Free Sleeping With Paris by Juliette Sobanet

tree-lined path behind my dorm. The leaves on the trees were just starting to change colors, making the view even more charming and beautiful than it already was. I was having a hard time appreciating it though.
    I had wanted to live and study in Paris for so long, and now here I was, feeling miserable and lonely in the most romantic city in the world. Plus, I’d already started off on the wrong foot with Madame Rousseau. I wanted to believe that she was a nice woman, that she’d recommend me to a wonderful school, and that a year from now I’d be happily teaching at my dream job in Paris. But, after the stunt I’d pulled and the wreck of a phone conversation we’d had afterward, I wasn’t too hopeful.
    I checked the clock; it was already two p.m. I couldn’t believe I had slept that late. I picked up my cell phone to see if I had missed any calls but saw that I had a text message instead. It was from a number I didn’t recognize. It read:
    I kissed you baby. I love the American girl. More kisses this week. I call you soon. Hope you had the good night.
    I burst into laughter. No doubt it was from Frédéric. Nothing like a hilarious text message from a random French boy to brighten my mood. I immediately called Lexi.
    “Hey babe,” Lexi said as she yawned into the phone. “I’m so hung over from last night, but it was totally worth it. That guy was such a sweet kisser. How are you?”
    “I’m tired too. I just woke up actually. Speaking of those guys, I just got a text message from mine. Wait until you hear this.” 
    I read her the message, and we both laughed hysterically into the phone.
    “You better get used to it. I have a whole slew of absurd foreign boy text messages saved on my phone. He was pretty hot though. Are you going to see him again if he calls you?”
    “I think so. He was a lot of fun, not that I remember too much. But I need all I can get right now, so I’m open to whatever.”
    “You definitely need some sexy man action after everything your ex just put you through. You poor thing, how are you holding up?”
    “I’m doing okay for the most part, I guess. I have these moments where I miss him so much, and I just want to forget about everything and go back to him. But I know I can’t do that, and I know things will be fine here,” I lied just a little bit. I wasn’t really sure if I’d be okay or if that gnawing feeling in my stomach would ever go away. But I did know that I couldn’t go back to Jeff. I’d been known to hold a grudge or two, and cheating was one of the offenses I’d never been able to forgive. If I did go back to him, I’d hold it over his head forever.
    “Yeah, honey,” Lexi continued. “It’s just going to take some time. Plus you have me now, and we’re going to tear things up in Paris, so don’t you worry,” she assured me.
    “Thanks, Lexi. Hey, so what’s the story with you and Benoît? Are you guys still dating?”
    “Yeah, we’re still seeing each other. It’s not serious though, and definitely not exclusive.  I’m just not that kind of girl. I like to go out and have my fun, you know? There’s no point in tying yourself down when shit happens like what just happened to you. No offense or anything.”
    “None taken. I totally agree. Men are pretty much good for sex, and . . . well, that’s about it!”
    “You got it, girl. And, like I told you, that’s the one thing that Benoît is extremely good at. I’m sure Luc isn’t so bad himself.”
    “Really, you think he’s good in bed?” I remembered then that I was supposed to go over to Luc’s for dinner that night. 
    “Oh yeah, no doubt about it. Have you seen that ass? Get a move on it! It’s obvious that he likes you.”
    “Well, he’s cooking me dinner tonight. At least that will help me get my mind off of everything.”
    “Well, there you go. It’s in the bag. I gotta run, but keep me posted on how tonight goes, and let’s definitely go out again soon. Talk to you later,