Read Online I Promise You This (Love in Provence Book 3) by Patricia Sands - Free Book Online
Authors: Patricia Sands
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unexpected day off.
Kat had just texted the news about Molly to Philippe when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Philippe was on the line, saying he intended to book a flight in a few days. “You sound anxious, Minou,” he said. “Whatever is going on with Molly, I want to be there to support you, even if I only stay for a short time.”
Kat wanted him with her but also felt increasingly conflicted about it. She was struggling with emotions that she couldn’t quite identify. Something did not feel right.
Nick offered to send his plane for Philippe, speaking briefly to Philippe about arrangements. A direct flight from Nice would be a lot more convenient than having to go through Paris again.
“Nick, your generosity knows no bounds,” Katherine said, touched by the earnestness of his desire to help.
His laugh was tinged with modesty. “I hope you’ll take this the right way.”
Kat looked at him with a puzzled expression as he went on. “I have so much money it’s ridiculous. If I can use it to do something good for my friends, that’s the most satisfying thing I can think of . . . along with the charitable foundation I established, of course. I didn’t start off this way, y’know. I got very lucky, very early on with some big business deals, worked my ass off for many years, and the circumstances of my life changed.”
“I remember you telling me your story when I was in Antibes,” Katherine recalled. She also remembered being impressed with what a down-to-earth man he was, in spite of his immense wealth. Google had told her about his Field Foundation and its philanthropic work around the world. Brash as he might be, Nicholas Field was not a man to brag about his accomplishments.
Nick shifted awkwardly in his chair and changed the subject. “Okay, now we have the day free, so let’s do something that takes our minds off everything else—especially our dear Molly. Let’s hope today goes well in that hospital room.”
Katherine nodded wordlessly, quelling an empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. She sent a silent plea into the universe that Molly would come through all this.
Nick’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Okay, gorgeous. Show me your fair city . . . even if we are dressed like Nanook of the North! Gawd, it’s bloody freezing! I’ll call Mo and you direct the tour.”
It did happen to be one of the coldest days on record, Kat told him. “I even put on my thermal underwear this morning. The car is a great idea.” She was grateful for the distraction the day would provide. Her preoccupation with the unknowns of Molly’s condition was consuming her.
The first stop was a nearby coffee shop. The rest of the morning was spent driving around the most significant downtown neighborhoods.
“The street scenes look dystopian,” Nick commented. Clouds of vapor spewed from sidewalk grates into the frigid air. Pedestrians bundled in heavy, funereal winter wear rushed along, their faces obscured by scarves and fur-lined hoods pulled down to their brows. “Anonymity assured by the choice of clothing. Do you think they’re heading to or from the Apocalypse?” he wondered.
“I’ve cycled through this entire city and know it like the back of my hand, but I’ve never stopped to observe it like this, or in weather like this,” Kat told him, shaking her head. “It’s a very different perspective.”
She recognized immediately what was missing, compared to the South of France: color. “Everything is just so gray, so dreary.”
They drove slowly through the almost-empty streets of the normally bustling communities of Kensington Market, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Little India.
“These areas are where we’ll find some zest!” Katherine assured him. The vibrant signage and windows stuffed with flashy displays of everything from food to fabric to intriguing bric-a-brac demanded a casual stroll through their streets.
“Looks like I’ve got to return in warmer weather,” Nick
Kat had just texted the news about Molly to Philippe when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Philippe was on the line, saying he intended to book a flight in a few days. “You sound anxious, Minou,” he said. “Whatever is going on with Molly, I want to be there to support you, even if I only stay for a short time.”
Kat wanted him with her but also felt increasingly conflicted about it. She was struggling with emotions that she couldn’t quite identify. Something did not feel right.
Nick offered to send his plane for Philippe, speaking briefly to Philippe about arrangements. A direct flight from Nice would be a lot more convenient than having to go through Paris again.
“Nick, your generosity knows no bounds,” Katherine said, touched by the earnestness of his desire to help.
His laugh was tinged with modesty. “I hope you’ll take this the right way.”
Kat looked at him with a puzzled expression as he went on. “I have so much money it’s ridiculous. If I can use it to do something good for my friends, that’s the most satisfying thing I can think of . . . along with the charitable foundation I established, of course. I didn’t start off this way, y’know. I got very lucky, very early on with some big business deals, worked my ass off for many years, and the circumstances of my life changed.”
“I remember you telling me your story when I was in Antibes,” Katherine recalled. She also remembered being impressed with what a down-to-earth man he was, in spite of his immense wealth. Google had told her about his Field Foundation and its philanthropic work around the world. Brash as he might be, Nicholas Field was not a man to brag about his accomplishments.
Nick shifted awkwardly in his chair and changed the subject. “Okay, now we have the day free, so let’s do something that takes our minds off everything else—especially our dear Molly. Let’s hope today goes well in that hospital room.”
Katherine nodded wordlessly, quelling an empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. She sent a silent plea into the universe that Molly would come through all this.
Nick’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Okay, gorgeous. Show me your fair city . . . even if we are dressed like Nanook of the North! Gawd, it’s bloody freezing! I’ll call Mo and you direct the tour.”
It did happen to be one of the coldest days on record, Kat told him. “I even put on my thermal underwear this morning. The car is a great idea.” She was grateful for the distraction the day would provide. Her preoccupation with the unknowns of Molly’s condition was consuming her.
The first stop was a nearby coffee shop. The rest of the morning was spent driving around the most significant downtown neighborhoods.
“The street scenes look dystopian,” Nick commented. Clouds of vapor spewed from sidewalk grates into the frigid air. Pedestrians bundled in heavy, funereal winter wear rushed along, their faces obscured by scarves and fur-lined hoods pulled down to their brows. “Anonymity assured by the choice of clothing. Do you think they’re heading to or from the Apocalypse?” he wondered.
“I’ve cycled through this entire city and know it like the back of my hand, but I’ve never stopped to observe it like this, or in weather like this,” Kat told him, shaking her head. “It’s a very different perspective.”
She recognized immediately what was missing, compared to the South of France: color. “Everything is just so gray, so dreary.”
They drove slowly through the almost-empty streets of the normally bustling communities of Kensington Market, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Little India.
“These areas are where we’ll find some zest!” Katherine assured him. The vibrant signage and windows stuffed with flashy displays of everything from food to fabric to intriguing bric-a-brac demanded a casual stroll through their streets.
“Looks like I’ve got to return in warmer weather,” Nick
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