“Your children are waiting for you at the other end of that journey,” I say, instead of what I really want to say. That I don’t want her to go either. But I promised her no tears and if we start talking like that there will be no holding back.

“I have to go back to work,” she groans.

“I’m sure French science has missed you,” I say into her hair.

“I’m not so sure I missed it.”

“The routine will help.”

“My poor neglected cat will be happy to be able to return home. She’s been staying with my neighbor.”

“You have a cat?” That’s the first time I’ve heard Camille mention any pets.

“Yes. Her name is Iris. She’s huge and black as coal and I’m sure she missed her territory more than her human.”

“Do you have any other pets?”

Camille shakes her head against my shoulder. “No. It’s just me and Iris.”

“After Rebecca left, I thought about getting a cat. But then I thought it better to move house first.”

“That’s a good idea.” She pulls her face away from my shoulder and looks at me. “Are you going to move into the Airbnb now?”

“That bloody apartment. I never wanted it. The whole Airbnb enterprise was Rebecca’s baby. I went to see the place with her before she bought it, and I had to sign the papers because it was bought in my name, but that’s about it. And look what it ended up doing to me.”

“If the place was her baby, how come you ended up in charge?”

“Let’s just say her interests changed.” I kiss Camille on the cheek. “But let’s not waste our time talking about my ex.”

Camille nods and silence falls. “Would it be easier for you if you didn’t come to the airport?” she asks.

“Maybe, but even if it was, I would still go. Unless you don’t want me to.”

“I want you to get on that plane with me. That’s what I want.”

“For what it’s worth, if it wasn’t for my job, I’d fly to Paris with you in a heartbeat. It would be different if you lived in Brussels or another boring sounding city like that, but Paris… oh, yes.”

“So, it would be more the city than the woman?” She grins. “I get it.”

“The no-tears thing we were talking about. Does it also count in the shower where you can’t see them?” I dig my fingertips into her biceps. “Because I’m about ready for a wash now.”

Because I don’t trust myself to drive back safely after saying goodbye to Camille, we take a taxi to the airport. It’s a beautiful day and we spend most of the way there gazing out of the window, fighting with our emotions—trying not to cry.