But this time she would have company. She hoped she and Atticus would get along. She hadn’t admitted to Chloe that she was still a bit nervous about living with a Doberman. She had googled a lot of information about the breed and everything indicated that even though they were sleek and muscular, they were also gentle and sensitive. She was hopeful.
The next morning at nine o’clock, she and Chloe had a rendezvous scheduled with Giselle and her dog. Nora banished the thought for now, her concerns about Atticus still simmering. Instead, she let herself linger in the moments of her first day, quietly grateful, and aware that a long-dormant happiness was beginning to stir.
ChapterSix
The loud purringin Nora’s ear confused her for a split second. Jezebel lay draped across the top of her head, apparently very content. Nora gave the cat’s ears a rub and reached to pull the cord that lifted the blind on the window next to the futon. Turning her head, she was just in time to see a burst of vibrant color as the sun began to rise over the rooftops.
“What better way to start my day here?” she murmured to Jezebel as she pulled the fluffball into her arms for a snuggle. “Did you know I love Paris?” Jezebel softly placed a paw on Nora’s lips as if to shush her, which made her laugh. Jezebel stretched, gave Nora a haughty look, and leapt to the floor.
Nora lay back, chuckling.That cat does have attitude, she mused.
She saw she was alone and a note lay on the kitchen counter with instructions for the espresso machine. Beside that was a plate with two fresh pains aux raisins.
Nora’s face lit with a wistful smile. Ever since her honeymoon, this was her first morning taste of France—a buttery, spiral pastry filled with silky custard and plump, golden raisins. Each bite was a satisfying indulgence, warm with nostalgia and sweetness.
Of course, Chloe remembered it was her mother’s favorite breakfast pastry and had already been to the boulangerie before she left for the studio. The plate was covered with a reusable beeswax wrap. It was one of the many items Nora had noticed in the kitchen which showed how eco-friendly the young couple was trying to be.
Nora’s eyes teared up when she saw one of the best-loved items from her Christmas trunk on the counter next to the pastries. The music box with the dancing Santa doing a jig to “Jingle Bells” had been a gift from Jeremy to Chloe when she was five. It was usually one of the first things out of the trunk, and Nora had sent it to Chloe for her first Christmas in Paris. It filled Nora’s heart to see it again.
She opened the small drawer along the bottom of the box where they always stored chocolate kisses.Even in France, she thought, and smiled as she tasted one of the obviously handcrafted treats in there now. When the drawer was opened, the music began and Santa leapt into action. It was impossible not to shimmy and hum along.
Once her coffee was ready, she wrapped a silky pashmina over her nightgown and sat at the table. The view out the window looked down Rue Lepic and across the neighborhood.
In the dim light of dawn, she imagined the streets coming alive with bohemian vibes in Vincent’s day. Before she came to France, she had looked up everything she could about that period. The very thought fired her imagination.
Women in long dresses would make their way to the markets along the narrow winding streets. A donkey cart might trundle along filled with firewood. Scruffy dogs would poke around, visiting their favorite haunts for a scrap.
Nora pictured herself walking in the artist’s footsteps.
* * *
It was time. Nora felt like she was going on a blind date … apprehensive and suspicious. Atticus was waiting to meet her.
Chloe tapped on Giselle’s door and Nora expected a heart-stopping bark from inside. But there only came Giselle’s cheery “J’arrive!” before she opened the door and greeted Chloe and Nora each with a dramatic bise. “It’s lovely to see you again, Madame Bennett.”
Nora had met Giselle briefly on two of her previous visits and found her unforgettable. Her blazing copper hair was piled in a messy knot on top of her head. Her sparkling green eyes glistened with curiosity and enthusiasm.
“And you, Madame Tremblay,” Nora replied. She was well aware how important it was to be courteous in France and useMadamandMonsieuruntil told otherwise. “But please call me Nora.”
“Mais oui, if likewise you will call me Giselle.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Nora saw Atticus seated on the floor behind Giselle, as still as a statue. His dark eyes stared at her. His taut, muscular body made no move, but appeared ready to spring on command.
Nora gulped. Giselle grinned and took her hand. “Atticus has been waiting to greet you. See what a good boy he is?” Nora gulped again and forced a weak smile. Giselle slipped Nora a small dog treat and said, “After you say hello, ask him to sit and then offer this in your open palm. It will be the beginning of his love affair with you. I promise.”
With a simple hand gesture from Giselle, Atticus stood and approached them. Giselle spoke to him in a gentle voice, in French, “Mon coeur, c’est notre amie Nora.”
Nora gingerly reached out her hand to pet his head and he pushed into her palm. It was a friendly gesture, but she felt his strength. She asked him to sit and offered the treat, which to her surprise, he delicately accepted. And that was that. The dog bounced around to each of them for some attention, his hind end happily wiggling, before sitting quietly by Giselle.
“See? Un chou à la créme! A cream puff! And nothing to fear. He will be your best friend. The treat I gave you for him was his favorite, which he only receives on very special occasions. He won’t forget your kindness.”
Nora laughed nervously but beckoned Atticus to her. He sat by her and eagerly accepted her attention as she stroked his sleek body and admired his black-and-rust coat. Then he moved back to Giselle and stared at Nora with his dark, expressive eyes.
“Oh my gosh, he is gorgeous. His coat is like velvet. Not scary at all when you get past the first impression. And he doesn’t have pointy ears!” said Nora.
“That’s one of the things I love about him,” Giselle said, with obvious affection. “But even with his soft, floppy ears, he makes me feel safe. I did not want him to have them cropped. No one can guess what a sweetie he is at first glance. He commands respect, non?”
Suggesting they sit down, Giselle placed a tray on the coffee table with three tiny cups of espresso and a plate of mini croissants accompanied by a small bowl of strawberry confiture.
