Chapter Twenty-Three: Sixteen Years, Six Months
"…And I've sorted out all the clothes that I want to take, but there are still too many of them to fit in my suitcase, and I have to pack other stuff like books and photographs as well… Mom says it's not fair that I don't have any pictures of how you look now when all the ones I'm taking of her have her looking all old and wrinkled… I wanted to take your wedding album with me but it's really too big and heavy…"
"How is your mother?" Tony asked his babbling daughter, who was obviously very excited at the thought of living in Paris.
"She's okay… I think she's under a lot of pressure, what with organizing all the wedding stuff. She gets annoyed easily, especially when you mention that there's less than a month left to go. But I'm going to be a bridesmaid and we're going to buy her dress tomorrow!" Zoe grinned.
"So, how long after the wedding are you going to Paris?"
How long does Oliver have to put up with you before he has Michelle to himself?
"A few hours, actually! Mom and Oliver are going to Paris on their honeymoon, so they can be with me for the first week and help me get settled. We're taking the same flight."
"Huh. Sounds like it's gonna be quite a day."
"Yeah, it will be. Dad, I can't wait to go to Paris. Just think of all that food!"
"Yeah, the food in Paris is pretty good. But also pretty expensive, so don't go eating out every night!" He smiled and tried not to think about Michelle.
"Don't worry, I won't… I am gonna send you every postcard I can find, though!"
Tony laughed. "I'll look forward to it."
"See, now you have something to look forward to that isn't three and a half years away!"
"Zoe, I have something to look forward to every month."
His daughter's expression sobered; she knew he was talking about her visits. "Yeah, I know… Aunt Julie said she would visit next month, though. She's really looking forward to seeing you. And Grandma will come if her doctor doesn't think it's too far for her to travel."
Tony nodded.
"One minute!" one of the guards by the door shouted.
"Listen, Zoe, have fun in Paris and don't worry about me." He paused and looked at her. "I love you."
"I love you too, Dad. I'll see you in a year. The time will fly by, you'll see!"