Baking with Love in Paris

Chapter 4: A Twist in Circumstances

The next day at work, I submitted my letter of resignation, which would be effective in the coming month. I had to hold my tears as I placed Lavender-coloured and taste icing on my famous chocolate cake. Joannie was being quiet too, because I have dropped the news like a bombshell. 

'You know this is to be expected right? I won't be working here forever. It's not meant to be a permanent job,' I said, defending my decision. 

Joannie, with her flaming red hair which unfortunately was the same colour as her face right now, hastenedly turned to me, looking so angry.

'I know that Rinne, but I didn't expect it to be soon. I expected maybe in a year or so. Not to mention you're leaving for Paris next month too! We haven't even started our bucket list!' she argued. 

After getting our degree from culinary school, Joannie and I decided to make a bucket list now that we were finally independent adults, and also what we'd do when we saved up our paychecks. The first on the list was to go scuba-diving at the Seattle Beach, but because of current circumstances, that would also have to be delayed. 

'I'm not gonna be gone forever, just...you know...3 years,' I said. 

She rolled her eyes, 'I can't believe the Board would do this to you and your dad! And your mom just agreed?' she asked. 

'Well she used to be a lawyer, so yeah...she has no say when it is all written in the contract between Dad and the Board,' I said. She returned to her mixing her strawberry shortcake batter, and her red hair was twinging and twanging in anger.

'I just don't understand why your degree is not enough. Do you have to be a pretentious elitist baker to get the restaurant?' she asked. 

The thing is with Joannie, when she's angry, her filter is a bit loose, and because I know that about her, I just let it slide because I know she doesn't mean it. 

'Careful... my dad was one,' I warned her. 

She sighed and turned to me again, 'I'm sorry, but if you think about it, you can see my point.' I didn't answer her, because I was on the same page as her. Why wasn't my degree enough? Why did I have to go all the way to Paris to do this? 

I understand that since my dad's restaurant experts in French cuisine, it makes sense that the new owner would master in it too right?

*

I went home after work straight away, even though Joannie insisted that we go out for drinks because it would be our last few days together. I declined because I wasn't in the mood. Plus, I have to scour the whole French accommodation websites to find a place to stay. 

Even though the Board was willing to pay for my tuition fees, they left accommodation and living for Mom and me to pay. I guess that was fair, but at the same time, it's hard to find accommodation that would be in my budget. 

I sighed just thinking about it on the drive back to home. It has been an exhausting week after Vincent dropped the bomb on me. He had a connection at the school, and they were willing to accept my application at the last minute for the next academic year, which starts in 2 months. Honestly, I don't know if I'm ready for it. The next month will be me being busy with my visa application, finding the perfect home for my budget etc.

I came home just in time for dinner, and Mom's best friend, Laura, was there too. They heard me come from the front door and went straight to the dining table. It was a traditional Thursday night in the Chaucer's household. Laura would come over every Thursday night, and Mom and her would cook dinner together. 

Both Mom and Laura lost their husbands, but Laura lost hers to her husband's secretary, so they spent as much time together as possible, just to fill in the loneliness.

'Welcome home, sweetheart,' Mom said, as she sat down on her seat. 

'Hey,' I said as I sat next to her. 'Hey Laura,' I greeted her. 

'Hey honey, I heard from your mom,' she said. I gave her a fake smile, showing that I was complying with whatever hell the Board wants me to do. 'You will do great at that school! You're so good you're gonna wow them with your French pastries,' she said. 

I then gave her a genuine smile, 'thank you, Laura. But that's the least of my concern right now, to be honest. I'm quite busy with my visa application and also I have to search for a place to live. But right now, no such luck,' I said. 

I swear at that moment, I could see her eyes twinkling with excitement, 'I have the perfect place for you to live!' she said. At that, my heart started to beat with hope. 

'Really? Where?' I asked. 'Your school is only 20 minutes by walking from the place, and don't worry sweetheart, it's very affordable because you won't be living on your own,' she said.

My mom was so into the conversation that she was likely chewing on her chicken right now, while listening to our exchange. 'I don't mind a roommate!' I said. 

'It's a nice house. It's quite quaint and homey,' she continued. 

'Perfect! A housemate is a no problem for me. Right now I'll settle for anything. Do you know who I'm going to live with?' I asked. 

She held her grin for a while. She was quiet for a second as she darted her eyes away from me and glanced at the chicken curry we made for dinner. 'It's with...Aidan,' she said hesitantly. My excitement died just right there at the mention of his name.

'Oh... is he a friend...? A cousin...?' I asked with a hint of hope in the tone of my voice. I knew which Aidan she was talking about. Obviously since he was in a way, an important part of my childhood growing up. But right now, I was hoping that it could be some other Aidan. 

Please, please, God, let it be another Aidan.

She chuckled, 'no sweetheart. Aidan, my son! You know him! You guys used to play at the treehouse back when you were kids?' she said, reminiscing in the past. "Play" is a delicate and sugarcoat way to put it. What she meant was 'Remember how Aidan used to lock you up in the treehouse for 2 straight hours?' 

I gulped, 'oh...him...' I gave her a nervous laugh, and I could feel my hands started to feel clammy. Anyone but him. 'Er...' I couldn't mutter up a single answer.

'Honey, he would love to have you as his housemate. You used to be so close,' she continued. "Close" is another way to sugarcoat "close to death". I remember how he used to prank me by replacing all the sugar to salt at my house, and changed my strawberry juice to tomato and potato juice that he blended out of glee. In my opinion, he was pure psychotic. 

'I wouldn't want to disturb him, Laura. I'm pretty sure he's busy,' I said. 

'Nonsense!' she laughed, waving her hand at me, 'in fact, he's looking for a new housemate right now, because the other one left. Apparently, they clashed a lot, and it's a matter of time until Aidan got rid of him!'

Yep, that would be me clashing with Aidan a lot too if I agreed to move in with him!

'Don't worry, Corinne. I'm sure he would love to have you as his new housemate! You guys will get along great again!' she said, and then she stood up, 'I'm so excited I'm gonna call him now to tell him of the great news!' and then she left to go to the living room to take the call.

I turned to Mom. I felt like I was being ambushed. 

'Did I even say yes?'

Mom smiled, 'I think she did that for you.'