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My parents are not at home, as they were at work and will not be back until later.
I need to find a job as soon as possible. I have no idea where I will be able to get one, but I will start sending papers. I hadn't wanted to assimilate yet, but I have to get used to the idea that I will definitely settle down here in Madrid.
I thought France would be my home forever, but then all that illusion vanished. Now thinking about that country means nothing more than remembering those painful events, and having to refuse the idea that my dream could not be fulfilled.
I've been craving something sweet, and besides, it's been a while since I've made a dessert by myself. I take all the ingredients out of the cupboard, and prepare the rice pudding.
I pour a good amount on a plate, and just as I'm about to put it in the fridge to cool it down, I hear the sound of cool down a bit, I hear the doorbell ring.
When I open the door, I'm pleasantly surprised to see that Vincent is here.
"Vincent," I say with a smile when I see him.
"Hi, Julie," he replies, smiling back at me.
I walk over to him to give him a hug by way of greeting.
"What a surprise, are you coming in?" I ask him as we part.
"Sure," he says walking into the house, and once he does, I close the door.
"How are you, what are you doing
here?" I question him, because it's been two months since I've seen him.
"Nothing, I just wanted to stop by to see how you were, I'm in town with Sophie, she's coming tomorrow, she had to do some things today," he says smiling. "Your parents aren't around, are they?"
"No, they're working, do you want something to eat? I just made rice pudding and it didn't turn out too bad."
"If you offer, I won't refuse," he says, making me laugh. The room is silent for a moment and then he speaks again. "How have you been, Julie?"
"Ahm, compared to how I was the last time you saw me, I'm feeling much better," I say, holding out the dessert to her.
"I can tell, the sparkle that always radiated from your eyes is coming back."
"I'm glad you can tell," I say
taking a seat across from him. "So how's everything going with your work?
"Well, I have a couple of really good options for a project," he says taking a spoonful of the rice, which, upon tasting it, he makes a gesture of
satisfaction. "Wow, this tastes really good."
"Sure, it was made by the best cook you could ever meet," I say, cocking my head to the side.
"And keeping on the subject of work… What are your options?"
"Well, we want to work with a big name actor and he's accepted the project, it's a huge opportunity."
"Which actor?"
"Edmond Rousseau."
"Are you serious?" I say, surprised.
"Yes, in fact, this is the beginning of several projects," he says with a proud smile.
"Vincent!" I exclaim perplexed and in disbelief. "How did you get him to agree? They say it's quite difficult."
"Well, you see, I have my powers of persuasion."
"That 's great."
"Well, we'll have to travel to New York, but much of the shooting will be done in Toulouse, how's that?
My mouth opens slightly when hearing that.
"Toulouse?" I venture to ask, feeling somewhat affected.
"Yes, it's an excellent choice for him and it's a relief. I really like it." He grimaces. "You were there, do you think it isn't?"
It is, but that's not why I feel that way.
"Yes, of course it definitely is," I retort. "It's a very good option. But would you like it for the ease of the job? Or is there something else?"
The instant those words come out of my mouth, I totally regret it when I see the look on his face when he hears me.
"Am I thinking wrong, or are you implying that I want to do that project over there to be close to Chloé?"
"No," I immediately denied. "It's not because of that, it's just that I thought you also wanted to see other places and experience something new."
"Sure," he says, not so convinced. "But just in case you come to think of it, my future won't depend on a fleeting fling with one person."
"Excuse me, Vincent, I didn't mean to," I apologize repeatedly.
At that moment my cell phone rings and Chloé's name appears on the screen.
Without being able to control my action, my eyes fall fleetingly on Vincent, noticing that her gaze is fixed on the screen of my phone. He tries to dissimulate by taking another spoonful of dessert into his mouth, but I can still tell that my friend is affecting him.
"Pick up," I hear him say to me when he sees that I still haven't taken the call.
"Oh, yeah right." I react. "I'll be right back."
I pick up the cell phone, to head toward the living room.
"Doll, why weren't you answering me?" questions my friend's voice.
"I was busy with something," is all I say. I don't think I want to know that Vincent is with me.
"Whatever," she says, downplaying it. "Remember what I told you in the morning?"
"Technically you didn't tell me anything, because you said you had some news you'd give me later," I say remembering the call we had several hours ago now. "Did you win the lottery or something similar?"
"I wish," she replies laughing. "But no, it's nothing like that. It's good news, well, depending on how you take it."
"Really?" I ask incredulously. "And what is that news?"
"Before I tell you, I want you to keep an open mind."
"Chloé, why do you always have to put suspense into things? Just say it."
"I will, but you need to promise not to give me a no for an answer at the first instance."
"Chloé."
"Make your promise," she demands of me.
"You're unbearable," I roll my eyes. "Okay I promise, now let go."
"I got you a job offer," she says matter-of-factly.
"Are you serious?" I ask in disbelief.
A big smile on my face has formed, and an eminent happiness has begun to invade my body upon hearing it.
"Of course, Julie," she states. "It's an amazing job offer, and believe me it's not that easy to find something like that, specifically where I got it for you."
"Chloé, I can't believe it," I replied, still dumbfounded. "But what's it about, where is it?"
"That's the part where I want you
you to keep an open mind," she says nervously.
"It's not somewhere bizarre. Or is it?" I question dubiously.
"No, it's at an advertising and marketing firm." When I hear him say that, I even want to jump with excitement. I can't believe it.
"To be more specific, it's the most successful Marketing firm in the country."
And at that moment I feel my heart stop, because I already understand the meaning of his request and what those words mean.