It was a chilly Parisian evening, and the air carried the scent of freshly baked bread and a hint of rain. Emily Cooper was sitting in her living room with Mindy Chen and Camille, sipping red wine and plotting what could only be described as an incredibly petty—and incredibly satisfying—revenge.
"So, let me get this straight," Mindy said, leaning back on Emily's velvet couch, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You want us to help you ruin Jessica Davis's dinner at Gabriel's restaurant?"
Emily nodded, her expression resolute. "Exactly. She's been unbearable ever since she got to Paris. She walks into Savoir like she owns the place, criticizes everything I do, and somehow, she always manages to make me feel like I'm the problem."
Camille smirked, swirling her wine glass. "I don't even know this Jessica, but she sounds insufferable. What's the plan?"
Emily leaned forward, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Jessica has a reservation at L'Esprit de Gigi tonight. Gabriel told me. He said she booked the best table in the house. I thought it would be fun if we...intervened."
Mindy raised an eyebrow. "Define 'intervened.'"
"I don't know," Emily said, waving her hand dramatically. "Maybe we 'accidentally' spill wine on her, or distract the waiter so her food comes late. Small things to ruin her perfect little night."
Camille laughed. "I like it. Petty, but not illegal."
Mindy grinned. "Okay, I'm in. Let's make her wish she never set foot in Paris."
By the time the three of them arrived at L'Esprit de Gigi, the restaurant was bustling with the usual chic crowd. Gabriel's restaurant had quickly become a hot spot for locals and tourists alike, and tonight was no exception. Emily spotted Jessica almost immediately. She was seated at a corner table, looking far too glamorous for her own good in a sleek black dress, laughing at something her dining companion—a man Emily didn't recognize—had said.
"There she is," Emily whispered, nudging Mindy and Camille. "Target acquired."
Mindy rolled her eyes. "You're acting like this is Mission Impossible."
Camille smiled, scanning the room. "How do we start?"
Emily smirked. "Leave that to me."
The three of them sauntered to the bar, where they could observe Jessica without being obvious. Gabriel spotted them almost immediately and walked over, his expression a mix of surprise and suspicion.
"Emily," Gabriel said, his tone cautious. "What are you doing here? You didn't make a reservation."
"We're just here for drinks," Emily said innocently. "Nothing to worry about."
Gabriel didn't look convinced but nodded. "Fine. Just don't cause any trouble."
Emily waved him off. "Of course not."
The first move came when Mindy "accidentally" bumped into Jessica's waiter as he carried over a bottle of expensive wine. The bottle wobbled precariously but didn't fall, though the waiter shot Mindy a sharp look.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Mindy exclaimed, her voice dripping with fake sincerity.
Jessica looked over, her eyes narrowing when she spotted Emily and her crew. Emily quickly turned away, pretending to be deeply engrossed in her cocktail.
"That was too close," Camille whispered, hiding a laugh behind her hand.
"Don't worry," Emily said, her eyes on Jessica. "We're just getting started."
The next move involved Camille. She walked over to Jessica's table, pretending to be looking for someone.
"Excuse me," Camille said, her voice sweet and polite. "I think I might know you. Are you...Jessica Davis?"
Jessica looked up, clearly annoyed. "Yes, that's me."
"Oh!" Camille exclaimed. "I thought so. My friend Emily talks about you all the time."
Jessica's expression turned icy. "I'm sure she does."
Camille smiled, oblivious to the tension—or so it seemed. "Well, I just wanted to say hello. Enjoy your dinner!"
As Camille walked away, she subtly knocked Jessica's breadbasket off the table, scattering baguette slices across the floor.
Jessica's dining companion frowned. "What was that about?"
Jessica glared at Emily, who was trying very hard not to laugh. "I have no idea."
The final straw came when Emily "accidentally" sent a bottle of champagne to Jessica's table with a note that read, Compliments of Emily Cooper, the 'basic' girl who actually knows how to run a campaign.
Jessica read the note, her face turning red with fury. She stood abruptly, scanning the room until her eyes landed on Emily. Without hesitation, she marched over to the bar.
"Emily," Jessica said through gritted teeth. "What the hell is your problem?"
Emily turned to her, feigning surprise. "Jessica! Enjoying your night?"
"You're trying to ruin my evening," Jessica snapped. "And it's not going to work."
"Ruin your evening?" Emily said, her voice dripping with faux innocence. "Why would I do that?"
Jessica glared at her, about to respond, when Gabriel appeared out of nowhere.
"What's going on here?" Gabriel asked, his tone sharp.
Jessica gestured toward Emily. "She's been harassing me all night!"
Gabriel looked at Emily, then at Mindy and Camille, who were doing their best to look innocent.
"Emily," Gabriel said, his voice dangerously calm. "Is this true?"
Emily hesitated. "I mean, harassing is a strong word..."
"Out," Gabriel said, pointing toward the door.
"What?" Emily exclaimed. "You can't be serious!"
"Out," Gabriel repeated, his expression firm. "All three of you. Now."
Mindy raised her hands. "I didn't even do anything!"
"Out," Gabriel said again, not budging.
Grumbling, Emily, Mindy, and Camille gathered their things and left the restaurant, Jessica watching them with a triumphant smirk.
Outside, Emily crossed her arms, fuming. "That didn't go as planned."
Mindy laughed. "Are you kidding? It was hilarious."
Camille nodded. "Totally worth it. Did you see her face when she read the note?"
Emily sighed, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "Okay, fine. It was a little funny."
As they walked down the cobblestone street, Emily felt a pang of guilt—but only a small one. Jessica might have won this round, but Emily wasn't done yet.
Not by a long shot.