The call from Luc, so unexpected, brightened her day. He was an interesting conundrum.
There was no question Nora found him attractive in every way. He was gorgeous—a hottie, as the Girls had agreed when she sent them a photo. And his personality made him the perfect subject for the love interest in one of her novels. He was charming, intelligent, fun, suave, compassionate, empathic, with solid values and a strong sense of humanity. He was someone it might be easy to fall in love with.Readers would love him.
Knowing he was married and the tragic circumstances of his relationship with his wife only made Nora care more for him. She loved him as the best kind of friend and she’d never had that kind of male friend in her life, except Jeremy. Luc had taught her so much… And not just tango. But tango was definitely part of the pleasure she was learning to appreciate from him…
Meeting him—and spending time together—during her short time in Paris had been serendipitous. Rather than trying to make sense of their friendship, she decided to simply continue to enjoy it.
A knock on her door startled her out of her daydreaming, and Chloe burst in.
“Mom! I can’t believe you didn’t text me about Pierre inviting you for breakfast. That must have been quite a surprise.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” Nora replied with a chuckle.
“So tell me all about it!” Chloe hopped up and down with excitement.
Nora couldn’t stop laughing. “Chloe, get a grip, dear child of mine. I think his meds are affecting him. Have you noticed any change in his behavior?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. Big time. He’s turned into the nicest guy and can’t seem to do enough for us. In fact, that’s why I’m here. He made a big pot of French onion soup and told us to invite you to join us for dinner. Want to come?”
“Well, I’m never one to turn down a good bowl of French onion soup,” Nora said.
“Olivier claims it’s the best. Pierre used to make it all the time when Oli was small but hasn’t done so in years. Apparently, he shopped for all the ingredients this afternoon, picked up fresh baguette, and voilà, dinner is made. And we’ll have a simple green salad with vinaigrette followed by some fine cheeses.”
“So,” Nora persisted, “do you agree with me that it’s probably the pain medication that’s created a change in him? He actually gave me a bise when we came home after breakfast!”
“Whaaaa? Unbelievable!” Chloe was wide-eyed and her jaw dropped open. “Finally!”
“Well, when should I come over?” Nora asked.
“Now! He suggested you come now for apéros. He’s making limoncello spritzes. I just came over to tell you about his change in behavior.”
They both giggled as they went into the hall.
“I want some of what he’s taking,” Nora whispered.
“Aw, Mom!” Chloe whispered back. “You don’t need anything like that. You’re always chill. But we are enjoying this new Pierre.”
Pierre’s soup was outstanding, and he happily shared the recipe with Nora. “The secret is to cook the onions with loving care, and add a touch of sugar and good sherry.”
“Dad, I remember you making this all the time many years ago,” Olivier said.
“C’est vrai. You’re right, son. I’ve been doing some thinking about those early years and I miss them. I owe you an apology… And you too, Chloe. I have a lot to make up for.”
Olivier got up to get another bottle of wine and put his hand on his father’s shoulder. Chloe smiled at the intimate moment.
When Olivier refilled everyone’s wine glasses, he raised his and the others did the same and echoed his toast: “To the future.”
The evening was relaxed and filled with good conversation. Much of it was about the coming art exhibit at Pierre’s gallery in Nice and how the art was going to get there now that he was injured.
“I’m telling you I will be able to drive it down. I just need another week to heal a bit more. No problem.”
ChapterForty-Two
Rain was in the forecast,and on Friday it rolled in with a vengeance. At times a heavy downpour and other times a drizzle, but steady. Dog walks were brief—they went straight to Atticus’s favorite potty place and back home. He seemed as happy as Nora to get out of the showers.
It meant more play time inside. Tug-of-war was their best indoor game, and it gave him a decent workout. Today it reminded Nora she was missing having more physical outdoor activity than dog-walking. Listening to Luc talk about skiing caused her a twinge of homesickness. Thoughts about days on the slopes with the Girls made her smile. One more month in Paris would still get her home for the rest of ski season, and that timing might be perfect.
She wondered if she had let herself get too caught up with living in Paris. Maybe she did need to go home. But … maybe Paris had uncovered a version of her she hadn’t known existed. She had been happy at home. But she was also happy in France … a different kind of happy that embellished what she had before.
