Cinderella's Second Chance in Paris by Michele Renae

Author:Michele Renae
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-10-13T20:35:59+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

THE GRAND PALAIS had been built as an exhibition hall for the 1900 Universal Exposition. It combined the Baroque with Classicism in its steel framework, copious windows and glass dome. Chanel frequently held its runway shows there, under the dome. The Ricards would not have considered any other venue for this celebration.

Viv whispered to Rez as she took it all in, “It’s amazing. Massive. And yet the place manages to feel intimate and warm, like a greenhouse.”

“Then you should feel right at home this evening. Let’s do the circuit, shall we?”

Rez kept Viv on his arm as he wandered through the glass-domed nave, greeting every face and thanking people as he recalled a piece he had made for them or the many pieces designed by Le Beau over the years and enjoyed by their families. He introduced Viv simply as Viviane Westberg.

It felt odd to have a woman at his side who was not Colette. And as he approached friends, they initially gave Rez a startled look, which then quickly segued into a smile. They all knew he’d lost his wife. Did they think it was too soon for him to have someone new in his life? Were they happy for him?

It shouldn’t bother him, but anxiety was keeping him from completely relaxing. Time for more champagne.

Viv’s fingers fluttered to the pink diamond often. He wished she would just own it—just for the evening. The truly dazzling thing was the woman wearing the diamond. And she was a real trooper as she stood at his side, listening to the mostly French conversation. Though he did start all his introductions in English, people naturally flowed into their native language.

It took a while to work the room, and as he collected another goblet of champagne for the two of them Viv veered him toward the displays in the center of the room. A whole room had been constructed of large drawings of his designs. Its walls reminded him of the Japanese shoji screens.

Viv broke from his arm to study the drawings. Rez stood proudly behind her, stunned that she’d even have an interest in them. Not once had she indicated this soirée was boring, but for him...? A hundred years was an awesome accomplishment. But, much as he enjoyed seeing clients, having to be “on” and schmooze was not his thing.

It had once been his thing. Or had it been Colette’s milieu and he’d been at ease only by her side? Now that he considered it, he had to concede that truth. His wife had been his social crutch. Which made him realize that he could relate to Viviane’s nervousness even more.

A glance to his right noted his son, dressed in a tuxedo and chatting animatedly with one of Le Beau’s most faithful clients. Rez felt his anxiety rise—but then he breathed out. Because as he watched Jean-Louis he was overcome with a certain pride. Pride that his son was standing there, displaying to the world the professionalism and elegance that were the cornerstones of Le Beau.

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