Love on Notes

17

After taking a quick last look at myself in the reflection of the café window, I pushed open the door with a huge lump in my stomach and stepped inside, checking carefully to see if Daniel had already arrived. Although I couldn't wait to see him, the stress was preventing me from breathing properly. My hand was trembling with anxiety. When I didn't see him, I put back one of my unruly locks and looked around for Aurore.

— There you are! she exclaimed too close to me, startling me.
— Aurore! Stop scaring me, it's not funny! I said, holding her close to me.

I took a step back to look at her. She was dressed in her apron, as usual, but despite her radiant smile, I could easily make out her dark circles and dull face. Her black hair was gathered up in a hastily made bun, and two strands of it kissed her cheeks.

— You haven't been here for a while.
— Yes, I'm really sorry, I've been so busy with my writing over the last few weeks that I've hardly been out.
— Did you publish more articles than usual? Well, I could have sworn I only got notifications for five of them.
— Oh no, no, I meant a personal project.

She then frowned, and after glancing at the few customers seated, she made me sit down at a table so that I could explain to her what was going on.

— I had no idea that you were planning to publish a novel!

Her raised eyebrows and body language showed me that she was excited by it.

— Oh well, it's my dearest dream actually, but to tell you the truth, I didn't really believe in it until recently. It all happened very quickly, I ended up writing a novel and the editor liked it.
— I'm so proud of you! You really deserve it, Liz. When will it be published?
— I don't really know. I'm in the process of reworking this version, but on the whole I'm pretty happy with the result. I think I'll be able to send her a revised version in four or five weeks' time.
— That's fantastic!

She stood up and walked around the table to hug me for several long seconds. The sincerity of her emotions touched me deeply.

— So how are you holding up?

Her face darkened as she sat back down.

— Oh! I'm grieving, listen. I'm spending more time with my family, I was with them for two weeks.
— There's no magic formula for mourning, you just have to take the time you need. In any case, I'm here to take your mind off things.
— I know and I'll never be able to thank you enough for supporting me. You took care of me for several days when I was in no condition to do so myself.

I tried hard not to get tears in my eyes. Aurore was a person who deserved so much in life and the fact that she was so  moved by my help touched me deeply. After all, I was aware of what she was going through and I could see a lot of myself in her.

— It's normal, Aurore. You and I have known each other for several years now, and I'm not letting you go today!
— I know, Liz, and thank you so much for that. Well, I'm going to get back to work, do you want something to eat or drink now?
— No, thank you.

I smiled at her before she went back behind the counter. I was about to start reading a novel on my laptop when someone pulled the chair in front of me. Looking up, I parted my lips and inhaled sharply as I caught sight of Daniel. He was wearing a fleece over a white shirt. His hair fell delicately over his forehead as he ran his hand through it. He was even more handsome than the last time I'd seen him. How was that possible?

He smiled as I tried in vain to catch my breath.

— May I?

I found it hard to swallow.