Chapter 98 - Meeting Jean (1/2)

”What are you doing here?” Finland was very happy to see Jean, but she was also surprised because she did not expect to meet her best friend at Aldebar's party. Are not all invited guests Alchemists?

”I am helping Billie for her show. Her manager was suddenly hospitalized and she needed assistance. I was just about to brag to you that I am helping Billie's concert. However, it turns out you are on the same show,” Jean said enthusiastically. ”I didn't know this party was held by Caspar's brother.”

”Oh... yes, I also just found out that he invited Billie Yves! If I had known earlier, I would have prepared a CD and asked for her autograph...” Finland said.

Jean smiled broadly and took out some CDs from the leather bag he was carrying, ”I've got them for you.”

”Wow... thank you, Jean!” Finland exclaimed happily and hugged Jean.

Suddenly there was a loud hiss from behind her and Finland immediately let go of Jean. She slowly turned to the direction of the sound.

Her husband was standing behind her and was now pretending to cough.

”Oh... Caspar, you wouldn't have guessed that Jean came to this event. He is helping Billie because her manager is hospitalized.”

It's bad. Finland hoped Caspar would not mention their marriage, because she hasn't told Jean about it. She didn't want Jean to know about it this way!

”Oh, is that so?” Caspar asked. He quickly understood Finland's expression and switched to a friendlier attitude, ”I didn't know you were coming. If we had known, we would have welcomed you properly.”

Jean shrugged, ”It's okay, it's all last minute. I should actually spend new year in Paris, but last night Billie's manager called me, and I didn't have the heart to reject. I am only helping out.”

For a moment the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Finally, Finland held the hands of both men and invited them in; Jean on her left and Caspar on her right.

She must get wine so that the atmosphere becomes less intense, she thought.

Finland stopped the first waiter who passed by with a tray of drinks and hurriedly gave both men a glass of red wine.

Caspar also took a glass of martini, so he was holding two drinks. Jean didn't want to lose, so he took a glass of Scotch on the rock. They were both looking at each other with one glass in each hand.

”Cheers for...?” Finland looked at the two alternatingly. She was out of words. She really really really hoped that Caspar wouldn't mention anything about their marriage.

”A new year,” Jean said with a smile.

”A new life,” Caspar replied.