Paris In the Rain

Chapter 4: Third Rains Fate

"Three times I rushed toward her, desperate to hold her,

Three times she fluttered through my fingers, sifting away

Like a shadow, dissolving like a dream . . .

I cried out to her, words winging into the darkness."

The Odyssey

Chapter 4: Third Rains Fate

I woke up with someone poking my cheek, “Mate… Mate… Wake up.”

Tiffani was standing above me looking like a zombie with matted hair and dark rings under her eyes, “What?”

“I got pissed last night, and I need you to open for me.” Tiffani clutched her head in agony.

“You got mad last night, and that’s impairing you from opening the café?” I laughed and rolled over.

“No. I am hangover!” She groaned, “Please open for me.”

“Fine,” I threw back the cover and quickly threw on some jeans and a black t-shirt.

Tiffani handed me a yellow rain coat, “My rubbers are in the cubby by the door. It’s raining frightfully hard today.”

I slipped on the coat, and the black rain boots I found in the closet, “I need the keys.”

She handed them to me, “Remember to open at 8h00 sharp. On rainy days Mr. Bannoy usually stops in for spell when he’s in the country.”

Before I left I tucked Le Noir Chat into my coat.

I walked the three blocks to Le Chat Noir Cafe, and let myself into the empty building; locking the door behind me. I hadn’t a clue of what I was supposed to do.

I ground coffee beans; put some cinnamon rolls, muffins, and croissants in the oven. The clock said 7h45; I began to brew the coffee. I unlocked the door ten minutes before eight, and started setting up the pastries.

At exactly 8h00 the chime on the door went off. I had been reading. I put Le Noir Chat down on the counter.

« Qu’est-ce que je vous sers, Monsieur? »  My gaze filtered up into hunter green eyes.

«Je voudrais un café au lait  et je voudrais un croassaient.  S’il vous plait. » I nodded to the man.

When I turned to get his order the phone rang.

«Pardon.» I said to him, before picking up the receiver.

“Hello, I am looking for my daughter Nadia,” My mom’s cheerful voice came over the line.

“Mom?” I questioned with a chuckle, “It’s like… one in the morning your time isn’t it?”

“Yes, but I wanted to call you before I went to bed. No one picked up at Tiffani’s.” She sounded worried.

“Tiffani is a heavy sleeper, and I agreed to open for her today.” I peered at the man studying my book on the counter. His chestnut curls spilled over his face.

“Oh, I suppose that makes sense,” She yawned into the receiver.

“Why don’t I call you back? At, let’s say, noon your time?” I made a mental note to call her a 18h00.

“Okay Dear. I love you,” She hung up.

I grabbed a red mug and began to fill it with coffee, leaving room for the milk.

“Skim milk would be fine,” The man said in a low tenor. He too was American.  

“Yes, Sir.” I handed him the mug, and a croissant. The smell of lemongrass wafted to me through the draft.

“Are you liking my book?” He looked at Le Chat Noir.

“Very much so Mr. Bannoy,” I was stunned. Not only had I found the mysterious stranger yet again, but he turned out to be my favorite author, “Would it be too much to ask for you to sign it?”

He chuckled, “Not at all, but first I must tend to my breakfast.”

I watched Peirce Bannoy swagger over to the table by the window and pull out a notebook.

A hour and a half later, Tiffani came sauntering in taking all the time in the world, while I rushed around in a daze, “For fuck’s sake Tiffani!”

“What?” She asked with a goading grin.

“Help! I have absolutely no clue what I’m doing and everyone in here wants a latte or something French I can’t understand.” I throw a dish rag at her.

“I’ll take care of this. Why don’t you get yourself some food?” She turned to the hoard of angry Frenchmen, while I grabbed a cinnamon roll and a coffee.

Mr. Bonnay was still sitting where I last saw him, but I chose not to disturb him: for fear of embarrassment and rejection. However I did take a table rather close to him, so I could watch the hung-over Tiffani struggle with orders.  I smirked with vengeance as I watched her grimace at the long line of distraught costumers.

“So you do not work here?” Pierce Bonnay was now seated at my table with his head on his hands.

“No, I’m Tiffani’s friend.” I took a sip of coffee.

“Then would you like to go somewhere with me,” He bluntly inquired, “I rarely get to speak English around here and I can’t miss an opportunity.”

“I suppose…” I hoped I came off as coy and not obsessive.

“Lovely,” He stood and gathered his things.

“May I finish my food first Mr. Bonnay?” I asked. He nodded and sat back down.  

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A/n:

Hey everyone. Just wanted to add a quick note saying-- hope you like the story so far! I have decided not to continue it if no one is interested. I will add the next chapter if/when this one get four votes or if someone comments saying they want to know what happens next.

Have a great day!