“Perfect!” Paul laughed triumphantly.
Mia got back into position, narrowed her eyes, and took aim.
Paul’s two boules were knocked away from the jack, while Mia’s appeared glued to its sides.
“Putain!”one of the old men shouted, while the other burst out laughing.
“Nowthatwas perfect,” Mia declared.
Paul stared at her, speechless, then walked away.
Mia waved at the two men, who applauded. Then she ran after Paul.
“Come on. Don’t be a sore loser!” she said, catching up with him.
“And you let me think that was the first time you’ve played . . .”
“I spent every summer of my childhood in Provence, as you might recall. Next time, try listening to women when they talk to you.”
“I was listening,” Paul protested. “But my head was kind of spinning that night. Or must I do the unspeakable and remind you about the circumstances of our first encounter?”
“What’s really the matter, Paul?”
He took out a sheet of paper and handed it to her.
“I got this last night,” he mumbled.
Mia stood still and began reading.
Dear Paul,
I’m very glad you are coming to Seoul, even if we won’t have as much time to enjoy each other’s company as I would have liked. I have professional obligations at the Book Fair from which I cannot escape. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the welcome you’ll receive from your readers, and I suspect you will be even busier than I am at the fair. You are famous here, and people are very excited about your arrival. Be prepared to devote a lot of your time and energy to your admirers for the duration of the visit. For my part, I will try to free myself as much as I can so that I can show you around my city . . . if your editor allows you enough time.
I would have loved for you to stay with me, but I’m afraid that is impossible. My family lives in the same apartment building, and my father is very strict. For a man to spend the night in his daughter’s apartment would be against all decorum, and it is something he would never allow. I can imagine your reaction to this news, and I share your disappointment, but you must understand that morals and customs are not the same here as they are in Paris.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Have a good trip.
Your favorite translator,
Kyong
“Well, it is a little cold,” Mia admitted, handing back the sheet of paper.
“Just a little.”
“Don’t overreact. You have to be able to read between the lines. She seems to be a very reserved person.”
“Believe me, she’s not so reserved when she comes to Paris!”
“But Seoul is her home. It’s different.”
“Listen, you’re a woman. Work your magic and read between the lines for me. Tell me what I’m missing. Does she love me or not?”
“I’m sure she does.”
“Then why doesn’t she write it? Is it really such a hard thing to admit?”
