She told her she had a nice dress – in French, and was met with a smile.
“We look... same,” Michelle told her, struggling for her words.
“You speak a bit of English. That’s good,” Angela encouraged her.
A striking petite woman walked up to Michelle and pulled her hair back with the gentle stroke of a mother’s hands. “I’m sorry. She does not speak English much,” she told her. She was a very delicate woman with large brown eyes. She reminded Angela of Audrey Hepburn; so tiny and sophisticated, wearing a simple black sheer dress, her hair up in a bun. Of course, Angela knew who she was before she introduced herself.
“This is Michelle and I am Hélene,” she said as she offered her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Angela, a friend of Dot’s.” Angela quickly searched around for Robert but couldn’t spot him.
“And who is this?” Hélene asked, looking at Madison.
“This is my Goddaughter.” Angela bounced her lightly on her hip. “She’s always in for a good party.”
“Aren’t you?” Angela tickled her belly just the way Madison liked it. She loved the sound of her laugh.
“Hello Angela. I’m glad you could make it,” Michael said, having made a surprise appearance. He spoke in a very business-like manner; unlike the way he usually spoke to her. He was about a foot taller than his ex-wife.
“Well, of course I would,” she told him, slightly distracted; she couldn’t take her eyes off Hélene.
“You two have met?”
They both nodded.
“Great.” He smiled and was off again, mingling with the guests.
She found herself a little disappointed; a bit jealous even. Although she realized she was being absolutely ridiculous. She was in no position to be jealous. Hélene was so beautiful and almost the complete opposite of her; petite, fair, brunette and sophisticated. She wondered if Hélene was Michael’s picture of attractiveness; if that was the case, then how could he possibly ever be attracted to her. She liked the idea of him being attracted to her even if nothing was to ever come of it.
“How do you know Dot?” Hélene was curious.
“Oh... I come here to read with her.” She put Madison down.” You came from Montréal?”
“From Drummondville – we live north of Montréal,” she said. As someone gave her a big hug, her attention shifted.
Michael made his way back to Angela. “Sorry about that. So many people I haven’t seen.”
“I completely understand. So you managed to kick Dot out of the house today?”
“Yes. She was playing me for a while. I think you were right. She was on to me – she’s not stupid, my mother.”
“No, she’s not.”
“Hey, cutie,” he said as he touched Madison’s nose. She grinned instantly.
Yep. He’s a charmer.
“She likes you.”
“Where is Robert?” he asked.
Angela looked for him around the garden. “Oh right there, by the fountain,” she pointed, hesitant to introduce them. She wasn’t sure why but part of her did not want them to meet. Butshe figured it would be best if they did; it might make the reality of their situation more concrete.
“Would you like to meet him?”
“Sure,” he said as he headed in his direction. He was eager to see what this man was like; the man who had captured Angela’s heart.
“Robert, this is Michael. Dot’s son,” she told him matter-of-factly; like he was just anyone else.
