You son is just a late bloomer. Of course you can stay for free. I’ll insist on it.
‘Great, Papa is offering free hotel accommodation to the family.’
‘Let me see!’ I pass Manon my phone. ‘Oh no, my own mother has chimed in. Have a read.’
Josephine Orville
At least your children aren’t obsessed with murderers! Did any of you listen to Manon’s true crime podcast? My child thinks she’s invincible. Would she listen when I warned her these criminals would come after her? Non, she did not. Lend her the money, Arnaud, but I’d ask for interest. Ten per cent should suffice.
Arnaud De la Croix
I enjoyed Manon’s podcast. I wish she’d stuck with it. OK, thanks all. I’ll consider it.
‘OK, well it looks like they’ve given him the go-ahead. Let’s hope he doesn’t listen to yourmaman. Ten per cent interest!’
‘Told you. She is merciless. But would you listen?’
‘You made her that way.’
‘Oui.I did. Now, what colour for the sofas? Navy blue or beige?’ She holds up two fabric samples.
‘Beige. It’ll go nicely with the gold tones in the guest lounge.’
‘Done. Let’s get these and then we can go to Marché Saint Pierre for the sheer curtain sets.’
That afternoon, money magically appears in my bank account and so does a lengthy email about payment terms and conditions and a demand that, if any family members ask to stay for free, I’m to give my blessing.
That’s one problem solved. For now.
16
18 NOVEMBER
JP and his team arrive and get straight to work. Every time I turn, I bump into a brawny chest or trip over a splayed set of legs. No matter where I go, I’m in the way. I find Manon in her suite, chatting the ear off a guy who’s trying his best to detect the leak, his head somewhere up in the ceiling cavity while Manon rambles on, oblivious or unconcerned that he most likely can’t hear her.
‘Manon!’ I hiss. ‘Let him work.’
‘You’re no fun. I’m hungry but there’s a group in the kitchen already checking some plumbing predicament, and where else am I supposed to go?’
Plumbing predicament? Please let it be a simple fix. Manon is right; we’re in the way and the noise and dust makes it hard to focus on our other work. ‘Ah, it sure is crowded in here now.’
‘There’s tradespeople, mostly men, spread out all over the hotel and usually that would be my dream but they’re not the talkative sort.’
I can only shake my head. ‘Good, the last thing we need is you breaking one of their hearts.’
She pouts. ‘Why not?’
I lift a shoulder as I watch work unfold around me. They run like a well-oiled machine, and I can only see Manon’s frustration increasing as the day wears on if she has to dodge them or stay out of their way. Patient she is not.
When JP mentioned he had extra hands, I didn’t expect it to be quite this many extra. It bodes well for our timeline but makes it hard to navigate around them. ‘JP has suggested we stay elsewhere for the week while the noisy, heavy-duty work is getting done. So, pack a bag! Giselle from my book club offered use of her apartment in the 7th when I split up with Francois-Xavier; I’m hoping the offer still stands. She’s on holiday in Greece so I’m sure she’ll be fine with it.’
‘Giselle offered her apartment in the 7th and you chose to stay with me in the 20th? Are youcrazy?’
I laugh. ‘Lower your expectations. It was once the concierge’s room but it’s in a fantastic location and has a double bed and a sofa we can use. It’s right by La tour Eiffel.’
‘An adventure! You can have the sofa bed.’
‘It’s just a sofa.’
