Closer

Chapter 5- Chloe

I spotted Chloé at the back of the restaurant Pulpo and made my way over. She smiled when she saw me arrive and got up to give me a kiss on each cheek. I removed my coat, draped it over the back of my chair, and sat down.

"Here’s the menu, Loulou. Please hurry and decide—I’m starving!" said Chloé, handing me the menu.

"You already know I’m going to order the pasta carbonara and a Coca-Cola, if they have it here," I said while opening and closing the menu. Every restaurant in town had a large selection of pasta for the lunch special, and it was my favorite food.

The restaurant was small, and the other guests were all sitting in pairs or groups of three, chatting away. Some young women were taking pictures of their food as soon as their plates arrived. That was one of Chloé’s pet peeves. Do you go to a restaurant to eat or to document what’s about to enter your stomach?

I looked around the restaurant and was immediately pleased to notice that the heaters were on. What a stark contrast to the cold December air outside. The decor was modern, with lots of octopus-themed artwork on the walls and a fishing net hanging from the beam above the bar. Our table had a pristine white and blue checkered tablecloth, and my napkin felt like it was made from high-thread-count cotton. My mom would definitely approve of the chef’s choice of linens. A small vase with a few fake white flowers sat at the edge of the table.

"Good afternoon, ladies. Are you ready to order?" a middle-aged waiter asked us with a bright smile.

"Good afternoon. Yes—she’ll have the pasta carbonara with a bottle of Coca-Cola, and I’ll take the pasta with octopus, please. I’d like a Coca-Cola as well."

Typical Chloé. Ordering for both of us. Straight to the point. Never asking about the specials.

"Excellent choice. I’ll send this to the kitchen right away. Here’s a basket of bread with butter in the meantime. Call me if you need anything," the waiter replied, gently taking the menus from our hands and walking toward the kitchen. The rush behind the doors was only audible when the saloon doors swung open to let waiters and dishes in and out.

Chloé looked at me and leaned across the table, grabbing my hand.

"Louise, I think walking in the cold gave you some color. Your nose and cheeks are all red!"

I laughed.

"Thank you, Chloé. It’s pretty cold outside, and I forgot my scarf at my parents’ house, so the walk from the subway to here left my face half-frozen. I wouldn’t be surprised if it snows soon."

I was wearing a pair of jeans and leather boots, so my feet were warm. Like every other Parisian girl, I was also wearing a long black coat with a belt. I had removed the fake fur collar because it made me look puffy.

Chloé looked very chic. She was a pretty girl with beautiful dark hair and brown eyes. Her mom was from Thailand and her dad was French. I have to admit—they made the most beautiful child. Chloé was tall like me and petite. She wore a grey wool skirt and a white sweater. Her coat, gloves, and hat were also white, matching her sweater. Her makeup was red lipstick and pink blush, with a little black mascara on her long eyelashes. She looked professional, and I was sure she was trying to show her team that she knew what she was doing—even though she was the youngest person the company had hired so far.

"I’m glad your boss let you out on time. What are you working on at the office this afternoon?" I asked while picking up the glass of Coca-Cola a waitress had discreetly placed on the table.

"This afternoon, I’m finishing a presentation for the new liquid blush that Rose will launch for Fall/Winter next year. Oh my God, it’s so pretty. We’re talking about five different shades, and some have a hint of burgundy in them. Exactly what I’ll need to not look pale like a ghost before going to Thailand for the Christmas holidays! I can’t wait to show you once it’s done."

Chloé was super enthusiastic about working for a company that made products she actually liked. I don’t know how many of our classmates can say the same about banking and investments. We both liked being “corporate girlies.”

"That sounds like fun! I’ll probably go do some Christmas shopping and then head home to tidy up my room a bit and drink hot tea with my mom," I said, putting a small bite of pasta in my mouth.

The food was delicious. I loved that the chef used plenty of Parmesan cheese and added an egg yolk. It gave the sauce a rich, velvety flavor.

Chloé seemed to be enjoying her food too. She covered her mouth with one hand, closed her eyes, and gave me a thumbs-up to show not only that she loved her octopus dish, but also that she approved of my afternoon plans.