The sun dipped low over Paris, casting a golden glow across the city as Emily Cooper sat in her living room with her two closest friends, Mindy Chen and Camille. The trio sipped on glasses of chilled rosé while plotting their latest scheme—a plot that would be as dramatic as it was petty.
"I'm just saying," Emily began, her voice tight with frustration, "Jessica Davis has been in Paris for two months, and she's already acting like she owns the place. Everywhere I go, she's there. At Savoir, she undermines me, at Gabriel's restaurant, she smirks like she's better than me, and last week she stole my cab!"
"She stole your cab?" Camille gasped, leaning forward, her blonde hair catching the dim light.
"Well, technically, she saw it was my cab, then casually got in and didn't even look back," Emily clarified.
"That is villain behavior," Mindy said with a slow nod. "So, what's the plan? Are we slashing her tires, or are we sticking to psychological warfare?"
Emily sighed. "Something less criminal but still...memorable."
Camille tapped her chin thoughtfully. "What about the Paris Catacombs? They're eerie, disorienting, and very easy to get lost in."
Emily's eyes lit up. "Yes! We'll take her on a tour, then 'accidentally' leave her there."
Mindy laughed. "I love it. Creepy and harmless. Plus, it's not like she can't find her way out. Eventually."
"Exactly," Emily said, raising her glass. "To petty revenge!"
"To petty revenge!" Camille and Mindy echoed, clinking their glasses against hers.
The following evening, Emily sent Jessica a carefully worded message, feigning civility:
Emily: *Hey, Jessica! I've been thinking we should hang out and clear the air. How about a tour of the Paris Catacombs? They're super famous and a must-see! Camille and Mindy are coming too—it'll be fun! :) *
Jessica's reply came within minutes:
Jessica: A tour with you? Why not. At least I'll get a break from your sad attempts at professionalism. Pick me up at 7.
Emily grit her teeth but forced a smile. "She took the bait."
The group met at the entrance to the Paris Catacombs, a dark and foreboding tunnel that descended deep beneath the city. Jessica arrived fashionably late, dressed in leather boots and a chic trench coat that screamed effortlessly cool. Emily immediately regretted inviting her.
"You made it," Emily said, her smile strained.
Jessica shrugged. "Figured I'd give you the chance to prove you're not completely insufferable."
Mindy gave Emily a warning look, silently begging her to keep it together. Camille, ever the diplomat, stepped in. "Shall we?"
The guide led them down a spiraling staircase, deeper and deeper into the earth. The air grew cooler, the walls damp and lined with centuries-old bones. Jessica, to her credit, looked more intrigued than scared.
"This is kind of amazing," Jessica admitted, running a finger along the smooth stone wall. "I didn't think you had taste, Emily, but I'll give you this one."
Emily rolled her eyes, but Mindy elbowed her before she could respond.
After an hour of walking through narrow passageways and listening to the guide's eerie stories, Emily gave Camille a subtle nod. It was time. As the group turned a corner, Emily suddenly gasped.
"Oh no," she said, clutching her phone. "I left my bag at the last checkpoint."
Camille frowned. "Should we go back?"
"No, no," Emily said quickly. "You guys stay here. I'll go grab it and catch up."
"I'll come with you," Mindy added, feigning concern.
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Can't you just live without it for an hour?"
Emily ignored her and hurried off with Mindy, leaving Camille to stall Jessica. A few minutes later, Camille claimed she needed to use the restroom and disappeared down another corridor. Jessica was left standing alone in the dimly lit catacombs, her patience wearing thin.
"Emily?" Jessica called out, her voice echoing off the walls. "This isn't funny."
Silence.
Jessica pulled out her phone, but there was no signal. "Great. Classic Emily. Can't even manage a simple tour."
Meanwhile, Emily, Mindy, and Camille had regrouped outside the Catacombs, giggling as they leaned against a nearby café table.
"She's going to hate us," Camille said, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.
"She already hates us," Mindy replied. "We're just leaning into it."
Emily checked her watch. "She'll find her way out eventually. There are signs everywhere."
Hours passed, and the trio finished their wine, exchanging stories about Jessica's most ridiculous moments. Just as they were debating whether to order dessert, Jessica stormed out of the Catacombs' exit, her hair disheveled and her trench coat streaked with dust.
"You stupid bitches!" Jessica yelled, marching toward them. "You left me in there!"
Emily stood, feigning innocence. "Jessica! You made it out. Thank God. We were so worried."
"Worried?" Jessica spat. "You abandoned me underground with no signal and no guide! I've been wandering around for two hours!"
Camille tried not to laugh. "We thought you'd enjoy the solitude."
Jessica pointed an accusatory finger at Emily. "This is low, even for you."
Emily crossed her arms. "Oh, please. You're fine. Besides, didn't you say earlier you were 'loving' the Catacombs?"
"That was before I realized I was stuck in a labyrinth of bones because you and your little minions decided to play a prank!"
"Minions?" Mindy repeated, her tone mock-offended. "I'm no one's minion, thank you very much."
"Call it what you want," Jessica said, glaring at all three of them. "But this isn't over."
She turned on her heel and marched off, muttering under her breath. Emily watched her go, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Mindy raised her glass. "To Jessica Davis, the queen of petty grudges."
Camille laughed, clinking her glass against Mindy's. "And to Emily, the mastermind of petty revenge."
Emily took a sip of her drink, feeling a strange mixture of triumph and dread. Jessica might be furious, but Emily knew one thing for sure: she wasn't done fighting back.