The Sun Rose In Paris by Penny Fields-Schneider

Author:Penny Fields-Schneider
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction Series, 20th Century Historical Fiction, Paris Historical Fiction, Portraits in Blue, Historical Romance Series
Publisher: Penny Fields-Schneider
Published: 2020-01-31T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Jack followed Andrés out of the park, onto the streets and, after weaving through narrow lanes, they eventually arrived at the Seine.

‘Not much further,’ Andrés said and Jack noticed that his friend had a hint of breathlessness, surprising as they had not been walking that fast. He deliberately slowed his steps. This section of the town was busy, a combination of industry and warehouses, although scattered amongst the bustle of commercial activity were multi-storeyed residential dwellings and cafés.

It was to a café with dark green-checked cloths covering tables on the pavement that Andrés led him. Inside, a counter displayed an assortment of foods that looked tasty, although somewhat foreign to Jack’s experience. Dried hams hung from the ceiling, and enormous jars of olives lined shelves. Loaves of bread as well as the familiar crusty baguettes Jack had noticed all over Paris – were heaped in a large wicker basket. A range of cheeses were arranged under the glass case, including an enormous wheel of comté, as well as a smooth cylinder of goats’ cheese and smooth yellow balls the size of quail eggs. Gazing around the walls, Jack could see a Spanish influence. Large posters showed matadors fluttering embroidered red capes before vast bulls, whose forelegs pounded the dusty arena, their heads low, preparing to charge their bejewelled adversaries. Other posters displayed flamenco dancers, decorative fans held aloft in dramatic poses, males and females both exquisitely dressed in ornate, traditional Spanish clothing.

Standing behind the counter, slicing olives into a yellow ceramic bowl, was a young woman with gleaming black hair pulled into an intricate bun, an ornate clip providing adornment above her perfectly shaped right ear. Her thick black eyelashes framed dark eyes, and her lips held a sweet curve which, on Andrés’ appearance, broke into the most dazzling smile that Jack had ever seen. When she caught sight of Jack and realised he was with Andrés, the smile softened a little as shyness set in.

Jack was mesmerised. In truth, he had not had many close meetings with beautiful young women in his life. There were the Fitzgibbons’ girls – he’d known them for years – and Margaret, of course. He had felt very comfortable with her, as indeed, she did not allow anyone to feel otherwise. However, this lovely girl with a spectacularly beautiful smile disarmed him and he felt stuck for words.

Andrés, oblivious to the pounding of Jack’s heart, was polite in his introduction, speaking slowly, carefully choosing his words in English.

‘Jack, I would like you to meet my baby sister, Sofia. Sofia, this is Jack from Australia.’ Sofia giggled and swatted at Andrés’ left shoulder. Stepping back, out of her reach, he laughed in reply. The two clearly shared a personal joke.

‘Don’t you “baby sister” me,’ Sofia scolded, her English, like Andrés, understandable despite her strong Spanish accent. Turning to Jack, she explained, ‘I should have been first, only that he yanked me back by my hair and made me bald!’ It emerged that Sofia may

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