Cynthia stretched and yawned again in agreement. “But it’s so much fun to share these new experiences we’re having. We need to video chat more often.”
“Absolutely. I’ll just end by saying that much of my happiness here has to do with people I’ve met who have passed on to me their passion for living in France. It’s deeply contagious.”
Cynthia was in complete agreement, saying she had the same experience in Italy. “We both know the kinds of choices we’re making aren’t open to everyone at our age, but they might be in later years. Change is good, that’s the lesson I’ve learned. You don’t have to move to Europe to do it.”
“Although it doesn’t hurt.”
ChapterThirty-Four
Wakingto the ringing of church bells on Sunday morning, Cynthia and Nora agreed the sound was a favorite part of living in Europe.
They began the day by having crêpes for breakfast with Chloe and Olivier at the Moulin. After that, Nora gave Cynthia a tour around Montmartre as though she was a local.
“Wow! You know this neighborhood inside out and backward.”
“That’s because I’ve stayed here three times for a month visiting Chloe and Olivier. Walking is the best thing to do in Paris. The city really lends itself to exploring on foot.”
When they stopped for a coffee, Cynthia said she needed to order a croissant too. “Italy has fabulous pastries, but I confess they don’t make croissants as delicious as the French do.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I’ll join you.”
They took their time eating, savoring each bite. Cynthia gushed over the buttery goodness. The conversation returned to their late-night talk about living in Europe.
“I’m not saying I’ll stay in my little Italian village forever. But for now, it’s definitely where I want to be. If the graphic design company I worked for hadn’t offered me a package after Covid eased up, I couldn’t have made the move. Being able to freelance remotely changed the game for me.”
Nora was quiet for a moment, processing those words. “I could do my work from here too. The real estate market at home is so hot that renting my house wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve always enjoyed my visits to Chloe but never thought about staying for an extended time.”
“Getting divorced and turning fifty-five also did it for me, if I’m honest,” Cynthia admitted, her voice softening. “I’d spent so many years focused on other people—raising kids, keeping a marriage afloat, juggling work—and suddenly, there I was, standing in the middle of my life wondering where it had all gone. It was like time was passing me by, like I was watching it from the sidelines instead of living it. The realization hit me hard.”
They sat in silence for a moment, before Nora spoke. “I hear you. I was feeling kind of invisible … as we know journalists write about women our age. But, Cyn, you were always so positive. Of all our group, you were the one who kept us laughing.”
Cynthia closed her eyes and rubbed her hands over her face, letting out a slow breath. “Right. I’m not saying I was depressed. I just knew something had to give … big time. A real shift. You know how it is when the kids get going on their own lives, and you’re left wondering what happened to yours.”
Nora nodded slowly. “That was an issue for me too. I kept living in the past, talking about everything with Jeremy’s ghost. These few weeks here have really helped me to get a grip on that. Of course, I still miss him terribly, but I’m beginning to realize this life—what’s left of it anyway—is mine to live now.”
Cynthia grinned. “Chloe whispered to me I should ask you about a certain someone named Luc.”
“Ha! That girl is on a mission in spite of what I say to her. Chloe’s waiting for me to be swept away by what she calls ‘the French Effect’. She says I will know it, when it happens.” With surprising ease, she told Cynthia about Giselle and Luc and all that had transpired since she’d arrived.
“Luc is the reason for that floral extravaganza.”
“Oh wow, the man has taste! What an adventure! Dancing the tango—of all the sultry, romantic things—with a handsome younger man? No wonder you’re falling in love with life here!”
“Chloe really hopes something will click between her hottie father-in-law and me. She’s disappointed it isn’t happening. I don’t seem to be his type, and although he can be charming, he’s got a grumpy side that isn’t attractive.”
They clinked their coffee cups together. “Here’s to so many choices right now, and the courage to actually go after a few,” said Cynthia.
“To be honest, this whole experience has been something of a reawakening,” Nora said, her voice thoughtful. “I’d gotten comfortable—maybe too comfortable—at home. Change just didn’t seem necessary anymore. But the kindness and attention I’ve felt here… It’s stirred something in me. I’ve started to realize I need to be more intentional about my life and not just live out love stories by writing my rom-coms.”
Cynthia reached over and took Nora’s hand. “Brava! I told you, didn’t I? Being in our fifties doesn’t mean the end of romance. And romance doesn’t necessarily mean a love affair with someone else. It could be with a new country! Perché no? Why not?”
They looked at each other and laughed.
“It’s all about a new chapter, Nor,” Cynthia added. “Stay open to it, bella—these moments are yours to claim. I mean, I love reading your rom-coms. But you need to write the story of your life now.”
They met each other’s gaze, and a quiet understanding passed between them as they exchanged a firm, encouraging nod.
Cynthia was also fascinated to hear about the writing Nora was working on with Marie-Louise.
