Disclaimer: As much as I wish it did, the figures in this story are property to Monsieur Leroux.
The next day Christine set off in pursuit of a job. It wasn't too simple. She'd already gone to two interviews already, each of the interviewers saying she didn't have enough experience, sadly enough was true. Her last job she was only in for a few weeks before her father's death, from then on she had been too depressed to go back.
She continued along the street, her jacket pulled close to her. It was well into fall and she could tell it was going to be a lovely winter. The leaves on the trees were now auburn, all to help the lovely atmosphere of Paris.
Turning a corner, rubbing her hands together for heat, she decided to stop in Starbucks, planning to get something that might help to warm her up. As she reached for the door, she noticed a large sign that read 'Now Hiring' in large, bold lettering. This could quite possibly be the highlight of her day.
Walking in, she strolled over to the counter. Christine waited for the girl who was currently working on an order to notice her. She didn't want to be rude, she could wait.
As she rested an elbow on the counter she felt someone brush their hand against her back. Spinning around, she came to face Raoul. "Hello stranger."
Christine remembered the last time she'd seen Raoul. It had been at her father's funeral and he'd been extremely helpful to her. He'd held her hand through it all and offered his shoulder to cry on. He had even cried with her through some of it, which made her feel a bit better.
He'd then taken her home the night of the funeral and stayed with her, making sure she got some food and then sleep. She'd been much too depressed to eat for over a week and he tried to help as much as he could until the Giry's came to take her in their care.
Christine smiled and leaned in for a big hug. "I'm really sorry Raoul. I've just been upset. Can you forgive me?"
Raoul stroked her cheek and kissed her lips gently, "Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for, Christine."
She smiled again and gave him another hug. "I've really missed you."
"I missed you too," Raoul said, as they pulled away. He cupped her chin in his hands, looking into her sad eyes. "It'll be OK, Christine. I promise."
Christine sniffled a bit. "I know Raoul. It's just tough, you know?" He squeezed her hand in response and she forced a smile. "Well, want to grab a coffee with me, unless you've already had yours."
Raoul shrugged, "I could use another, as long as I get to be with you." He winked and stepped over to the counter as the girl began to take his order. "I'll take two coffees please."
"Oh Raoul, you really don't need to pay for mine. I can get it," she said, rummaging through her purse for money. She pulled out some make-up, digging through a pocket.
Raoul pulled the purse out of her hands and she looked up. "Christine, I've got it." He chuckled.
She blushed slightly, shoving her make-up back into her purse as Raoul took the coffees from the counter. He strolled over to a table and Christine followed.
They sat across from each other and he smiled as she took a sip of the steaming coffee. "So what have you been doing this whole time?" she asked.
"Well, work and all that. It's been really hectic lately. Mr. Hanes fired four employees, including one of my assistants. I haven't gotten anytime to myself really. You caught me on an off day where I actually get a break," he said, all in one breath.
"Wow…," was all Christine could say. He smiled and she smiled back.
"But it's all going to pay off because then I'll have much more time to spend with you." Her smile faded.
"Well, not exactly Raoul. I came in here to ask about getting hired here. I was just coming to get a coffee when I saw the sign in the window."
His eyes grew wide. "Madame Giry is making you get a job?" She smiled half-heartedly.
"She actually insisted that I didn't try to find a job, but I felt it was the least I could do for them after they took me in."
"Well, that's incredibly sweet of you Christine. That's why I love you. You're always putting other's needs before your own, even when you're going through hard times." He cupped her chin in his hand again and kissed her.
Christine melted into the kiss. When they pulled away she giggled. "And that's why I love you. You're a great kisser."
Raoul chuckled and glanced down his watch. "I'm sorry to cut this short angel, but I've got a meeting in a half hour." Christine waved it off, signifying she didn't mind.
He kissed her again and sped out of the shop, into the crowd of Paris. She smiled and drank the last sip of coffee.
She stood up and strode over to the counter with her head held high. She was more confident, now that Raoul had given her a pep talk.
The girl at the counter smiled, "Another coffee?"
Christine smiled back. The girl seemed very sweet and would probably be easy to work with if she got the job. "Actually, I was wondering about getting a job here."
Author's Note: No sign of Erik yet. Don't worry we'll see him soon, most likely the next chapter. And sorry I had to put you through all that R/C crap! Don't flame me because of it! Hehe!