Chapter 514 - Business trip - Paris (2) (1/2)

~ Paris, France ~

After lunch JoAnna and Bridgette headed to Rue Saint-Honoré, advertised as a must visit shopping strip full of high-end brands and great boutiques.

Girls felt like they are in heaven while going though stores and it didn't take long until they requested service for their loot to be delivered to the hotel, so that they can continue shopping with free hands.

JoAnna was excited to find matching purses for herself and for her sisters. She also got accessories for Stella and Edward, Aiden and Felix, and she didn't neglect Elanor and Oscar either. Of course, Jeff got most of the things: numerous neckties, three jackets, wristwatch, cufflinks… She got few sets of couples-clothing, which even included riding suits. JoAnna was enjoying to the fullest.

She was hit with a realization when they were in a clothing store, surrounded with fancy gowns. ”Bridesmaids…”, JoAnna mumbled. ”Bridgette? Will you be my bridesmaid?”

Bridgette's eyes sparkled. ”Absolutely!”

JoAnna showed a wide smile. ”I'm sure that Steve will accept to be one of the groomsmen. Maybe we can order clothes from here. These dresses are breathtaking…”

Bridgette shook her head. ”I don't think it's convenient. There will be a need for fitting. Can we come to Paris when it's close to wedding?”

JoAnna thought for some time. ”True… something closer to Los Angeles will be better. Oh! You are already very handy to have around, my assistant Bridgette!”

Both of them laughed.

Bridgette was much more conservative with shopping. She wanted to get things for Steve, but was not sure how much, so she ended up getting few accessories and few tops. She also got few things for Sophia, Felix, Sarah and Aiden and for Damien and his family.

JoAnna observed that Bridgette didn't get anything for her maman, but she didn't want to comment on that.

When they got tired, two of them took rest at one coffee shop. They sipped coffee and chilled beverages while snacking on a variety of freshly made macaroons and watching other shoppers pass by. After that they resumed shopping. They street is very long, lined up with numerous stores, and two of them would probably shop until the closing hours, but later in the afternoon they got texts from Jeff and Steve that they are done with work, so they headed back to the hotel.

JoAnna was surprised to see a mountain of boxes and bags in the middle of the room. When her hands were crowded with bags, she would get them delivered to the hotel suite, and she didn't realize how many things she bought. Until now. JoAnna concluded that she needs to buy few suitcases as well so that these things fit.

”I see you had a good day.”, Jeff came out of the bedroom, freshly showered.

JoAnna shyly smiled, feeling a bit guilty. ”I don't know how this happened…”, she was pointing to the large pile of her afternoon shopping-loot.

Jeff laughed. ”Did you have fun?”

JoAnna nodded.

”That is all what counts!”, he pulled her in his embrace and kissed her.

She loves that he is indulging her. ”How was your day?”

”In terms of work, good. But I missed you…”, he tightened his hug. ”Did you miss me?”

”Of course! I missed you so much that I had to fill that empty void with shopping! And macaroons!”, she responded cheekily.

He laughed.

JoAnna went to freshen up, and when she came out of the bathroom, she found Jeff on the balcony.

”Lovely view.”, she was talking about the Paris and Eiffel tower, and her man relaxing on the balcony. It all fitted into one postcard-perfect picture she took with her phone.

He pulled her to sit in his lap and kissed her. ”Yes, the best.”

Two of them enjoyed late afternoon with fresh fruits and cuddles.

As sun started dipping behind the city view, Jeff took JoAnna for a walk along Berges de Seine.

JoAnna thought how that was very romantic. They walked slowly, next to river Seine, holding each other tightly and kissing every few steps. They didn't stand out at all. There was a lot of couples walking or sitting on benches doing exactly the same thing.

Jeff stopped in front of a small dock, where a large boat-restaurant was docked. It seemed empty. Jeff led JoAnna inside, and they were welcomed by lined-up staff which showed them a way to one lonely table in the middle of the dining area.

JoAnna could tell that this restaurant should have many more tables.

She smiled when she realized, ”You booked the whole place just for us?”

Jeff gave a small nod in response.