Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love #6) - Kat T. Masen Page 0,5
The air is more relaxed and bearable, yet the sun still shines through the day. At night, there’s a slight crisp in the air with a promise of winter on the horizon. It’s the perfect time to explore the outside nightlife without being stripped to barely any clothing or, in reverse, wearing a bulk load to protect yourself from the cold.
It’s been three years since I moved to Paris with absolutely no regrets. My job, stressful with its demands, has become my sole focus. I’ve pushed myself in ways I never imagined possible, purposely threw myself into learning mode as Lex did his best to mentor me, given our geographical distance.
I created this routine, thriving in my purposely-organized schedule. The mornings start at four o’clock. A run around the park followed by yoga in my living room while I listen to audiobooks by well-known entrepreneurs from around the world. I ditched the romance novels a year or so ago, my guilty pleasure since becoming a blooming teen. Frankly, I don’t need to read about the so-called happily-ever-after nonsense. Being single is the new black, and I refuse to be sucked into the emotional heartbreak authors often write about.
Without too much difficulty, I changed my eating habits. My diet consists of high-energizing food to give me stamina until the official workday ends. Coffee, being that I’m in Europe, is almost mandatory. My addiction is one I’ll proudly own, and let’s be honest, survival without it is practically impossible.
As France is surrounded by so many other beautiful countries, I have traveled more than I anticipated around Europe. Many nights in Rome and Venice, a quick flight to Berlin. Switzerland had been one of my favorites, such a beautiful country, and the lifestyle is so relaxed.
But Paris ultimately won my heart over and over again. I’ve heard it from many people, though never truly understood the meaning until I experienced it for myself. Paris has a charm and allure beyond most other cities, and I’ve visited quite a few through my adult years while working beside Lex.
Having left all my friends behind in the States, there’s never a dull moment when I have the time to explore museums and architecture, high-end fashion boutiques, cafés, and quaint restaurants, all of which align the beautifully paved streets.
I never grow tired of the scenery as each season showcases the city so differently. Each architectural masterpiece becomes mesmerizing amongst the sun, the autumn leaves, and the beautiful blanketed snow. Everything feels grand in its presence, making me stop and appreciate its beauty amongst the chaos of everything around it. The Parisians rarely give the Eiffel Tower a second thought, something I learned very early on. Yet every cab ride past the iconic treasure, I reflect on my life and the beauty of being alive. It inspires me to follow my dreams and ambitions, and raise the bar in my so-called life. Paris is nothing like Manhattan, and the truth be told, I have no desire to go back to the city that never sleeps.
Eric often questions my sanity, telling me I need to get laid pronto because I’m this close to joining a nunnery. However, he’s quick to say that even nuns get their happily ever after, remembering the conversation word by word.
“Captain Vontrapp has been my fantasy ever since my mother made me watch The Sound of Music at the age of seven.” Eric sighed.
“The dad?” I questioned, slightly disturbed by his admission.
“A powerful man falls in love with a nun. I mean, how romantic is that?”
“Yes, it’s romantic,” I agreed. “You fantasizing about him is not.”
“Maybe you’ll meet your captain in Paris. You can live happily ever after in his castle with his seven children while you sing songs of joy.”
“I couldn’t think of anything worse,” I mumbled under my breath.
Even from across the globe, Eric still weighs in on my personal life, but I ignore him for the most part. There’s no time to worry about relationships or men as my interests have shifted to museum visits and French culture. My fascination with France’s history only grows as I delve deep into the genetics of what makes this city and country a worldwide attraction. If only I had been so studious in school, surprising even myself on how educated I have become as an adult.
The only thing Eric welcomes is my change in wardrobe. My tastes have become sophisticated. Unlike Charlie and Eric, I was never into designer labels, but Paris awakens that part