Lara

Chapter 16

The second Philippe says Colin's name, I want the floor to swallow me up. I had texted Juliette updating her of the last-minute changes with the men in my life, but I hadn't even told Philippe about Colin. I'm stunned speechless for a moment.

Thankfully, Juliette reacts quickly and, elbowing Philippe in the ribs, says, "You must be Jake! Lara has told me so much about you."

"Oh, don't tell him that," I say, setting the wine and flowers down. "His ego is already big enough," I add teasingly to diffuse the awkwardness in the room. "Jake, this is Juliette, and this is Philippe."

Philippe looks over at me still confused but goes along with it. "Jake my apologies. I uh...have a client named Colin. Uh...on the brain as you say." He chuckles nervously.

"No problem. I'm happy to meet you both as well," Jake says, handing everyone a cocktail. He looks at me with a raised eyebrow as he hands me my drink.

"I'll be right back – just going to put these in water." Setting the cocktail down on the counter, I go to the living room to get a vase to put the flowers in, and Juliette follows me.

"Sorry Lara, I told Philippe about Colin and then forgot to tell him of the er....how you say? Switch?" She whispers.

Oh, so not only did they arrive together but they've been talking this week as well? Again, interesting. Maybe they need less of my help than I thought.

"It's ok, it's not your fault. This whole thing was a mess..." I trail off, not wanting to get into too much detail on the subject.

"I'm glad to meet your Jake."

"He's not my Jake!" I protest.

Juliette shrugs. "You know my meaning Lara. Don't play coy."

I laugh as we move back into the kitchen. "I'm going to miss you. I'm going to miss both of you very much."

Philippe looks aghast and starts waving his hands. "No no, Lara! Please no talk of leaving. Philippe has been despondent all day because of this."

"It is true, he has been - " Juliette cuts herself off and clears her throat as I notice Philippe blushing slightly.

How would Juliette know how he's been all day? Once again, interesting.

"Jake, these cocktails are magnifique!" Juliette says, clearly wanting to change the subject. "If you were to stay I would convince you to work at Hotel du Port for me."

"Glad you like it," Jake answers, clearly pleased. "By the way, I admire that you manage your own restaurant."

"Merci beaucoup!" She responds with a smile. "This is also what you want..uh..someday yes?"

"I'd like to open my own bar one day, but I'm interested in managing as well. I'd jump at the opportunity to do that."

We settle into the dining room as I plate everyone's food for them.

"Jake, would you mind pouring everyone a glass of wine?"

"Yes ma'am," he says as he gives me a quick kiss on the cheek in passing.

Juliette and Philippe raise their eyebrows and I try to stop myself from blushing. I wasn't expecting Jake to be demonstrative in front of them, but I don't know why I wouldn't. He isn't aware there is anyone else in my life, after all. And after the last 24 hours, I'm certain he isn't expecting there to be. I can't help feeling guilty at this thought.

"You have prepared my favorite dish!" Juliette exclaims.

"Good! I am a huge Julia Child fan, so I had to make coq au vin. Plus, it was a dish my grandmother taught me. And speaking of my grandmother, I have news."