William Jarvis - Sky Valley 03 - Mayhem at the Mansion Read Free Page A

that this is a small town, Emmy. I can definitely walk around even if it’s not in my plans and there’s always that chance that you’ll see someone you know. And, people will always talk about the popular ones and apparently, you are one of those.”
    “I’m clearly not.”
    “Well, maybe not for the right reasons but at least, people are still talking about you. And you know what I’ve learned? It’s always good when people talk about you because it means that you’re substantial. That you’re doing something that people find it hard not to talk about. It means you’re relevant, Emmy, and that’s why I invited you to the party. And more importantly, I really just want to be friends with you. I heard about you living in Paris for so long and that’s great because I’ve been working in Paris for a while, too.”
    “That doesn’t mean that we should be friends.”
    “You’re right,” he said, “but wouldn’t it be cool to actually talk to someone who knows how great macarons are without you having to explain how good they are? And, you know, I’ve always wished that I could talk to someone about the Arc D Triomphe, and taking the Metro without looking like a fool. Maybe, I miss Paris and maybe I just want to make a friend. It’s as simple as that.”
    Despite of herself, Emmy found herself laughing. “You got me at macarons.” She said. “Damn, sometimes, I wish people here would realize how awesome they are. I mean, I have made some of them but nothing beats Parisian Macarons.”
    “I know!” He said. “I always try to explain that they’re different from the usual kind of pastry but people do not seem to listen to me.”
    “I know,” Emmy laughed. “Some of them also think that macarons and macaroons are the same!”
    Emmy felt a little better talking to this guy. Somehow, she felt like she was in Paris again and that it’s okay to not think about anything crazy and just focus on what she has right now. She has never felt that way in a long while.
    “Sorry for acting crazy earlier.” She said. “I didn’t really mean it. It’s just…things have been pretty hard recently.”
    “You don’t have to explain.” He smiled. “Although, that Daniel guy still seems to have a thing for you.”
    “It’s complicated between us.”
    “Ah!” Frank said. “You know, complicated is a vile word.”
    She smiled lightly. “I can’t say I don’t agree.”
    “Maybe, you’ve been too caught up in your world with him a little too much and you need to explore some more. You know, get out there, just forget about things that are dragging you down…Remember how Paris is like, this world of its own? It made me feel like I am capable of anything and I’m sure you know what I mean.”
    She nodded her head. Paris has always made her feel like there are a lot of great things in the world and that she could achieve what she wants to achieve. It made her feel like she’s capable of being the woman she always dreamed of becoming. She loved Sky Valley, yes, but recently, it had proven to be quite the opposite of what she remembered it to be. It drove her crazy and it made her just want to go back to Paris but it’s not as simple as that anymore. It’ll never really be simple anymore.
    And maybe, this Frank guy is right. Maybe, she has to start thinking like she’s back in Paris again so she could feel great about herself again.
    “I couldn’t agree more.” She smiled.
    “So…does this mean that you’re coming to the party?”
    She took a deep breath. “I guess so.”
    “Perfect!” He exclaimed and gave her a hug. “Oh and…can you give me a favor?”
    “What?”
    “Can you bake some pastries for the event? Maybe, some macarons and all those? I know you could do it.”
    “Oh, I’m not so sure about that. I mean, my baking life has not exactly been rosy recently and I’m sure people are going to talk—“
    “Nonsense.” He said. “It’s my party and I’ll be there. Plus, why would