Third Moment in Paris—July 3
“Lizzy! Wait!” William called out from the restaurant when he spotted her walking down the hallway. She looked like Lizzy of old, wearing a bohemian-style yellow shirt over black leggings and those pigtails he had first fallen in love with.
Turning with a glorious smile, she said, “Bonjour, Monsieur D’Arcy!” She cheerfully greeted, stopping his heart.
“Good morning, Elizabeth.”
“Did you sleep well last night?”
“Not really. I try to keep away from alcohol, but last night was an exception to the rule.”
“I didn’t realize. Were you drunk?”
“Not on the wine.”
“Are you hungover?”
“Something like that. So, where are you off to today?”
She grinned. “I’m spending the day doing everything I love and miss.”
“It’s supposed to rain,” he dolefully said.
“You know, a little rain doesn’t stop me. You used to like the rain.”
Yes, he remembered that day on his apartment rooftop. He’d never felt more alive than dancing with her in the downpour. Shifting his weight, he put his hands in his pockets. “Is that an invitation to join you?”
“Of course. Are you game?”
“Well, if you don’t mind the company, I won’t mind the rain.”
“And you promise not to complain?”
“I’ll ... refrain from all negativity.”
“Good, because if you’re going to be a stick in the mud, you should find some other way to spend your day.”
“Scout’s honor,” he said, holding up three fingers.
Scanning him from head to toe, she said, “Great! Then the dress trousers and button-up shirt have to go.”
“Other than gym clothes, this is all I brought with me.”
“Oh, please. Turn around, go down to the Galerie, and purchase something casual in one of the boutiques. And I don’t mean khakis and a polo shirt. I’m talking shorts, T-shirt, and sneakers.”
“Shorts? Where the hell are you going?”
“Complaining already?”
“C’mon, sneakers outside of the gym?”
She propped a hand on her hip. Her brilliant smile and dancing eyes flashed with exacting precision to his heart. “Be happy I’m not asking for cowboy boots. Jeez, you haven’t changed at all.”
“Point taken, but I seriously doubt I can find what you’re demanding in the Galerie.”
“At least try. I’d hate for you to ruin such nice pants.”
“Ruin? Fine. And you’re right, some things never change. I will cave to your will ... again,Mademoiselle,” he teased, loving how she made him feel.
