The Fallen Snow by John J Kelley

Author:John J Kelley
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Stone Cabin Press
Published: 2012-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

26 – Parisian Heat

One cocktail became two, and wine arrived with their meals. Laughter was plentiful as well. Joshua found it easy to let go, comforted at being a stranger in a strange land. Even his French improved as the evening wore on, or at least he grew bolder speaking it.

Claire encouraged him, correcting his accent and teaching him new expressions. She shared funny anecdotes from her childhood, as well as gossip about Lily’s artist friends. Montmartre, it seemed, kept her tethered to a world beyond the front.

Aiden also talked of Paris. He explained its history and culture, and shared his favorite haunts. He touched Joshua on occasion, either to make a point or simply to tease.

Joshua basked in the attention, which Claire observed. She winked at one point, smiling her approval. Lily stopped to chat a few times, and Pierre sought Aiden’s eyes each time he ventured near. But mostly they were left to themselves, enjoying their reprieve and each other’s company.

It wasn’t until dessert that Joshua noticed the gradual adjustments of the room around them. Tables began to disappear, revealing a small stage along the main wall. As more diners departed, new guests arrived, ordering only drinks. A few were seated but most gathered along the walls. With a final shift of the lighting, the transformation from restaurant to club was complete. A man in tails stepped onto the stage to introduce the evening’s performances.

Claire tapped his arm. “After midnight is when Montmartre sparkles.”

Aiden laughed. “Some would say that shine is moving to Montparnasse.”

“You can have the Rive Gauche, Aiden,” she shot back. “To me this is what a night in Paris will always be.” She leaned into Joshua. “The music’s better here. That is the air I need to breathe.”

The debate was lost on Joshua, but it hardly mattered. His thoughts were muddled from the alcohol.

To keep the room from spinning, he focused upon the mandolin player, who had moved inside to kick off the evening. After a few songs, a portly man with a deep baritone joined him. Their upbeat songs pleased the crowd, which shouted accolades between the numbers.

Aiden twisted to watch for a while, before moving his chair between Claire and Joshua. Claire rested her head upon his shoulder while Aiden nuzzled his leg against Joshua’s. “That’s better,” he whispered.

Joshua looked around, but no one paid them any mind. The audience was a diverse mix. Couples puffed up in finery sat beside men in work clothes. Young men cradling their dates stood shoulder to shoulder with aging spinsters. It seemed everyone had found a place in the café.

Aiden leaned near. “Are you having a good time?”

“Yes. It’s incredible.”

Aiden glanced about the room. “It is kind of special. I’m glad you’re here.”

Joshua met his gaze. “Me too.”

The song came to an end, and the emcee returned. Though he’d found the song lyrics indecipherable, Joshua could follow the host. The man introduced the next performer, Gabrielle Dupont, in glowing terms. He said she sang of truth, with a voice from her heart.

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