Present Day-Paris

Giselle wore a white sundress and sandals. Over her shoulder, she carried a heavy duty umbrella that blocked the sun from her. UV ray protective sunglasses covered her pale blue eyes. She looked like a model for Chanel.

She was leisurely strolling along the Seine when her friends Adelene and René Noir came upon her. Adelene linked arms with her best friend and René held his wife's free hand.

"Giselle! How are you?"

"Just fine, Adelene. And you?"

"Oh, I'm swell. René got promoted, did I tell you that yet?"

"No, but congrats, René. You deserve it."

"Thanks, Giselle."

"Giselle, mon amie, you seem upset. Whatever's the matter?" Adelene asked.

"I'm fine," Giselle grounded out.

"Honey, how long have I known you?"

"Six years. Since I moved from Bordeaux."

"That's right. And I should think that after six years, I can tell if my bestie is upset. So spill," Adelene said as she gave her friend a knowing look.

Giselle sighed, "Fine. I am upset."

"About what?" René asked.

"Louis's moving us to Orléans for his work."

"But that's not that far away!" Adelene cried.

"Désolée," Giselle said coldly. "New Orleans. In America."

The pair's eyes widened.

"Why the sudden change?" Adelene asked.

"I don't know. Louis has had it with the government and has agreed to a job as adviser to the CEO of a company that processes crude oil. This company is based out of New Orleans, but sells a lot to France. This job pays well, so Louis decided to go for it."

"When do you guys move?" Adelene asked her.

"A week."

"A week?!"

Giselle nodded.

"Where's Louis?" Adelene questioned.

"In a meeting, why?"

"Because I want to go yell at him for stealing my friend away so soon!"

Giselle laughed.

"What's the company called? I work for a crude oil company," René said.

"Le Monde Oil."

"That's who I work for! In fact, I have to be in New Orleans for business meetings in the next few weeks. Luckily the company's paying my airfare, but I have to cover the rest."

"Why don't you just stay with Louis and me? We're moving into this huge mansion in the French Quarter. Adelene, you could come too then!

"We're a little tight on money right now, Giselle," she explained.

"If you guys stay with us, that'll help save some expenses."

"I don't know, mon amie."

"I insist, guys. I won't take no for an answer."

"D'accord. I'll go, but only if we can stay with you."

Giselle nodded and quickly sent Louis a text asking if it was okay. He responded saying that it was fine.

"Louis's agreed. Oh, I can't wait to go and explore New Orleans now that I know my friends will be there too!"

The Noirs nodded and the trio parted ways. Giselle went home and began to pack up for the move to America.