French Kisses

neuf

a/n:
Please continue kindly reminding me that I need to finish French Kisses ASAP so that I can move on to a spin-off to this spin-off.

f r e n c h
k i s s e s

Anxious, it was the only word that could perfectly describe how I felt in the moment in which I stood in front of the Oliver residence.

The doorbell was less than a foot away and yet I couldn't convince myself to swiftly press it upon arrival. I stood at the doorway and rehearsed what I would say when the door opened for me, if it opened at all.

Often times did I act on whims, usually thinking through decisions before making them. Confronting Laurent was a decision I would have to make without excessive thinking, for if I pondered the idea it would never lead me to confrontation.

Confrontation was hardly my strong suit, but in certain situations, it would have to become it.

Before I could regret my decision to talk to Laurent I pressed the doorbell button, bracing myself for what would come. As I stood on their doorstep I couldn't help but become more nervous. Laurent seemingly wasn't in the mood to talk as seen with our previous interaction and it was as if he didn't want to disclose more information about his injuries than necessary. While Laurent tried his best to remain silent about the issue, I couldn't help but be worried.

The sound of footsteps crescendoed by the moment followed by the moving of locks and latches.

To my relief and possible dismay, Simone came in sight with the opening of the front door. After she realized that it was me she greeted me with a large grin.

Since meeting Simone I had seen her around four times, including the engagement party and Laurent and I's lunch in the garden. Although Simone insisted that it was fine for me not to give her and Hermes an engagement gift, I decided to give them a gift out of courtesy and personal desire. Giving them a gift was the least I could do after all the Oliver family had been so kind to me upon my arrival. Before my third day of classes, I decided to drop by their residence, with notice of course, in order to deliver my belated gift to them. Simone greeted me that morning in her unfinished café, Simone dedicating her days and nights to preparing for her wedding and new business. She insisted that I stayed for breakfast, however, I had to leave for my first class that day. Instead of sharing breakfast with her that morning we met up for breakfast a few days later, Simone was incredibly insistent on showing her thanks for the gift.

"This is a lovely surprise, what do we have the pleasure of this visit?" she asked, opening the door wide enough where I could peek past the stairs and into their entryway.

I returned her kind smile. "I'm actually here to see Laurent, is he in?"

Simone looked over her shoulder towards their home's interior for a few seconds before looking back at me.

"I've been told to say that he's not in, however, that's far from the truth. Laurent has left the house once these past few days and he's starting to worry me. Perhaps some company will be beneficial for him, feel free to work your charm on him. You seem to positively affect him because he's been smiling more frequently since meeting you. Please come in."

Simone moved to the side of the doorway and I accepted her invitation inside, desperate to escape the chilly weather. Upon walking up the stairs that would lead to their home's living room, warmth began to overwhelm me. Simone led the way and politely let me know where I could put my things if I desired to put them aside. I nodded to her words and couldn't help but glance around the room in search for a trace of Laurent.