Page 78 of Je T'aime, Actually

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Monroe promised, heart aching at the little girl’s earnestness. “That’s why I’m home, just to see you.”

Poppy’s face came into view. “Er, and me.”

Monroe smiled. “Yes, and you. I’ll be over in the morning.”

But Kitty was too excited, waffling on about everything that excited her. Monroe let her, knowing full well she’d hear all again later.

The simple connection grounded Monroe amid her swirling thoughts, before she gently ended the call.

She set the phone down, exhaling slowly, feeling a mixture of love and resolve settle over her.

sixty-four

The shrill sound of the phone rang out and Chloé grabbed it instantly, swiping up to answer the video call.

“Hey,” she said as brightly as she could manage.

Monroe offered a tight smile, but it reached her eyes. “Hi.”

There was a pause, an awkward silence. Something new for them.

“So,” Chloé began, “how was the flight? The cottage? All still in one piece?”

“Yeah. Poppy came round before I got here, turned the heating on, stocked the fridge. It was nice.” Monroe shrugged. “The flight was fine. The usual hour in the air. How about you? Been busy?”

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe—” Chloé caught herself, noticing the look on Monroe’s face. Of course she’d believe it. “It’s just…everything’s new. Setting it all up takes time. It reminds me of when I started the company. Maybe I forgot how much those hours added up.”

Monroe nodded. “I appreciate that. I do. I just… Maybe I can help?”

“Maybe,” Chloé said softly. “I’ve been trying to push through now, get everything up and running so I can take a step back later. So I can enjoyus. That’s why I work late. Not because I forgot you.”

“I know...” Monroe hesitated. “I guess I just feel…isolated. I work from home, I don’t know anyone, I can’t speak the language… When you come home, that’s my social life.”

Chloé nodded slowly.

“I guess we didn’t think it through—the impact my moving there would have.”

Chloé watched Monroe glance around her living room, a wistful look passing over her features as she took in the space, familiar and in a way France hadn’t quite been.

“I want you here. With me,” Chloé said gently. “I want you. Us.”

Monroe’s lips lifted at the corner and she nodded.

“Kitty called earlier,” she said, the softness in her voice returning. “Well—video called, obviously. She wanted to know if I was home yet.”

Chloé smiled, understanding the change of direction. “I bet she was excited.”

“She was.” Monroe laughed lightly. “She gave me a full rundown of her birthday plans. Cake, costumes, a bouncy castle—even though she says those are ‘a bit babyish now’, but she’s ‘doing it for her friends’.”

“Classic Kitty,” Chloé murmured. “She’s growing up so fast.”

“She really is. Eight going on eighteen.” Monroe laughed.

Chloé nodded, quiet for a beat. “I’m glad you have them. I know how much they mean to you.”

“They’re my home,” Monroe said softly, then quickly added, “but that doesn’t mean you’re not. Just…sometimes maybe weneed reminding where we come from to figure out where we want to be.”

“Oui…maybe.” Chloé pressed her lips together, her voice low when she continued, “Maybe this time apart is good for us. To remind us what we want…or to figure out what we don’t. Or learn what we’re not capable of giving.”