Let Them Have Cake (5 page)

Chapter Four

             
Le Bistro Italiano was located above a travel agency and a jewelry store. The name promised more than traditional French fare could be had inside. Lots of windows facing the
Champs Elysees
promised a view of the hustle and bustle on the street below as they dined.

             
“Good afternoon, sir,” Mark addressed the headwaiter. “Do you speak English?”

             
“Most certainly, sir,” the man answered with a distinctly British accent. “I attended school in
England
,” he offered by way of explanation, all the while looking at them with disdain.

             
“We would like a table for two overlooking the boulevard, if possible,” Mark replied while slipping the waiter a folded bill.

             
“Of course, sir. Right this way.”

             
“Mark. Wait. There’s Jeff and his sisters and they’re calling for us to join them. We can’t be rude and just ignore them,” Anna said hopefully.

             
“No. Of course we can’t. Waiter. We’ve decided to join some people from our tour,” Mark said.

             
“Please follow me,” the headwaiter said impatiently as he changed directions.

             
Anna positioned herself by the empty chair next to Jeff, catching Mark off guard.

             
“You don’t mind if I sit by Jeff, do you Mark?” Anna sat down before waiting for a reply. “We need to talk about some hospital and medical stuff and I’m sure it will bore you.”

             
“No, I don’t mind.”

He quickly regrouped and pulled out a chair next to the taller of the brunettes.

             
“Hi, Tiffany. Hi Michelle. You haven’t met Anna Mulligan yet, have you?” Mark said by way of introduction.

             
In unison they replied, “Hi, Anna. We’re pleased to meet you.”

             
Jeff said, “No. Anna hadn’t met my sisters, the twins. I think she thought they were my girlfriends. I got the distinct impression Anna believed me to be a bit on the perverted side.”

             
Anna blushed, saying, “Oh, I thought no such thing.”

             
Jeff’s smiling eyes told Anna he didn’t believe her denial and found the whole thing quite humorous. He turned his attention to the wine list. When the waiter returned, he ordered a bottle of
Veuve Cliquot Rose Brut
.

             
Mark, not to be outdone, ordered a second bottle of the expensive champagne.

             
“Mark, what are you doing? That’s really expensive,” Anna protested.

             
“I know, and I don’t care. I have my Visa card and it will be worth it. We’re in
Paris
, and I’m surrounded by three of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met. What more could I possibly want in life?” Mark put his arm around Tiffany’s shoulder.

             
“A good credit rating for one thing,” quipped Anna.

             
Mark ignored her and pointed to the menu. “Here’s a hamburger. What do you think ‘cheval’ means?”

             
“Yuck, that’s horsemeat! We were warned about that before we left home,” Michelle answered.

             
Tiffany chimed in, “Friends told us some restaurants place a horseshoe over their door to let you know they serve horse. I could never eat horsemeat. I’ve always wanted a horse.”

             
Jeff had been observing the exchanges. Finally he said, “Let’s order. I’m hungry. How about the vegetarian pizza with artichokes? They can’t put horsemeat on that.”

             
“That sounds great. Would you like to share?” Anna asked Jeff.

             
“I would love to share with you.” Jeff poured Anna a glass of champagne. “Here. Let’s pick up where we left off the other night at dinner, shall we?”

             
They proceeded leisurely with lunch, gazing out the window at the crowds below and basking in each other’s company. Jeff explained to Anna how he had promised his sisters a trip to
Paris
when they graduated from college. He told her of their quest to learn more about their family background since both their mother and father were of French descent.

             
Anna described how she had studied French all through school and spoke it pretty well. She told Jeff of her similar goal of finding out about her ancestor as well.

“It’s a family legend that my six times great grandmother lived for awhile in
Versailles
during Marie Antoinette’s time. She disappeared but left her children to be raised by a farm family with the last name of Franchet. It was all very political and the children grew up using the name of the family that finished raising them. Her first name was Anne-Marie. I’m named after her. My given name is Anne-Marie.”

             
“What an odd coincidence!” Jeff exclaimed. “My seven times great grandfather also lived at
Versailles
. He was a favorite of King Louis XVI, and was in charge of the stables. He was reputed to be quite the horseman and hunter. His name was Geoffroi Andrieux. I’m also named after him. Andrieux eventually became Andrews.”

             
“That’s why Jeff brought us here,” Tiffany offered. “He wanted us to see our heritage. We can’t wait to go to
Versailles
.”

             
Jeff turned to Anna and said, “There is a lot more for us to see here in
Paris
before we go to
Versailles
. We should go.”

             
Mark, Tiffany and Michelle rose in unison.

             
“We’d better get back to the hotel so we can get ready for tonight,” Michelle said.

             
Jeff signaled for the check and notwithstanding Anna’s protestations, insisted on paying for all of them. Mark didn’t reach for his wallet, despite having ordered a second bottle of expensive champagne.

             
Upon arrival at the subway platform, Jeff took Anna’s hand, saying, “When the train arrives and the doors open, we’ll have to push our way on. It’s rush hour and crowded. Just follow me. I’ll forge the way.”

             
Anna felt safe and protected. This was how a man was supposed to treat a woman. He was supposed to be the leader and the strong one. Not the other way around.
             

Jeff found Anna an open seat and stood protectively beside her. The train was packed with people on their way home from work. A man smelling strongly of alcohol, spittle drooling from the corner of his mouth, lolled across the aisle from them. His chin touched his chest and his head bobbed from side to side as the train sped along. French men and women alike carried shopping bags with the day’s groceries in them. Towards the end
of the car, someone was playing a mournful tune on a violin. A hat was being passed around for donations for the musician. The train pulled into
ROME
station all too soon.

             
It was dark when they emerged from the subway. Mark, Michelle and Tiffany were clearly enjoying each other’s company as they walked along hand in hand. Anna was relieved that Mark was able to get over his interest in her so easily. It eased her guilt at dumping Mark so quickly when she found out Jeff was available.

             
“These are for you to put in your room. Each time you look at them I want you to think of me. Promise?” asked Jeff as he handed Anna the small bouquet of violets he had just purchased from a flower vendor.

             
“They’re beautiful. Thank you.” Anna brought the bouquet to her nose and inhaled the sweet aroma. “I’ll always think of you and Paris when I see violets.”

             
Lurline had posted their itinerary for the evening and the next day in the lobby of the hotel.   

             
“Look, Jeff. Tomorrow we’re going to
Versailles
! Isn’t that exciting? I can’t wait.” Anna pointed excitedly to the posted itinerary.

             
“Let’s not get in too big a hurry. We’ve still got the rest of the evening, and I somehow feel it’s going to be very special. Let’s go up and get ready,” Jeff said as he started for
the elevator.

***

             
Back in her room, Anna placed the violets in a water glass that would have to substitute for a vase, and then sat on the end of her bed. Her dream was coming true. She had wanted to see
Paris
with Jeff, and now it was happening. She felt butterflies in her stomach and a quickening of her pulse just thinking about the days to come. With those thoughts in mind, she got up and went to her closet to pick out her attire for the evening.

             
Anna entered the lobby early. Jeff wasn’t down yet. She found Mary and Vicky sitting on the overstuffed sofa.

             
“Anna! How’s your vacation going? It looks like you really latched onto a hunk!” Mary stated with conviction.

             
“I agree. What have you two been doing all afternoon? Tell us what he’s like before he comes down and takes you away again,” chimed in Vicky.

             
“He’s nice. Really nice. Considerate, kind, and a real gentleman. You know, we work together at St. Mary’s hospital. He’s a doctor in the emergency room,” Anna answered.

             
“Wait a minute. I thought you were with that nice young man, Mark. What happened to him?” Mary asked.

             
Anna replied, “Oh, Jeff and I had a little misunderstanding at first but we cleared that all up. Mark has moved on already, anyway.”

             
“Did that little misunderstanding have anything to do with two brunettes and is that where Mark has moved on to?” Mary asked.

             
Anna ignored Mary and turned her attention to Vicky.

             
“Nice? Is that all? Why don’t I hear exciting, fun, stimulating?” pushed Vicky.

             
“Well, he is very sexy, and a bit mysterious as well. Shh, here he comes,” Anna admonished.

             
Jeff smiled as he approached Anna.

             
Lurline followed behind him and raised her umbrella in the air. “The bus is here. Hurry everyone, let’s board so we can go eat. I’m famished and I hope you are, too.”

Chapter Five

A carnival like atmosphere greeted the tourists at the entrance to the Bateaux Mouches. Lurline presented their tickets at a glass booth, and they entered through turnstile gates. There was a small gift shop with gifts such as would be found at a carnival. Brightly colored balloons abounded. Another small concession stand sold cotton candy and popcorn. The mixed scent of sugar and buttery popcorn was tantalizing. Sparkling lights reflected off the River Seine, and Notre Dame Cathedral could be seen in the background. The docked boats were all flat-bottomed barges of different sizes. Some were open to the air with rows of seats and canopy roofs, and some were glassed in and enclosed, with tables set for dining. Anna hoped theirs would be one that was enclosed, since the night was particularly chilly and crisp.

             
Their boat was indeed enclosed, and in addition, was equipped with portable space heaters. The interior was comfortably warm. Small, round tables were set for dinner, and
each had a floral centerpiece. Jeff put his arm protectively around Anna and guided her to the most secluded table he could find. It was tiny, only seating two, and was tucked in a corner in the very back of the boat.

             
“Don’t you want to sit with your sisters?” Anna quizzed.