned in with a teasing smile. "So... how long are you staying in Monaco? Or are you off to another city soon?"

Chantal exhaled, pushing her sunglasses back up onto her head. "Remy and I are leaving tomorrow. The next race is in Barcelona, so we'll be flying out in the morning. I swear, it's like we never stop moving."

Daphne smiled, leaning back. "Must be exciting though, right? Jet-setting around the world?"

Chantal gave a tired smile. "It is, but I'm honestly exhausted. These races take it out of me, and Remy's always so hyped up afterward. I don't know how he does it."

"You'll survive," Daphne teased. "You always do."

As the café began to fill up again, Chantal finished her coffee and stood up, stretching slightly. "I'll manage. Just need to sleep for about a week straight." She shot Daphne a playful look. "But seriously, we're leaving tomorrow. So, if you need anything before then, let me know. Even if it's just a little loan."