Broken French: A widowed, billionaire, single dad romance, Natasha Boyd [e reader books .TXT] 📗

I’d miss these new friends. So, so, much. It was clear, I was going to have to resign. I couldn’t stay in a situation where I wasn’t wanted. I certainly didn’t want to be fired, if that’s what he was getting ready to do. Besides, I needed to be available if any of the firms I’d contacted wanted me to come in and interview. I couldn’t really ask them to wait while I hopped off a boat in the South of France. Jesus, my mom was right. I should have stayed. It was too late for that, but I needed to go home now. Dauphine was going to her grandmother’s anyway. It was perfect timing.

“All right,” said Andrea with an eye roll. “Enough, Rod. Josie, we were discussing getting off the boat later. What do you think, do you want to join us? We might take a wander along the port and wind up in the town. It’s gorgeous. Maybe you and I can pop into a few boutiques since they stay open so late. We can meet the guys for a coffee later.”

We’d docked in St. Tropez just before dinner. It should have excited me, as I’d finally have a chance to get off the boat onto solid ground and explore the town I’d heard so much about. But now it was probably the place I’d be leaving from.

“All right, so no answer from Josie then,” Rod said.

I took a breath. “God, sorry. I-I think I’ll stay on board. I’m not feeling that great.” I couldn’t face going out with everyone and having to pretend I was happy and not about to leave. Plus, I needed to write a resignation letter, pack, and make arrangements to leave.

My breath hitched as I fought back an almost hysterical laugh mixed with wanting to wail.

Andrea reached across the table and squeezed my wrist. “It’s going to be okay.”

Blood rushed to my cheeks that she’d draw attention to me in front of everyone when I was feeling so raw.

“What is it?” asked Chef.

“Yeah, what’s wrong, sweetheart?” Rod said simultaneously.

Andrea gave me a quick look and then turned to the others. “Does anyone here have a complaint about Josie they’d like to share with the group? All of you have told me to my face you think she’s great. So can someone,” she looked pointedly at Evan, “tell me why Mr. P said he’s looking for another nanny?”

“What?” Rod exploded. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Ahh, fuck,” growled Evan and stood. He flung his napkin down on his unfinished food, making Chef flinch. “Bloody fool.”

Evan and Chef then shared a look.

“What?” I asked. “What’s going on?”

Chef chuckled and shook his head.

“For the love of God,” Andrea complained. “Evan?”

“It’s nothing,” he said. “Relax, Josie. I’ll get it sorted out.”

“There’s nothing to sort out,” I said. “I’m definitely not staying where I’m not wanted or needed. This is probably my last night.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Evan didn’t return before dinner was cleared. Back in my cabin, it took less than twenty-five minutes to pack my belongings. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was almost Dauphine’s bedtime. I nibbled the corner of my thumbnail as I debated what to do. Should I go and find her? It was my night off, but if I left tomorrow, I wouldn’t see her. I checked my emails on my phone for something new from Tabitha. Or a response to any of my job applications. There was nothing. I opened the text from Meredith that I hadn’t had a chance to look at yet.

Mer: I found out what coo means. I think he said “cul.” It’s pronounced a similar way, and I bumped into that French lady at Armand’s so I asked her too.

And? What does it mean?

Mer: it means ‘ass.’

Ass? As in butt?

Mer: Yep. He was talking about your ass. I’m sure of it.

About getting rid of it? Like fire her ass.

Mer: Maybe. *Cringe emoji* Sorry. Did he do it? Did he ask you to leave? Tabs said he might but not why.

Andrea appeared at my open door. She’d put on some make up and wore a soft blue sundress and sparkly flip-flops. Out of her starched, white yacht uniform, she looked so much prettier. Beautiful, even.

“Hey,” she said softly. “You okay?”

“Not really. But there’s not much I can do about it. Not sure what Evan was on about, but trust me—I don’t want to hang around to be fired. I’ll draft my resignation letter in the morning. You look stunning, by the way.”

“Thank you.” She looked around. “You packed.”

“I’m leaving first thing tomorrow,” I answered by way of explanation. “This is where I came on the boat, this can be where I leave it.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t discuss it with me. Or Evan. Though he may have sent an email, but I didn’t get it. The Wi-Fi has been on the fritz. We haven’t been able to send or receive email for the last several hours.”

I breathed out a sigh. “Oh. I was waiting to hear from Tabitha—she owns the agency. She was going to call him.”

“Why don’t you come out with us? There’s no point staying on board.”

“I’m not really in the best mental place.”

“Come on. Your mental state the best reason to come out. You haven’t even had a night out since you started. You must be stir crazy.”

“You have no idea.”

“You need one. Besides, it could be your last night.”

“It is my last night.” I felt my resolve caving.

“Well then.”

Looking around, I realized I would have to stay holed up in here all evening and probably wouldn’t sleep a wink come bedtime. And I certainly wouldn’t be visiting the top deck. God knew, I didn’t want to be anywhere else on the boat and bump into Xavier Pascale when he couldn’t stand the sight of me and I made him so uncomfortable. “If I come with you, any chance you won’t judge me if I decide to have a few or hundred drinks.” Even as I said