“Hello, Mrs. Dubois,” Rory said.
“Hello, Rory.” She held out her hand. “It is nice to see you again.” She had a thick French accent.
Nicolas’s parents moved to the States in the seventies, just before Nicolas was born. They both came from wealthy families, which allowed them comfort in their new homeland. Despite their wealth, they were kind and giving people. They donated to multiple charities.
“Who is this handsome friend of yours?”
“This is my date, Bernard,” he said. “Bernard, this is Nicolas’s mom, Mrs. Dubois.”
“Enough formalities,” she said. “Call me Marie.”
Bernard took her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marie.”
“Are you gentlemen enjoying your meal?”
“Yes, it’s amazing,” Rory said.
“It’s fantastic,” Bernard said.
“That is wonderful to hear.”
“I have a question about the restaurant’s name,” Bernard said.
“You want to know why I chose it.”
Bernard nodded.
“Me and a friend opened this restaurant twenty years ago. The name translates to friends’ cafe. She has since passed, but I held on to the name.”
“That is so sweet of you,” Bernard said.
“Merci. Well, if you need anything, please let your server know and I will make it happen.”
“Thank you,” they both said.
They finished their dinner, leaving nothing on their plate.
“Want to get dessert?” Rory asked.
“Let’s see what they have.”
Rory decided on cherry clafoutis, and Bernard ordered a chocolate mousse.
Rory savored the decadent dessert. He wanted the recipe and would ask Nicolas if Marie would share it. It could be a guarded secret, but there was no harm in asking.
“I need to tell you something, Bernard,” Rory said. His hands shook. He forced himself to calm his breathing.
“What is it?”
“I want to tell you the real reason I didn’t talk to you for six years.”
“You were in grad school. I understand.”
“No, it’s more than that.”
Rory’s vision blurred as he took in Bernard’s features. He was so handsome. His smile, his dimple, and his brown eyes behind those blue-rimmed glasses.
“What is it?” Bernard placed a hand on Rory’s shaking one. “You can tell me anything.”
