Juliette did what she always had when I made a comment she didn’t agree with—she pressed her pink lips together until a straight line formed across her cheeks, and then she would smile ever so slightly and nod her head.
I had spent more time roaming the streets for a familiar face throughout the past few days than I did seeking out a job. I got lucky with the first bakery I visited. However, that information was for me only.
"Well, if you ever want to talk, I am a good listener," she offered, taking two plates down from the cupboard.
"Thank you, Juliette."
Again with that smile.
We were almost done eating our eggs when the front door flew open. "I got myself a job!" Claude shouted, clicking his heels in the air as he ran toward us. He had been putting in more effort than usual with his appearance. He looked good with his fashionable attire, a nice green-blue button-down, a chocolate brown tie, and a matching pair of trousers. Even his hair was slicked back, not a strand out of place. Someone might have thought he was off to some Ivy League school in the city.
A squeal came from Juliette’s throat, followed by a shrill scrape from the bottom of her kitchen chair against the linoleum tiles. In a matter of two seconds, Juliette wrapped herself around Claude’s body, her legs tangled around his waist, and her arms squeezing the life out of his neck. She peppered his face with kisses amidst a fit of giggles.
My stomach hurt.
I was jealous.
"That’s really great, brother," I offered, lifting my coffee mug in the air in the form of a cheers. "Where’s the job?"
Claude lowered Juliette, helping her feet find the floor. "Come on, I’ll make you some breakfast, while you tell us everything," she said, rushing into the open L-shape kitchen.
"It’s just three blocks away at a pub. They hired me to slay drinks. I know my way around a bar, so I knew all the questions they asked. Apparently, my knowledge impressed them enough to hire me on the spot. In fact, I start tonight."
Knowledge of liquor—it was a side effect of being a former Nazi. There were not many options to numb the haunting memories.
Claude had filled me in on his life during the year I was in prison. As I rotted externally, he rotted internally. Claude found himself at pubs nightly, drinking until someone would help escort him home. It wasn’t until he ended up in a hospital bed under the care of his sister, Annika, that he slowed his habit. She followed her brother around like a lost puppy for months, making sure he didn’t find more trouble at the bottom of a bottle.
I’m not sure tending bar at a pub is the best job for Claude, and I can see by the look on Juliette’s face that she might agree.
She was cracking an egg as he said the word "pub." The yoke is now covering her hand. She rushed to the sink, cleaning the remnants, and we have stood still watching her digest Claude’s news, wondering what she might say. Now that they are married, it’s her place to make the first comment, not mine.
"Juliette," he said, walking toward her. "You all right, darling?"
"Oh yes, yes, of course, sweetheart. I just spilled some egg. Give me a moment."
She dried her hands on a dishrag for longer than necessary, and when she turned around, the response was shown in the form of tears. "I don’t think a pub is the best place for you to work," she said. "Don’t you remember—"
Claude pressed a smile on to his lips. "Oh, darling, I remember as if it was yesterday, but I’m well now. You know this, ja?"
Juliette pressed the dishrag to her cheeks, blotting a fallen tear. "I know you are better," she said.
"Then what’s the problem?" Claude looked confused as if he couldn’t understand the concern.
Juliette forced a phony smile and sniffled through a soft laugh. "There is no problem, sweetheart. I am so proud of you." Apparently, arguing beliefs is not a part of a first year in marital bliss.
"Good for you, brother," I offered, supporting Juliette, but still knowing we felt the same way.
"This day is going so well already, and it’s hardly nine o’clock. I bet something is in the air for us, and you will snag that role with your audition today," Claude said to Juliette. "And you, Charlie, you’re going to get that position at the bakery. I can feel it in my bones."
"Yes, yes," I agreed.
"In fact, I found a tasty looking sandwich shop on my way home. I’m buying lunch today," Claude offered.
"I have my audition at noon," Juliette added.
"After your audition, we will meet you and go, ja?"
"Ja," she said quietly.
