Nora ended up sitting beside Pierre at dinner, with Olivier on her other side and Chloe across from her.
Waiters opened and served bottles of champagne. After a countdown to midnight, fireworks seen through the glass domes accompanied cheers and cries of “Bonne Année et Bonne Santé! Meilleurs voeux!” Bises were exchanged with everyone. Even Pierre.
When the main course was served, it became apparent Pierre had an injury that needed attention. He couldn’t lift his arm to cut the meat on his plate. Despite his protestations, Nora took charge and did it for him.
He agreed that no one should miss out on the delicious meal and muttered that what had been injured most was his pride.
When dinner was over, Olivier insisted he and Pierre go to the hospital for an X-ray. They left with everyone’s good wishes when the Uber arrived.
Chloe and Nora went home and waited for the result. Olivier texted a short while later:
Olivier: He has a broken collarbone that will take six to twelve weeks to heal.
“Poor Pierre,” Chloe said. “He’ll be so upset. He has so many plans for January, not least of which is driving our art to his gallery in Nice.”
“And of course, it had to happen because of me. Seriously, if he didn’t like me before, he’s really not going to want to be around me now.”
“I heard him tell you it wasn’t your fault,” Chloe argued. “In fact, I thought I heard him speak very sweetly to you after he fell.”
“Well, he must not have been thinking straight. Just wait until he comes back with a sling and directions to take it easy for twelve weeks.” She stopped talking for a moment, horror-stricken. “What about your art? Who will drive it to the coast now? Oh merde!”
Chloe sat quietly and then said, “Well, Mom, you know how you always tell me everything will work out, even though you worry about everything more than I do… Let’s wait and see how it all works out. Maybe Olivier and I will have to do the drive, even though we can’t afford to take the time off.”
Olivier and Pierre arrived home just before five in the morning. “The emergency department was packed on New Year’s Eve, as you can imagine,” Olivier told them, describing some of the chaos.
Pierre was calm and quiet. “The pain pills have kicked in, and all I want to do is go to sleep.”
Nora thanked him again. “I’m so sorry this has ended up a painful beginning to the new year. Thank you again for being so chivalrous.”
Pierre said, “Pas de problème. Je suis content que tu ne sois pas blessée.”
Nora again noted what seemed to be genuine appreciation that she hadn’t been injured. She said goodnight, giving a hug to Chloe, a bise to Oli, and an awkward wave to Pierre. “I hope you are able to sleep,” she told him.
ChapterThirty-Nine
Before the chaosof New Year’s Eve, Nora had promised herself the first day of the new year should begin with a sleep-in.
However, Pierre’s accident had put an end to her plan, and she was awakened at eight o’clock by a text.
Chloe: P didn’t sleep well. Going to see about stronger pain pills. Calling our doctor.
Nora: Should I come over and offer sympathy?
Chloe: Nope, but thanks. He’s dozed off. Will tell him when he wakes up. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you then.
Nora was still a little concerned Pierre might not be as happy to see her as Chloe predicted. It was because of her, after all, that he was in pain now.
She felt terrible.
Across the city church bells heralded the new year anyway. Guilt got the better of her and she soon got up, making espresso.
She was still tired, even with the shot of caffeine. Thanks to the busy trip to Provence and then the surprise visit from Cynthia and her friends, she’d had no down time, and she needed more rest. She made a promise to go to bed early.
After a long shower and another good jolt of caffeine, it was time to get the day underway. Nora bundled up against the blustery wind and Atticus wore a sporty red-and-black plaid fleece, his Christmas gift from Chloe and Olivier. Although he had previously refused to wear a coat, he seemed to love the feel of the fleece. Nora was certain he had a jauntier spring in his step with it on.
They set off on a longer walk, and Nora hoped the brisk, fresh air would snap her out of her fog and spark some energy. Atticus often enjoyed socializing with other dogs they came across in the little park in Square Nadar at the foot of Sacré-Coeur. The friendly way dogs got along with each other always made Nora smile. Conflict was a rare occurrence.
Her writer’s mind focused on Marie-Louise’s memoir. She was anxious to get through the next few days, anticipating all the haunting stories yet to come. She felt they would be the most daunting of their time together … both for her and the sweet lady. Marie-Louise had indicated as much at their last meeting.
