When I leave, I head for the Notre-Dame Cathedral.I pass a small bistro along the way that looks busy enough to think it’s good and not so busy I can’t get a table.I order white wine wanting to blend in and adopt the locals’ perspective and slow down to enjoy life.Notre-Dame has been open for almost seven hundred years.I think it’ll be fine if it takes an extra hour to get there so I can appreciate the day.
A very attractive older man in a very expensive looking suit sitting nearby sends a small smile in my direction along with another glass of wine.The waiter informs me of the gesture.Not sure what to do other than kindly accept, I raise the glass to him.He stands and walks to me.While he speaks, he offers small hand gestures that don’t clue me into what he’s saying at all.I only catch, “Je m’appelle Jacques.”
“Non parlez-vous Français.”
“Ahh, you’re Américaine.”
“Yes.”
“May I join you?”
I look at the empty seat next to me suddenly feeling like I’d be betraying Olivier.Let’s face it, this guy isn’t here for casual chitchat.I set the glass on the table along with some money to cover my check and say, “I have to leave actually.There’s a cathedral waiting.Merci and excusez moi.”
He nods kindly as I pass.“Too bad.Maybe our paths will cross again one day.”
Looking back over my shoulder, I smile.“Maybe.”
I feel lighter, my feet rested, and I’m ready to walk again.It doesn’t take as long as I thought it would to get to Notre-Dame.I go inside after lining up, but don’t stay long.It’s beautiful and historical but I’m missing Olivier.I wish I knew where he was working.I’d surprise him.But since I don’t, I start back for the hostel, not sure how long it will take me to walk.I stop and pull out my map.When I discover it’s too far to walk without developing blisters, I decide to take the subway.I’m used to the New York subway system, so this should be a breeze.
I’m wrong.I get off at the wrong stop but am too intimidated and frustrated to go back, so I walk the rest of the way.I make it back to the hostel just before dark.Unfortunately, I’m greeted by Stefan.This time with no woman in sight, so that’s a relief.I’m kind of over the tongue show already.
“Bonjour, Kandeeeeessse.”My name slurs from his lips.
I walk steady.“Bonjour.”
He runs to the door, cutting me off.“Let me get the door for you.”
Standing there, looking at me, I give a tight smile.“Merci.”
“Whoa.Whoa.Whoa.No hurry for you.”
“Pardon me, Stefan.I need to go.”I step forward.
His arms go wide, blocking my way.“Play with me.”
My head jerks back.“What?”
“You know, how do you Américaines say, play with me.”His hand is circling in front of his crotch.
I’m so offended I’m not sure what to say.
Olivier does though.“Éloigne-toi d’elle.”His deep voice resonates around the room, penetrating my chest and I jump.
So does Stefan, but I’m not sure if it’s from whatever Olivier just said to him or from the interruption.“Détends-toi mec.Je ne fais que tenir la porte ouverte pour elle.”
I look between the two, caught in the middle until Olivier is at my side.Stefan opens the door wide with a fake smile plastered on his face.“Con, casse-toi,” Olivier mutters under his breath as we pass.
Stefan laughs, then says, “Ta Gueule, Américain.”
The pressure of Olivier’s hand on my lower back keeps me moving forward until we reach the stairs.He steps around me, takes my hand, then books it up the steps.I’m quick to follow but tire after the second flight.I stop, yanking him to a halt.“Slow down.”
He nods.I can see the stress of the situation written in the lines of his face, lines that shouldn’t be there at such a young age.He leans against the wall and I take a final step up and lean against him.“I missed you today.Is it too soon to say that?”
A perfect smile appears and he takes me by the waist, bringing me in for a kiss.“Non.Not too soon.I missed you, Sunshine.”
I smile and kiss him again.This time more on the R rated side, hoping to move to an X-rating soon.“Hungry?”I ask.
“Hungry for you.”
