‘Why don’t you join me here?’ Her suggestion saves me from the uncomfortable choice of where to sit. I sit down next to her and after she pours the wine and hands me a glass she leans her arm on the backrest of the big, comfy corner couch, like she used to do and with that she somehow relaxes me. ‘Your call was a nice surprise.’

‘How are you holding up?’

‘I had a few bad days, I was so happy you called. Sometimes I have the feeling that the walls are closing in on me. But I’m taking long walks and I think it helps.’

‘I was just a call away.’ I watch the wine swirl in my glass wondering if I made it clear enough that I’m here for her, in case she needs me. ‘Did you talk to Kit or anyone else?’

‘I’ve been kinda hiding out, I needed to be alone for a bit to put things into perspective.’ Her small smile tells me she knows what I mean and that I’m here for her. Her need to process things by herself is still present. ‘What about you? You still didn’t tell me how you are.’

‘I listened to your advice, I didn’t touch the script at all. I just took some days to relax and get my energy back.’

‘And how did that feel…. Listening to my advice I mean.’ And just like that she steers the conversation to a lighter tone with a cocky smirk, making me smile.

‘I forgot how full of yourself you can be.’ Laying an arm on the backrest of the couch is not only something she does, in addition to that I would also fold my legs under me, but since that would be too much at this moment I cross them and turn to her. ‘Did you finally take time to experience Paris again?’

‘Oh my god yes!’ She exclaims. ‘I’m walking every day for a few hours. Just breathing in the art on every street corner, the familiar buzz, the air, the Seine and everything that makes Paris so special to me.’ Her words provide some relief, it’s clear that she doesn’t mind a bit to be back in Paris and to stay here for a while.