As we near dinnertime, we end up at Hôtel Costes. Its restaurant is small and intimate, with dimly lit, cozy dining nooks. It’s definitely the kind of vibe where celebrities can relax and have a drink without worrying about anyone watching them. “Jeon, reservation for two,” Alex says to the maître d’.

The waiter comes to lead us to our table, but Alex doesn’t move. I glance over my shoulder.

“Are you coming?” I ask.

“No,” he says. “I actually won’t be joining you for dinner.”

“What?” I turn to him, confused. “I thought you made a reservation for two?”

“He did!” a voice says. “So sorry I’m late.”

A woman has just stepped into the restaurant, dressed in vintage extra-wide cuffed jeans, paired with a black turtleneck sweater, black ankle boots, black square sunglasses—and a distinctive hot-pink Birkin bag.

Oh my god.

It’s Carly Mattsson, in the flesh.

She kisses Alex on the cheek in greeting before turning to me with a warm smile. “You must be Rachel,” she says, kissing me on the cheek as well. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“It’s—I—it’s so nice to meet you, too,” I say, fumbling with my words. I turn to Alex and mouth, How?!

“I do the finances for her husband Ollie’s sportswear brand,” Alex says like it’s no big deal. “I called in a favor.”

I can’t believe this. I’m literally looking back and forth between Alex and Carly like I’m not sure who I’m more amazed by at the moment. Alex gives my arm a quick squeeze.

“Have a good dinner,” he says, smiling.

“Shall we, Rachel?” Carly says.

I manage to nod and follow Carly and the waiter to our table without falling over my feet or bursting into tears out of sheer surprise, both of which I feel very close to doing. Carly is completely gracious and doesn’t mention how awkward I am. Instead, she leans forward in her seat and gives me a conspiratorial smile.

“Did you know this place has the best chocolate mousse? I’m tempted to skip dinner just to get to dessert.”

I laugh, relaxing a little. “I mean, I won’t judge if you have dessert before dinner. Exceptions must be made for chocolate mousse.”

Carly winks at me. “My kinda girl.”