It’s time.
I’m leaving Paris today with my plans in place and a stack of suggestions from Tobi and Luc’s friends. My two months here have been wonderful and I’ve learned so much. I wonder what awaits me on my onward journey through France?
My phone buzzes as I’m stuffing the last of my books into my luggage. I snatch it up from the bed but my finger hesitates before accepting the call. Since I emailed Sam, his little messages and texts have peppered each of my remaining days in Paris. But while we’d agreed we would call soon, we haven’t spoken yet. And now I’m nervous of what he might want to say.
‘Hey you.’
A rush of joy races through me when I hear the smile in his voice. Just like it was on the day we met. ‘Hi, stranger.’
‘I didn’t know if I’d get you before your train. You’re leaving today, right?’
‘I am.’
‘How do you feel – about moving on?’ The second part is tagged on quickly as if he’s scared I’ll think he’s talking about us.
‘Good. I have everything booked and Tobi and Luc’s friend in Rome confirmed yesterday that I can stay with her for two months after I’ve visited Florence.’
‘That’s great.’
‘It is. And I have all the suggestions in the journal the boys gave me between Paris and Rome.’
‘I’m really excited for you.’ I can hear the cry of gulls and rush of waves behind him.
‘Where are you now?’
‘On Calgary Beach. West coast of the Island. Niven wanted to take photos here. It’s pretty spectacular. I’ll send you one when you’re on the train.’
I try to picture Sam sitting in grassy dunes at the edge of the beach, buffeted by the wind. ‘What can you see?’
‘Mostly clouds but the sun’s trying to beat them. The wind’s so strong it’s blowing the white sand in waves across the beach. And the view across the water is incredible. Moody blue out to infinity.’ His chuckle warms my ear. ‘And that’s the title of my next prog-rock album, obviously.’
‘I like it.’
I love it – but I won’t say that to Sam. The ease has returned to our conversation, and I’ve missed that. But what if he’s relaxing because I’m about to move further away? I bundle the unwelcome thought from my mind.
‘So, Troyes next, eh?’
‘Yes. You’ve been paying attention.’
‘Don’t sound so surprised. Actually, I’ve done a bit of research.’
‘Have you?’
‘I have indeed. I found a really cool thing you have to check out. Make sure you visit the Quais de Seine when you’re in Troyes. There’s something there I think you should see.’
‘What is it?’
‘Ah, no, I’m not telling. It’s my secret mission for you.’
I can imagine him grinning like a cheeky kid. ‘Okay, boss.’
‘And when you see it, you have to think of me, okay? And take a picture.’
‘Anything else?’ I laugh.
‘Just be happy, Phoebe Jones. And have the best time.’
Now I think I will.
Troyes is only an hour and a half’s train journey from Gare de l’Est, a short walk from Gare du Nord. It’s a medieval city, right in the heart of Champagne country. I will be staying with Gilbert and Amelie, a retired couple who now volunteer as local guides as part of the city’s Greeter scheme that pairs locals with visitors.
I had planned to say goodbye to Tobi and Luc at the apartment and get a taxi to the station, but they won’t hear of it. So we walk together in solemn procession, Luc carrying my holdall and Tobi bearing the canvas bag containing homemade treats. At the station they buy coffee and fuss around me. It’s an hour before my train and they won’t leave until I’m on it.
‘You’re like our sister now,’ Luc says, when I laugh at their fussiness. ‘You have us until the train takes you. No arguments.’
We sit together in a small café concession, with Tobi doing his best not to show how appalled he is by the quality of the coffee, and we talk about all the plans I have for my onward journey. Luc asks for my journal and shields the page from me as he writes a message.
‘Read it when you reach Troyes. Tobi will write something, too. And then all of the words must be yours.’
I try to imagine the journal filled with my words at the end of this year. What will I see? What will I learn?
And will Sam be there to read it when it’s complete?
Suddenly it’s time to go. I share final kisses with Tobi and Luc and wave as I hurry to my platform. Paris has warmed my heart and set me on course for my European adventure. What lies in store for me next?