that a soul mate might be a mythical thing.
Why am I here?
Not in the existential sense, but wasting my time in an apartment in Paris thinking about what could’ve been instead of making this vacation mine? Holli’s right. This is my all-about-me vacation now. I close the window and take the teacup to the kitchen, dropping it on the way to freshen up.
Lipstick.
That’s the key.
My grandmother always said that lipstick is magic. It can transform a mood, a day, and even destiny. And though I swiped on a soft pink this morning, I need red to channel Bernice Cahill’s strength. She raised four boys, was widowed twice, worked a farm outside of Fredericksburg, and prepared a home-cooked meal every night. All while wearing her favorite Yves Saint Laurent red lipstick. It was the one thing she saved her pennies for—a treat for herself—claiming it gave her superpowers.
If she can wear bright red lipstick in overalls in central Texas, I can splurge and buy a tube in Paris. I change from my jeans to figure-hugging black ankle pants and a warm, white sweater that shows off my curves. Not that you’ll see them under my coat, but it makes me feel confident all the same.
Red flats complete the look. I fluff my hair and grab my purse. Out on the street, I pull on a pair of large black sunglasses I scored on sale at the mall back home. They may not be Chanel, but they make me feel like a million bucks.
I reach the corner and pull out my phone to scan over the schedule. With an app, I map out my day. The Louvre and dinner at a bistro near the Eiffel Tower. The makings of an incredible day. Do I still want to follow a schedule that was created for two?
Ultimately, I made the schedule and reservations. It was everything I dreamed of when making the plans, so I’m keeping them as I start for the nearest the Métro station. After figuring out the ticket system and making sure I get off at the right stop. One year of planning has paid off.
Taking a moment, I look around at the beautiful architecture of the buildings along Rue de Rivoli. This is real. I’m really here. I grin, and with joy filling my steps, I work my way through the snaking line of the Louvre and finally make it inside thirty minutes later. The paper map ordered online comes in handy since apparently Wi-Fi service is spotty at best and nonexistent at worst.
For now, I’m bypassing the Mona Lisa, Goddess of Victory, and Venus de Milo in search of the one sculpture that has always held my heart. I weave my way to the Richelieu wing, and my breath stops hard in my chest when I see it. I don’t remember walking, so I must have glided toward the magnificent piece I fell in love with online. Seeing it in person is a dream come true.
Standing there in awe of the skill it must have taken Canova to create it, I fall even more in love with the Romantic Neoclassical piece.
“Psyche Revived.”
I glance next to me to find a second chance in the middle of Paris. How surreal. I say, “I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
“No need,” he replies with his coat draped over his arm. His eyes look in my direction, and he smiles, reassuring me he means what he says. “As I said, the truth hurts, but you didn’t cause it. It was more of an eye-opener. I’ve been on the move for a long time, and even though I have a home, I haven’t spent quality time there in a while. Maybe it’s time.”
Angling my way, he holds his hand out. “I’m Robert.”
When I take his hand, that warmth from this morning returns, flooding my veins. “Elizabeth.”
He even looks back and forth between us as if he’s experiencing the same reaction. When his deep green eyes return to mine, he asks, “Does anyone call you Beth?”
“Not in many years. Do you go by Rob?”
“Not in many years,” he replies with a chuckle. “But you have me thinking that maybe I need to reevaluate things.”
“Like our names?”
He shrugs, and it’s adorable juxtaposed against the expensive suit. “Why not? How long are you in Paris?”
“A week. I leave next Monday.”
“I’m here until tomorrow.” His grin holds secrets I’d love to uncover. If I could read minds, I bet his would be so interesting.
I was fine with holding