Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) Annette Anders (shoe dog free ebook TXT) 📖

“Okay, guys, thank you!” Stella was grateful for the support.

“Here’s what will work best for you, I think.” Caroline put her tablet on the table. “There is a high-speed train going between Rennes and Gare Montparnasse in Paris several times a day. It takes less than two and a half hours. Rennes is on our way to Angers, where we’re visiting our first château. We’ll drop you two off at the train station and continue on.”

“Works for me,” François said. “And I know where the train station is in Rennes. It’s just a small detour. No problem!”

“I’ve only heard the last part, about Naomi and Stella taking a train to Paris, but I’m going with them,” Julia said from the doorway. She stood there with her suitcase, her body rigid. Her purse was clutched under her arm as if it might try to escape.

“Thank you for the offer, Julia, but I don’t think it’s necessary,” Naomi said.

“We’ll be fine, but thanks,” Stella added.

“Oh, I’m not worried about you,” Julia said. “But I can’t spend one more minute in the company of he who shall remain nameless.” She looked over her shoulder at Harry, who sauntered toward the restaurant.

“Jules, what the hell’s that supposed to mean?” He looked even more disheveled than he did on Monday morning, when they all met.

“Stop calling me Jules or JuJu. In fact, don’t talk to me at all,” she hissed.

“What’s your problem?” he shrugged.

“Stop playing dumb. Do you really want me to say it again? Fine!” Julia pointed a finger at him. “When you tried to stop me from going into my room last night and groped me, you crossed a line. I don’t want you anywhere near me. Not your hands, not your face, nothing. And I’m telling you one thing right now. Emily won’t like it either when she hears about it.”

“What’s Em got to do with it?” He scratched his belly.

“Yup, just what I thought.” But she wasn’t done yet. “By the way, I doubt Emily asked you to go on this trip. I have a feeling you told her to stay at home because you wanted to go. Even though I don’t know why. I hope you didn’t think you could start something with me.”

“Come on, don’t be such a Miss Prim. I may’ve had one drink too many last night, but I was lonely and thought you’d enjoy some male company. If Em hears your little sob story, she’ll prattle on about a divorce again.”

“And I hope she’ll go through with it this time. I can guarantee you I’m not going to try to talk her out of it. You’re despicable,” Julia spat. She stepped closer to Stella and Naomi and said much more calmly, “I’d like to get on the train with you, and maybe I can even be of help in Paris.”

“What do you mean?” Stella asked.

“I have connections to the American Embassy. It can be difficult to get through to the right people. Especially given the delicacy of this matter.”

“Why should they tell an accountant what’s going on?” Harry asked while he heaped toast, scrambled eggs and a few sausages on his plate. With his fingers, he snagged a chunk of cantaloupe directly out of a bowl and popped it in his mouth.

Caroline signaled a waitress to take away the fruit bowl.

“I am not an accountant,” Julia said through her teeth, emphasizing each word, “and you know it.”

“Well, you do Emily’s taxes.” He bit into one of the sausages and looked around for support. His face fell. “What, do you all believe her over me?”

“I’ll only say you’re lucky none of us guys saw what Julia just described,” Andrew slammed his hand on the table and pushed his chair back. Sarah put her hand on his arm.

“A few of us women might also have figured out ways to step in,” Lynn said. She waved a travel-size can of hairspray in Harry’s direction. “Works almost as well as pepper spray, which is what I carry at home, but I was afraid it would be confiscated at the airport.”

Oh, my goodness, this would be funny if it weren’t so serious, Stella thought. Go, Lynn!

“Look, Harry, I know you think you’re God’s greatest gift to women and expect us to worship at your feet. But…not happening,” Julia looked at Caroline, then at the group. “I apologize for this scene. It’s unacceptable for you to have to witness this exchange. I was confronted with Emily’s change in travel plans when it was too late to drop out. I tried to make the best of it, but after last night I can’t relax and enjoy the last two days. I’m going back to Paris. Again... sorry!”

“Don’t you dare apologize to any of us, Julia,” Steve said. “We’re sad you’re leaving. I wish we’d known about all this and been able to help keep the situation from escalating. But we understand your decision.”

“Thanks, Steve,” Julia said.

“What are your connections to the Embassy, Julia?” Naomi asked.

“Well, I’m a tax attorney and work for the Department of Treasury. I know people here in Paris, and will do whatever I can to get information about your friend. I don’t know how much I can help, but at least I can try.”

Naomi stood up to hug Julia. “Thank you so much!”

“I think it’s settled, then,” Caroline said. “Let’s meet at the bus in fifteen minutes, and we’re off to Rennes.”

Getting on the bus, Caroline told Harry, “I suggest you sit with me in the front.”

“Oh, it’s fine, I don’t mind mingling.”

“This is not a discussion, Harry. Sit here, please.” Caroline pointed to the seat behind François.

Bless her! Stella was impressed with how Caroline put him in time-out like an unruly child.

When the bus pulled out onto the street, Stella looked at Mont Saint-Michel one more time, vowing to return.

Julia, who sat across the narrow aisle from Stella and Naomi, asked, “Where are you staying in Paris?”

“At a hotel in Montparnasse,” Naomi said. “I’ll