“This has been worn by countless famous people,” she continued. “It was Marie Antoinette's favorite and is said to have been the favorite of every French queen and noblewoman of taste through the generations. In more recent eras, it was given by the French government as a gift to Audrey Hepburn and became her signature perfume.”
“I see.”
“There’s no way I’m going to waste a spray of this on a tissue, but I will flagrantly spray it on my wrist.” Jude asked so little of her that she'd never turn down a request of his that was in her power to grant. Plus, it had been quite some time since she’d smelled Rhapsodie herself.
She carefully applied the fragrance, making sure that if any droplets fell anywhere, they’d fall onto her clothing and not be wasted on the floor.
Rhapsodie contained complex florals, certainly. Grasses and fruit zest, maybe. But she couldn’t distinguish any one thing. It was a study in contrasts. Lush and yet snappy. Bright but not light. Classic yet modern. It made her think of French couture and confidence.
She extended her arm to Jude and waited for his proclamation.
“I can see why it's so popular,” he said.
“Yes. Its genius is instantly recognizable—”
A knock came from her front door.
“Who's here?” Jude asked.
“I don't know.” An electronic gate at the road only permitted those who knew the code up Fiona’s drive. She'd given her code to close friends and family only, so she never received knocks from Girl Scouts selling cookies (sadly) or door-to-door salesmen (not sadly). “Maybe Burke?” Burke dropped by unexpectedly more than her other friends ever had.
She made her way to the entry, Jude trailing. Warm gratification rushed through her when she saw through the door's inset window that it was indeed Burke.
For the second time in a half hour, she answered the knock of a handsome man.
“Hi,” he said, smiling directly into her eyes.
“Hi. Jude's here.”
“Yes.” Burke turned his friendliness toward her son. The two men shook hands. “I saw your car. You doing okay?”
“Just fine, thank you.”
“I don't want to intrude,” Burke told Fiona. “I was at Java Junkie and saw that they had the gluten-free, sugar-free nut bar that you love.”
“Ah!” she exclaimed. “These bars are almost as rare as living T-Rexes. They'll never tell me in advance when they're going to make them because they only make them on the chef's whim.”
“Right. So when I saw them, I bought out the store.” He raised a white paper sack. “Here you are.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the bag from him. Her male friend was now delivering gluten-free, sugar-free treats to her door, which made her think she was training him exceptionally well. “My taste buds and the circumference of my thighs thank you.”
“You're welcome.” He sniffed. “What's that smell?”
“The most fabulous fragrance in the world.” She held out her wrist. “Rhapsodie.”
His eyebrows rose high. “That smells amazing.”
“I agree.”
“Well. I'll be on my way.”
“We're going to lunch in a minute,” Jude said. “You're welcome to join us.”
“No, no,” Burke said. “Thank you, though. You two enjoy your time together.”
He closed the door behind him.
Jude faced her. “What's going on with you and Burke?”
