Over the next few months, life became very exciting for Mimi. Most of her weekends she spent with Patrick, going out to dinner, visiting galleries, searching for antiques. He had a beautiful apartment overlooking the Seine, with a roof top garden. Mimi loved this space and would often sit out there, taking in the beauty of the Paris landscape.

Patrick taught Mimi about paintings and antiques. She learned how to spot a fake and what made an antique desirable. Patrick had an excellent knowledge of the antique business and his shop was always busy. He was very often away during the week, searching for that special piece of furniture, or that elusive painting.

One weekend, whilst Patrick was away from Paris, on another hunt for new treasures, Mimi decided to visit the flower market and meet up with her friend, Chantelle, for coffee. The Queen Elizabeth flower market on the Île de la Cite was full of wonderful colourful plants and flowers and Mimi bought far too many blooms. As she was leaving, she spotted a tiny Acer tree and decided that would be a great addition to Patrick’s roof garden. She paid and crossed the Seine, to meet her friend near the Pont Royal.

Mimi spotted Chantelle and sat down to catch up with the latest gossip. Chantelle knew almost as many people in Paris as Patrick, so there was always a new story. As they chatted, Mimi glanced over to the bridge and there was Patrick, talking to Henri. They seemed very intense in their conversation, both looking angry. Mimi stared at them. Patrick had told her he would be away. Why was he in Paris and what were they arguing about? Eventually Henri walked over the bridge towards the Musée d Orsay and Patrick turned the other way. Mimi kept her head down as Henri passed near the café.

Mimi decided not to mention anything to Chantelle. She finished her coffee and they arranged to meet up soon. As she walked back to her apartment in the Marais, her phone pinged. It was a message from Patrick.

“Missing you so much, can’t wait to see you when I get back.”