“Wow. That’s quite an idea. It actually sounds wonderful. But are you certain you want to take so much time getting back to Nice?” She laughed and added, “With me?”
Pierre’s eyes were serious and he smiled wryly. “I understand perhaps you are surprised. And maybe it doesn’t appeal to you. But, yes to all of it. The fast drive to Nice is one long day on the autoroutes, which I always avoid. This way we could spend three or four days getting there, and you would see some places I know you will love.”
He took a long sip of wine and signaled to the waiter for another round, asking Nora with his eyes if it was okay. She nodded.
Then he added, “Since you have never been to the south of France, I know when you get to the coast you will be thrilled with the beauty around you. I predict you will fall in love with the area. Everyone does!”
“Well it’s a persuasive enticement. How could I refuse?” she teased. “But seriously, we’ll have to agree on a few things. Our playlists are a must and we will definitely share the driving. You need to continue to take care of your injury. We’ll share the costs of meals and I will pay all my own expenses.”
“I may insist on buying you a glass of wine once in a while,” he said. And then he added, “Or pastis,” with a twinkle in his eye.
Nora thought back to the night at the mas and wondered if there was a hidden message in his words. But she quickly brushed off the thought as paranoia. Getting to know Pierre over the last few weeks, she didn’t think that was his style.
“D’accord. And I may buy you a glass of wine ... or pastis... too,” she said.
They both laughed and raised their wine glasses.
“Seriously,” Pierre said as they walked back to the apartment. “Think about it for a day or two. If you agree, then we can leave as soon as you are ready.”
When Nora got home, she texted Chloe asking her to call when she had a chance.
Chloe called immediately. “What’s up? Although I think I might know.”
“Are you kidding me?” Nora asked.
“Not at all,” Chloe answered. “I assume Pierre’s appointment went well and then he invited you on a road trip.”
Nora laughed in surprise, floundering for words.
“Pierre talked to us about his idea yesterday. He wanted to know if you’d think he was crazy or if you might feel awkward. And did you?”
Nora spoke slowly. “Wow. I’m impressed he talked to you kids about it. I like that.”
“Yes. We were blown away by the fact he very much wanted our opinions. Honestly, Mom, the change in him since Christmas has been nothing short of unbelievable. And he’s not on any meds now so we can’t point to that. Olivier says this is the father he remembers having long ago. We’re so happy about it all.”
Nora carefully digested Chloe’s words.
“To say I was surprised by his suggestion is the biggest understatement ever. But I feel good about it. I think it would be a wonderful trip with such interesting stops. He put a lot of thought into it.”
“Pierre is very sincere about all of this. Like I told you before, he feels you are family. He’s excited to show you where he lives too. You’re going to go bonkers when you get to Nice. It’s so beautiful in so many ways. I would live there if we could. Who knows, maybe further down the road…”
“Well, I more or less said I’d be happy to go. Pierre said to think about it, but I don’t need to. I’ll go pack! See? I’m being impulsive!”
Chloe laughed. “Brava! You’re becoming surprisingly good at it.”
ChapterForty-Nine
Three more weekswith Atticus
Two days later, Pierre and Olivier doublechecked the art to ensure it was still securely in place. A spot between the front seats was prepared for Atticus with his favorite blanket.
Pierre and Nora set off before dawn to avoid rush hour on their road trip to the south. They planned to share their Spotify playlists as before, since that worked so well on their previous trip. They’d brought plenty of water, and Chloe had prepared a basket of fruit, cheese, and cookies for them.
Chloe and Olivier waved them off, wishing them safe travels and asking for regular text updates and perhaps even a few photos.
Pierre had agreed Nora would drive out of Paris, since that part of the journey required the most abrupt stops and had the craziest drivers. Pierre’s directions were clear, and he guided her out of the city and into the countryside with no problems. He’d printed out their itinerary and organized their driving schedule.
“Always subject to any changes we want,” he assured Nora. “For the most part, it’s going to be an easy trip. But of course we may run into road work or the like.”
