Six months later
Anyway, with guys it's always the same. At first everything's pink and fluffy—the guy's super nice, caring, respectful—and then if you don't sleep with him, he dumps you.
Isn't that a bit reductive, Melanie?
Catherine, stop. Okay, we know you landed the perfect guy with Marc, but still. With Stephane, how did it really go?
He told his friends stuff that never happened. And after six months, he tried to force me.
See? What a bastard. I got dumped after a week by a guy because I told him I wanted to take my time. One week—can you believe that?
He just wasn't the right one. You'll have better luck next time, that's all.
So how did it go with Marc? How long did you wait?
…
Catherine? I'm talking to you…
You're annoying with your questions. It's none of your business anyway.
Oh no.
Oh no what?
Don't tell me you still haven't slept together?
Funny—you didn't hear that from me.
That's not possible!
Stop it, Mel! You're making me uncomfortable. I feel like a nun when you say that.
Well… kind of, yeah, right? How long have you been together now?
Almost six months.
Almost six months and you haven't slept together. Is there a problem? Is it you or him?
No, stop—there is no problem.
Was it like that with Stephane too? Did you talk to your gynecologist about it?
Melanie, stop it, for god's sake! I have nothing to tell my gynecologist, and please leave that whole thing with Stephane behind.
Cat', look me in the eye and tell me the truth. You never slept with Stephane either, did you? We're friends—you can tell me.
No. I've never slept with Marc, or with Stephane, or with anyone else. Happy now?
I'm your best friend and you hid that from me—wow.
I didn't hide anything. I just didn't say it, and you assumed. That's different.
Okay. And Marc is fine with that?
Of course. Well—we've never actually talked about it. He doesn't know. So you keep this to yourself, obviously. I know, I sound ridiculous.
Ridiculous, no. Surprising—that's all.
******************
One week later
Melanie, I need to talk to you.
Yeah, you look completely panicked right now. What's wrong?
Marc is taking me away for the weekend by the sea on Saturday.
Whoa, that's great! You must be happy…Apparently not…
Yes…yes, in theory, of course I am, but…
…But I was right, Marc is taking things to the next level.
Nooooo, we haven't talked about that. He's not like Stephane. He was actually really scared at the idea of me going away alone with him, so he wouldn't pull the same kind of crap on me.
So are you going or not?
Yes. I really want to spend more time with him. With our schedules, we already barely see each other—if I don't jump at this chance, it won't work between us.
You just need to talk to him. I'm not really worried with him either, but still—you need to talk about it, right?
You really think he could leave me if…
Cathy, calm down. You're not going to force yourself if you're not ready—even if you love him. He's really in love too, and I genuinely believe that a good guy will wait as long as you need.
****************
In a cottage by the sea
So…what do you think of my cooking?
It was delicious. I didn't know you had that talent.
Let's say it's not really a talent and that I just tried to impress you tonight. Are you okay? You've been pretty quiet since this morning.
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just slowly unwinding, that's all. And the sea air, the walk—it tired me out.
Anyway, out of season there's nothing to do around here, so we can go to bed early if you want.
I know! First let's go look at the stars by the sea, then we'll watch a show, all cozy on the couch like an old couple. You good with that?
Sounds good. I'm totally up for being an old couple with you. And if I'm honest, it's not that far from the truth—I've never stayed with a girl this long.
Thanks for reminding me of your womanizer past—very romantic, well done!
*************
Five episodes later
Cathy, I can't anymore—I'm going to bed.
Oh no, wait! I love this show, I want to finish the season. Go to bed if you want.
Sweetheart, it's streaming—you can watch it anytime. You told me you were tired at dinner, and now it's 1 a.m. and you're wide awake. What's going on?
Nothing. I just never get the chance to watch this kind of stuff, so I'm taking advantage, that's all. For once I get to step away from my textbooks—don't take it the wrong way.
Okay, I'm heading to bed. I'm exhausted. Night.
****************
The next morning
Catherine! Wake up! It's noon. Did you sleep okay on the couch?
What? Already?
Do you want breakfast or lunch?
Uh… just a coffee, please. I'm going to take a shower. I didn't realize it was so late. Where's my bag? I can't find it.
Because you're looking in the wrong bedroom. Yours is across the hall.
Mine? You mean… MY bedroom…?
Yes. Your bedroom. Get ready—we're leaving as soon as you're ready. I've got work to do, I need to get back to it as soon as possible.