The next few days pass uneventfully, which I find to my liking. Having some calm and being less busy suits me. And days filled with zero drama. I did what I needed to keep my company going this last year or so, but I've realized having Brett in my life almost daily has been causing a certain level of stress. It's been less than a week and I already feel lighter.

Sitting in my favorite spot on the property - Mémé's rose garden - I marvel at how much I've changed in such a short period of time. I have to congratulate myself on becoming more adventurous. Nothing extraordinary but doing little things by myself this week has been an accomplishment - wandering the streets of this quaint little French town, stopping into shops or an art gallery, eating alone at a cafe. And not shying away from interacting with the locals despite the language barrier.

For some these would be small things, but for me, they are my version of being adventurous. Mainly because I don't ever do things alone, nor do I like to. Even after Brett and I were no longer married I still relied on Jade to do everything with me. And when Jade was busy it was Jake.

The thought of Jake makes me pause. I still haven't heard from him, and it's been almost two weeks now. I don't know what I'll say to him after what happened, but I'd still like to talk to him. Based on his silence, I'm guessing he is trying to work things out as well. With a sigh, I admit to myself it's complicated, and my mind and heart are in a jumble over it. All I know for sure is I've never felt like that kissing someone before. Granted I don't have a whole lot of experience to go off, but damn if I knew it could be like that...and if one kiss felt like that, I can't help but think what more than a kiss...

My phone beeps, rousing me from my internal musings. It's a text from my friend Anne - my one and only friend besides Jake. When Brett and I split, all of "our" friends turned out to be Brett's friends. So, I was left with the two I came into the marriage with – Jake and Anne. 

I tap on her text message as I go back inside with some clipped roses from the garden.

*Hey girl can you chat for a sec? I know it's early morning there so if you're not awake yet we can catch up another time!* her text reads.

I give her a call while grabbing a vase.

"Hey, I didn't wake you, did I?" she asks upon picking up.

"No, I've still been getting up early despite the time change. It's the afternoons that are rough. Don't tell anyone but I've been taking naps."

She laughs. "Who am I going to tell? Besides, isn't that the point of being on vacation - to do whatever the fuck you want? Or whoever?"

I laugh and roll my eyes at that last part. "Anne you know I'm not you."

"Despite my best efforts to change you, I know. But girl you never know - you might fall for someone while you're there. It doesn't have to be casual. Although you really should reconsider your no casual sex policy because I know how long it's been, and hon I don't know how you're managing!"

I can't help a self-deprecating chuckle. "It's not a policy really. You know I'm just more of a relationship type of gal." And besides, I think to myself, sex has always just been ok. Nothing like the earth-shattering experiences Anne apparently has. Plus, having only slept with one man my whole life, I'm nervous to put myself out there again.

"You paused. I heard a pause. There's someone already?! Please tell me I'm right!" Anne squeals into my ear.

Laughing, I set the roses in the vase and lean against the kitchen counter. "No, not really...the only person of interest I've met is the caretaker of the property. And yes, he is handsome and single as far as I know ..."

"I knew it! What's his name? Oh, French men are so sexy!"

"His name is Philippe. But I don't know if he's available."

"I thought you said he was single?"

"What I mean is I know he's not married, but he might be hung up on someone. We've been chatting this week off and on whenever he comes over to work and he opened up a bit last time. I got the impression he might be into someone."

"Unless he's in a relationship, he's fair game. Don't pull a Jake."

"Excuse me?"

"Girl, you heard me. That man friend of yours is fine as hell, and the only reason I never tried anything back in college is because he seemed to have a thing for you. I never brought it up because I figured you knew. So, all that to say, just go for it! I think it's time you start living without regrets."

I rub my temples with my free hand. First, my sister going on about Jake, and now Anne.

"You know Jake and I have always just been friends. He's never said or done anything..." I trail off realizing he did do something recently. A big something.

"Whatever you guys are or are not is your business. But the way I see it is if you see something you like just go for it. Life is for the taking hon! And that's all the advice I have for today." She laughs and continues, "But tell me what fabulous things are you getting up to this weekend on the other side of the world?"

"I met someone that lives not far from me - Juliette. She invited me to see a band play at a local pub tomorrow. As for today, I'm going to explore the nearby town of Lannion. It's a city compared to the village that is Locquirec, so I'm picking up art supplies."

"Oh, I like the sound of that! If you start painting again, I want to commission something from you - I'm being serious. What I saw you do in college was amazing. Remember when we met, I asked why you weren't enrolled in art school instead of Portland University?"

"Ha, yeah I do. A business degree just seemed so much more sensible though. But you're right,  I'm going to take this opportunity to get back into it because I've always enjoyed it. But enough about me, what are your weekend plans?"

"Oh, the usual. Doing a little shopping, nails - a little R&R like you know your girl loves. Have a Tinder date on Saturday, in the afternoon though so I have low expectations."

"A lunch date? Isn't that a good sign? Doesn't that mean he might be serious and not just looking for a hookup?"

"Exactly my point!" she responds with exasperation. "Who's to say I'm not looking for a hookup? And he's drop-dead gorgeous too. Figures!"

I shake my head with a grin. "I see what you're saying. Well if there's one thing I know you're good at it's getting what you want. So good luck!"

"Fingers crossed! Well, hon I'm going to head to bed since it's almost midnight here. I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. Have fun exploring today! And invite that cute gardener of yours to the pub!"

"He's not my gardener, but yes I'll consider it." I laugh while saying goodbye and hang up.

After breakfast, I decide to wear a new dress I've purchased at a local shop. It's one more thing that's changed since I've been here - I've been dressing up more. It helps me blend in as one of the locals instead of standing out as the tourist I am. But I've happily embraced it as an excuse to go shopping.

On my way out my phone pings with a text from Juliette. *Still meeting tomorrow?*

*Yes! See you tomorrow. Looking forward to it!* I text back.

I have to admit I'm excited - going to a local pub to see live music is right up my alley. And I'm thankful to have someone to do things with. Even though speaking English is rare in Brittany, I've learned that Juliette lived for some time in Ireland which explains why her English comes with a slight lilt or different pronunciation sometimes. We've met up a couple of times for coffee, and I've also learned that the restaurant I went to on my first night she owns. Though it's bittersweet for me, we've had fun swapping stories on owning a business.

Grabbing my keys and locking the front door behind me, I see Philippe parking his Peugeot behind my rental car, which coincidentally also happens to be a Peugeot.

"Philippe, hello! I didn't know you were coming by today. I'm going to be leaving actually, do you mind backing up the driveway?"

"But of course Lara. Pardon! I have just come to inspect the roof over the terrace. It is supposed to rain today."

It's currently sunny with no storm clouds in sight, so it's hard for me to imagine it will.

Before Philippe gets in his car I remember my conversation with Anne, and biting my lip ask, "Philippe are you busy tomorrow?"

He raises an eyebrow in question. "You need something fixed tomorrow?"

"Oh no, I was just wondering...well I'm going to see a band at a pub with a friend. Um, it's called Tilly's, it's here in town..."

"Yes, I go there often. Are you asking me to come with you?" He smiles his captivating smile as he leans against his car. He is clearly enjoying my fumbling attempt to ask him.

Feeling a blush bloom on my cheeks I answer, "Yeah...I mean if you aren't busy."

"I'd like to very much. Time spent with you is enchanting Lara."

"Ok. Eight o'clock. See you then!" I quickly hop in the car, thankful for the chance to hide my face. I don't know if it's the French way of saying things or if Philippe meant he finds me enchanting. Either way, Anne would be proud.