Free A Phantom Enchantment by Eve Marie Mont Page A

said, bursting out laughing.
    â€œAre you kidding?” Elise said.
    â€œI told you opera wasn’t my thing,” Flynn said.
    â€œThen how are you going to help us with our opera?” I said.
    â€œWell, it’s going to be a rock opera, right?”
    Owen had been silent since we’d exited the theater, but now he said with an edge to his voice, “So you smoke now?”
    â€œI only smoke when I’m in Paris,” she said. “You know, when in Rome . . .”
    â€œBut we’re not in Rome,” Owen said. “If you were in Afghanistan, would you wear a burqa and let your father sell you off in marriage?”
    â€œOf course not. You’re being ridiculous.”
    Flynn shot me a look that said, Uh oh, here we go .
    Knowing it was best not to get involved, I snuck a glance at my phone and saw that Michelle had texted me back.
    So jealous! Miss you. Jess does, too.
    My father had texted me as well: Emma, please call home as soon as you can.
    That seemed a little urgent from him, but it had been five days since I’d last called home. Still, I felt uneasy as we walked back to school. What if something had happened to Grandma? She had been a little loopy these days.
    While Flynn and Elise joked around and Owen sulked, I was in my own world of worry and angst.
    â€œYou guys want to get a drink?” Flynn asked. “The night is young.”
    â€œI need to call my dad,” I said. “He just texted, and I’m a little worried. I think I’m going to call it a night.”
    â€œAw, come on,” Elise said. “You’re no fun. What do you say, Owen?”
    â€œI’ll walk Emma back,” he said. “You two go out and be French together.”
    â€œOwen, don’t be like that,” she said, sidling up next to him and flashing her most charming smile.
    â€œI don’t think Emma should walk home alone. It’s late. And I’m not really in the mood to go out anyway.”
    â€œFine.” Elise pouted. “Flynn, you still up for a nightcap?”
    â€œHave I ever said no to a drink?”
    â€œMaybe we can call Jean-Claude and find out what he’s doing.”
    Elise had pulled out the big guns and was pretty much dangling the threat of Jean-Claude right in Owen’s face.
    â€œAll right, well, you kids have fun,” I said, trying to keep things light. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning?”
    â€œMaybe,” Elise said coyly.
    Owen gritted his teeth, and I grabbed his arm and walked him away before tensions could flare any higher.
    Poor Owen. It seemed he was always unlucky in love. Last year, Michelle had broken his heart when she revealed she was gay. Then I led him on by kissing him, and worse, by kissing Flynn a few months later. And now Elise was screwing him over, too. Why did it seem that nice guys truly did finish last?
    We were walking past the Tuileries, all lit up like a fairy’s garden. The Ferris wheel cast its giant reflection onto the fountain, and up ahead, the Louvre and Pei’s pyramid lit up the sky like a fantastical mirage. The night seemed far too magical for the way we were both feeling.
    â€œYou okay?” I finally asked.
    â€œI don’t know, Emma. I can’t figure Elise out. I mean, I knew the distance might be a problem this summer. But it’s almost like she’s trying to hurt me.”
    I took his arm again. “Look, I know it’s no excuse, but her parents are embroiled in this ugly divorce right now. She hardly ever mentions it, but I think she’s having a more difficult time with it than she likes to let on.”
    â€œI know, but I’m tired of getting my hopes up only to be disappointed.” I frowned and put my head on his shoulder as consolation. “And what about you?” he said. “Are you and Gray making it work despite the distance?”
    â€œYeah,” I said. “Of course, I miss him. But I know it’s