“I’ll let the young people decide. I might still be a bit jet-lagged. In fact, I think I’ll have a quick nap now and get myself on track.”
ChapterEight
Later in the afternoon,after a two-hour nap, Nora made a pot of tea and Jezebel joined her to snuggle on a grouping of down-filled Moroccan floor pillows. She watched the sky transform into a rich tapestry of amber, pink, and lavender through the massive window in the salon. The last rays of the sun cast a golden hue over the rooftops of the city below.
As the city lights began to flicker on, the landscape looked like a vast fairyland. “Magique,” Nora whispered to the cat. “Impeccable.” Jez purred loudly and butted her head into Nora’s hand whenever Nora stopped stroking her.
Nora pulled up a Joe Dassin playlist on her phone. His soothing voice and French lyrics were the right accompaniment to the scene.
As darkness slowly settled, Nora’s eyes rested on the lights of the Eiffel Tower in the distance across the rooftops. A beacon in the night sky. Suddenly it burst into a spectacular dancing show of lights that twinkled like stars. She smiled; she’d forgotten the surprise since her last visit and the pleasure it brought. When the lights returned to their steady graceful flow, she wondered who had come up with an idea so simple that created such a burst of happiness.
“Brilliant,” she murmured to Jezebel, planting a kiss on her.
She finished her tea and felt herself relaxing after the busy two days. There was no stress, no worry about what might occur next. A moment of wonder filled her as she thought of how she was already opening herself to change.I did that. I’m making it happen. Maybe it is the start of something new. And I don’t think I’m worrying. Well, maybe just a bit… Hopefully Atticus will love me.
Then she dozed off.
When Chloe and Olivier arrived home from the studio, Nora woke and gushed about the lights on the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour after dusk.
“It began on January 1, 2000, as a temporary celebration for the millennium,” Olivier explained. “But everyone loved it so much that the council decided to make it permanent.”
Chloe added, “It’s amazing how people react to it. A small thing that makes everyone smile.”
“That’s exactly what it did to me,” Nora said.
After Chloe had texted they were on the way home, Nora prepared a small charcuterie board, raiding the fridge.
They stood at the kitchen island grazing and sipping a Vincent Delaporte 2013 SancerreSilex Cuvee Maxime.They had all become Sancerre wine devoteeswhen they’d spent several days exploring the Loire Valley on Nora’s visit two years prior.
Chloe put her glass on the marble counter and wrapped her arm around Nora. “Giselle texted us about going out to one of her favorite haunts later. We can nibble a bit here and then have some fabulous food at Au Lapin Agile. Are you up for it, Maman? Did you have a good rest after your long walk?”
“I had an excellent two-hour nap after my lunch excursion with Giselle and Atticus. I’m up for anything now.”
Olivier smiled as he and Chloe exchanged looks. “Be ready for some fun. Giselle is in party mode. Her final words in her text were ‘On se déchaîne!’”
“Let’s get wild,” Chloe translated with a laugh. “Au Lapin Agile is the place to do it, Mom. We’ve never taken you there, but I know you’ll love it. It’s a true French cabaret… Edith Piaf all the way! Prepare to sing, and possibly dance! You never know.”
“And the dress code for this event that sounds a little dangerous?”
“Anything goes. But maybe smart casual tonight with Giselle. You’re great at that, Mom.”
* * *
Chloe was right, Giselle was in party mode. Nora spotted her waving to them as soon as they entered the small, crowded space. The room was filled with benches and odd wooden tables and chairs. A most eclectic collection of art covered every bit of wall space.
Chloe whispered to Nora, “Imagine how at one time art here was by van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, and other masters! I would love to time travel in here!”
Looking around at the cabaret’s interior, Nora felt like she had stepped back in time. The décor was vintage, and the ceiling featured exposed beams.
Giselle’s fiery red hair tumbled to her shoulders in cascading waves, contrasting against the full-length conservative black turtleneck wool dress she wore that emphasized her curvaceous body. With a long cigarette holder in her hand, she blended in with the bohemian vibe of the room, even though her cigarette was unlit.
The room buzzed with energy: bustling waiters, spirited conversation, and laughter even as in one corner a woman sang accompanied by a trio. There was no stage; the patrons and entertainers were cheek by jowl. Chloe had explained the music was like folk music and popular French songs going back to the 1800s.
“People often sing along,” she said. “Imagine Edith Piaf belting it out here.”
Once they reached the table, a middle-aged couple named Mark and Marie greeted Chloe and Olivier like old friends, and a handsome man, introduced as Luc duValois, kissed Nora’s hand. He appeared to be in his thirties, tall with dark-brown curly hair slicked back but not quite in control. He exuded undeniable natural charm, had a smooth, sensual French accent, and appeared totally smitten with Giselle, who returned his affections. Nora couldn’t take her eyes off them but attempted to be subtle.
As Giselle made introductions all around, the waiter brought two unopened bottles of champagne for their table and left.
