Mimi went into work early on Monday. Henri was already in his office. She skirted past his window and went straight to her desk. She spent the morning working on the Little Pink Ballerina. Patrick sent her two texts.

Eventually she decided to talk to Henri. She went in to his office and shut the door behind her. Henri looked up – “what is it Mimi?”

“What was Patrick discussing with you on Saturday in front of the Musée, when he was supposed to be out of Paris?”

“That’s for him to tell you – not me” he replied.

By lunchtime Patrick had sent her two more texts, asking to meet up for lunch. She decided to leave it for that day, telling him she was too busy and would see him tomorrow. She had very little sleep that night but decided she would meet Patrick for lunch at their usual place – a tiny little bistro tucked away behind the Musée.

Patrick was already seated when Mimi arrived. He stood up to greet her and gave her a kiss. She asked him about his trip and he said it had been unsuccessful.

“So unsuccessful you came back early and didn’t think to tell me?”Asked Mimi. Patrick looked shocked.

“It’s complicated.” he replied.

“Obviously- so complicated you were arguing with Henri on Saturday about it and didn’t think to tell me you were back?” She asked him.

“Look darling I can’t explain at the moment but just give me some time please!”

Mimi looked at the man she was in love with and decided to let it go – for the moment. They finished their meal and discussed plans for Christmas. She said she would go to the country to spend it with her parents. Patrick looked relieved and said he too would be spending it with his parents.

They met up again at Montparnasse Station, just before Christmas, where Mimi was taking the train to Toulouse. Patrick handed her a large package.

“Don’t open it until Christmas please.” He said and embraced her as she boarded the train.

She opened the parcel on Christmas Day and gasped. It was a perfect copy of the little pink ballerina. She loved it.

Patrick phoned her after lunch and Mimi thanked him for the gift.

“I love it.” She said.

“And I love you.” said Patrick.

“Merry Christmas darling.”