As I make my way past the crowd, I see a balloon poking up at the end of the line of people. It says Bienvenue à Paris! My eyes follow the ribbon down to the young man holding it. Linen shirt. Floppy hair. And that smile. His smile always gets me.
I laugh as I make my way to him.
Louis shrugs. “I thought flowers were so last year.”
“Fresh start,” I say, accepting the balloon. “J’aime ?a.” I like it.
He nods, impressed by my accent. I’ve been working hard on my French since I called l’Institut de l’Opéra de Paris to accept their offer.
“Mia,” Louis says.
I take a deep breath. “Louis.”
“Welcome home.”
And before a smile fully forms on my lips, he kisses me.
I swear I could do thirty-two perfect fouettés right on the spot. Or turn into a swan and fly away with him. As he wraps his arms around me, I’m convinced that this is the happiest I will ever be.
Until we kiss again. The French way, obviously.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To the team at Alloy Entertainment—Laura Barbiea, Sara Shandler, Josh Bank, Romy Golan, and Hayley Wagreich—what a dream it has been （and still is!） to work with you magic makers. Thank you for taking me on this wild （Vespa） ride.
Much gratitude goes to Danielle Rollins, one of the hardest-working writers I know, who still finds time to help and support other authors.
Thank you to my agent, Leigh Feldman, for always being on top of everything, and for making me feel like I have someone in my corner （and a high five to Ilana Masad for introducing us）。
Big, big, big mercis to Wendy Loggia, editor extraordinaire, and Alison Romig, not only for loving this book and wanting to publish it, but also for sending me the most wonderful six-page letter with your offer. Best email I’ve ever received.
To the entire team at Delacorte Press: I feel incredibly lucky to be in such good hands. Thank you so much for the warm and enthusiastic welcome you’ve given this book. I’m excited that you’re excited.
It only takes one person to start writing a book, but every author needs a village to finish it. Thank you to all my friends—especially Allison Amend, Elizabeth Conway, Marie Douat, émilie Fromentin, Clara Kasser, and Laura Stampler—for your help in ways big and small, for always listening, and for the endless pep talks. They are much appreciated. Thank you also to Rafael Molina and Elsa Lagache for answering my numerous questions about ballet.
Many bises to my family, Fran?oise Jouhanneau, Fran?ois-Xavier Jouhanneau, Typhaine Cartry, Louis Jouhanneau, Patrick Jouhanneau, and Marie Collin, who have cheered from the sidelines and are eagerly awaiting a French edition.
To Aggie Pancakes, my BFFF （Best Feline Friend Forever）： no matter how close the deadline looms and how late in the night it is, I love writing so much more when you’re curled up next to me.
Of course, I have left the best for last. To my love, Scott Thistlethwaite, thank you for absolutely everything. For the amazing life we have together, for the incredible adventures we’ve been on, for your unwavering support, and for always believing in me. Your calm strength, kindness, warmth, countless jokes, and glass-half-full mindset make every day that much better. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.