Becoming an Expatriate: Part 1 of 2

This story in 2 parts is a sequel to Becoming a Francophile in this blog. It is best if that story is read before reading this one so as to know the characters and circumstances that provide the basis for this story.

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At 7:15 in the morning, Sarah checked out of her room and waited outside of the hotel for Pierre to pick her up for the drive to CDG. She so enjoys the waffled scent of baked patisseries and French Roast coffee in the morning. The street cleaners in their green overhauls were out in full force with the hoses and brooms sweeping the street's debris into the drains. When Pierre arrived, he got out to open her door and handle her pieces of luggage. "Bonne soirée, Madame." "Bonne soirée, Pierre." Although she was not married, she noticed that he never used 'Mademoiselle' which the French government had banned its use in official documents. As usual, he didn't talk with her during the drive. The drive was much more interesting then her train ride into the city upon arrival. This was going to be her new home and she wanted to capture images of the villages that she went through on her way to CDG. She could see Sacré Coeur on the hill to her left that stood with its white architecture standing stalwartly with the morning sun. She surely would visit Montmartre once back.

After she checked in with Delta, she headed for the adjacent Paul Boulangerie that is known for its excellent croissants and other patisseries/sandwiches for travel. Her order was a café creme and her last last French croissant before her return to Paris in several weeks to start her consulting career.

Sarah's return to the U.S. from Paris required 2 legs: first to JFK and then on to Omaha. Once served with the complimentary Champagne before takeoff from CDG, she pulled out a small notebook from her carryon. She had a number of tasks to perform before her return to Paris. First on her list was an email to Claude expressing her gratitude for the consulting offer along with her estimate, to be confirmed later, as to her return to Paris. Thank you notes are intrinsic to her Midwestern life.

One hour into the flight, the main course of Boeuf Borguignon, roasted petite potatoes, and a side salad with a light Champagne vinaigrette was served along with a bottomless glass of Rhone red wine. She was taken with the Rhone's thick and robust character with aromas of spicy dark fruits. As with the Chardonnay and Sancerre she had in Paris, there was a touch of flinty minerality. Her second note on the her to-do list was to order a book on Amazon, A Beginners Guide to French Wines, that she found using the plane's WIFI. That was immediately followed with the note to do wine tasting in Omaha, but where? She would check that out once there. She knew of Omaha's Old Town Market reportedly with excellent restaurants. However, she had never been there before. That would be corrected numerous times during the next several weeks. Her time in Paris had opened her eyes to not only dressing with style, but also enjoying fine dining with wine ..... and flirtation.

 

Following the desert of 3 chous à la crème filled with a pistachio cream, the third glass of the Rhone took its toll on her alertness, and she extended and stretched out on her flatbed. Five hours later she was awakened by the flight attendant for a light snack before landing at JFK. Once clearing Customs, she had a 2-hour layover before taking the non-stop to Omaha. During that time, she sent an email to Claude as she had thought about when at CDG.

Her parents were in their car waiting for her exit from Omaha's airport. Upon seeing them, she felt that they had changed somehow since her visit the previous Christmas. There was something different in their casualness. The reason would come clear during dinner. Unknown to her, the parents were surprised by her appearance as well. It was clear to them that she had changed in both her appearance and the 'freshness' of her openness. During the ride to their home, she spoke very generally about the trip as to what she saw and enjoyed. She purposely held back all of the personal information regarding Claude and the job offer. She wanted to briefly describe that information during dinner when such conversations took place in that family.  

Once home she went to her room since she had several hours before dinner. She started organizing some of her personal items and clothes that she had shipped from her apartment in Cambridge preparing for her return to Paris. During that time, she thought about what she should and should not discuss. Clearly, her wine experiences would not be mentioned in that her parents did not consume alcohol. That is, she would start with some detailed information about the trip, e,g., fine dining, shopping (not mentioning prices), and several tourist spots she had visited. Eventually, she would describe meeting Claude and some steps that led to a job offer. She would follow immediately that she was moving to Paris with the emphasis that she expected to be traveling between the States and Paris quite frequently. Additionally, she would make it very clear that this initial position is for 4 months only, so to determine whether or not she would be offered full-time employment. 

 

At 6, her mom called up from the front room that dinner was ready. Sarah was a bit anxious on how the conversation would go as she headed down the stairs and entered the dining room. Her parents were already seated with a nicely wrapped package on her plate. Next, she was surprised that there were no plates of food on the table yet, in that they ate family style. Sarah sat down and pointing to the item on her plate said, "Mom, what is this?" She always addressed her mother first in that she is the voice for her family. "Well, Dear, in the 8 months since you have been here last, we have made changes in our life style." She paused for a moment and then continued. "We are giving you this present to celebrate your graduation and particularly in light of your visit to France. First, this celebration and then dinner. Sarah proceeded to open the oblong box, while her Dad left for a moment to go into the kitchen. With a gasp, it was a bottle of Perrier-Joule Champagne,  At that point, her Dad returned with 3 flutes. With a true glee, Sarah said, "What life-style changes have you made in my absence?" Dad took the bottle to open it carefully with the standard 5 twists of the wire retainer. "Mom continued, Well, Dear, we have joined a group of friends with whom we have monthly dinners alternating among the houses. Annnddddd, at our first dinner at one house, wine was included. Not to be prudes, we enjoyed, perhaps overly enjoyed actually, and learned what we have been missing our life ... and you in yours. The second such dinner started with Champagne, and we enjoyed it as well. And now, we enjoy a glass, or two, of wine ever night." Instantly, Sarah realized that her planned conversation had taken a 180º change in direction.

Dad filled the flutes, pouring slowly down the side. He then spoke. "Now a toast to you 'Pumpkin' for your graduation and your first international travel." They clicked each of their glasses with a "Cheers." With that done, Mom continued. "Dear, for dinner tonight, we are have a French dish that we had at one of our dinners. It is called Coke on ven, or something like that. Interestingly, it required no Coke, only wine. It was so delicious for us that night that I decided to take a stab at it. But, before it is served, let's enjoy the rest of this Champagne as you provide more details about your trip." Quickly, Sarah restructured her planned conversation. Given the Champagne, she started to talk about her tastings of wine on the Delta flights and in Paris. She made no comment about her dinner at La Gallopin or Claude. That would come later.

Her next point, during the Champagne, was to discuss her job offering and moving to France. She immediately stated that the 4 month consulting assignment would bring her back to the States with some frequency. Her Dad's following points, in rapid fire, were the next surprise for her. "'Pumpkin', WOW!, you are moving to France? That is fantastic!, because Mother and I were just talking about a trip to Europe in general, and Paris specifically. When do you leave? We could spend several nights at your place in Paris. Have you found a place yet?" Sarah took a long sip from her flute as she was coming up with a proper response. The Champagne, the Coq au Vin course, the international travel desire, and the dinner groups indeed demonstrated amazing changes in their lifestyle. "Gee guys" (she had never addressed her parents in that manner before.), this is so surprising and exciting for me to see these new interests." She then raised her flute again and said, "I would like to make a toast to these changes in your lifestyle." With this toast, the Champagne was finished. Then Mom spoke, "Well, thank you Darling, Yes, we are quite excited about some travel plans. Stay seated, and I will bring out the 'Coke on vin' and some 'hero vert"' Turning towards her husband, "Father, kindly get that other bottle opened that will go with dinner wonderfully?" He left and went to the Den and returned with a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir. She and her Dad talked briefly about weather in Paris until Mom delivered the entrée. Sarah immediately said, "Mom, no mashed potatoes?" "No, Dear. We have changed some of our eating habits in preparation for our coming travel. Your Dad and I figured we should lose a few inches around our waists." With that said, all 3 were seated, and Dad said the unchanging dinner prayer. Sarah responded, "My goodness Guys. Next you will tell me that you are selling the house." She laughed, but they didn't. Dad spoke, "Well, ...... actually, we are looking at a condo by the river that has a large pool, a modest golf course, and many activities for seniors" With surprise she responded, "Dad, you don't play golf." "Well, ...... actually, I started several months ago." Totally amazed at what she had learned in the last ten minutes or so, she made a sarcastic remark in an amusing way, "Are you planning to become a pilot as well?" "He responded with a smile, "Actually, I haven't considered that yet" They all laughed. Sarah continued with a wide smile, "I guess I left you two too long on your own." More laugher by all.

Mom had done an excellent job with the French standards of Coq au Vin  and haircots verts, neither of which Sarah had experienced before.

After the very filling meal along, with the wine and Champagne, Sarah was feeling quite exhausted. She stood to excuse herself. "Guys, I am still on Paris time, and the long flights have captured my energy. I am going to bed now. Mom, the meal was excellent and many thanks for sharing not only the wine and Champagne, but also your evolving life stles. It is so great to be home again, if only for a short time." Once in her room, she changed into her silk nightgown that she had purchased in Paris and was soon fast asleep.

 

The following morning when she woke up, she could smell the bacon that her Mom was cooking for breakfast. She assumed that also meant genuine, extraordinarily-light, yeast-raised Belgium waffles with their crisp edges and deep pockets for melted butter and warmed maple syrup. Sarah really missed those waffles when at Harvard in that all places there simply used a pancake-type batter. She thought, 'Surely in Paris, there will be such places that do it properly.' With that thought, she then reflected briefly on the fine cuisine she had enjoyed in Paris. That was followed by a warm thought about Claude, and she felt a shiver in her body.

 

As she had decided when in CDG, it was her desire to spend time in the Old Town Market to visit wine bars. In her analytical rationalization, such visits would be about doing research to become more familiar with wines before her return to Paris. However, subconsciously, her research was really about her exploring interactions with men in such environments, having done so amazingly well in Paris, Claude specifically. She felt that perhaps that there was more to know, to understand about romance, or simply flirting. After all, was Claude actually a reasonable possibility given his social status in a culture that she desired, but perhaps was not acceptable? It was her upbringing in the conservative lifestyle of her parents that had constrained her thoughts as to who she could be. Fortunately, her time at Harvard had introduced an expanded view of the world, and in her personal development; hence, her travel to Paris.

Sarah went on-line to search for wine bars in the Old Town Market. The first one she found was Chateau Vin, whose French name suggested exactly the environment she was seeking to learn about French wines, at least. That excited her, but then, what should she wear? This was not Paris, and nor was she familiar with the bars and restaurants in that Market that she had never visited when living in Omaha. She had only one true female friend that she knew in her college years while living at home. Before her dinner on her second day home, she called Susan to talk through some thoughts on how to approach Old Town Market. They had a 25-minute catchup before she explained her desire to get around in town starting with Chateau Vin. It was clear in their conversation that Susan had greatly expanded her social interests. Susan agreed to meeting her at Chateau Vin at 8. Sarah welcomed Susan's presence in this first venture out in the social world of Omaha.

At dinner Sarah told her parents that her college friend, Susan, and her would be going out that night to the Old Town Market to visit Chateau Vin. With enthusiasm Mom said she would be interested in hearing what Sarah thought of the place. It was even more clear now to Sarah that the parents were really getting into the wine thing. Sarah responded, "My-oh-my!. Mom. You two are just SOOOOO cute." Her Mom tilted her head as if she didn't understand the reason for the comment. Dad, a retired railroad engineer at the Union Pacific RR, was one of few words, said, "Pumpkin, please be careful down in the Market. There have been several stories on the news on the TV. as to the type of things that go on down there, especially for young women." Mom immediately spoke up, "Father, hush. You really don't understand what is going on. Our dinner group has talked about that market several times. Sarah is perfectly capable of handling herself, especially with Susan being with her."  Turning towards Sarah, she continued, "Dear, enjoy yourself, and I look forward to hearing tomorrow about your adventures. Remember that the code to get in the front door is 4 digits that are the month and year of your birth." Looking at her father, she said, "Thank you, Dad. I am not the same 'Pumpkin' as you knew when I was growing up. I will be just fine. I love you two, and I am very aware of maintaining my safety. Nothing more was said about Sarah's evening.

The dinner was finished with her Mom's cherry galette. As usual, Mom beat Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream to make it extra creamy for it to be provided on the side of each warmed slice of the galette. The jaminess of the pinot noir had done justice to both the richness of the entrée and the fruit of the desert.

Sarah had 90 minutes to prepare for her encounter with Susan. She decided against any of her Paris fashions and initially chose the linen outfit that she wore in Paris. But then again, this is Omaha, and she put on tight jeans and a loose cotton pullover. She did take a stab at preparing her hair as she had done in Paris. At 7:15 she was ready to go, and she decided to arrive at the bar early. She said 'good night' to her parents and grabbed the car keys hanging near the front door. She always enjoy driving her Dad's 1978 British green Mustang hatchback. Her Mom's car, being an aging Chevy van, was of no interest to her.

She arrived at Chateau Vin at 7:30. The parking lot was only partially full. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she exited the Mustang. She could sense her rapid heart beat. She entered the bar and was impressed with its casual setting. While the bar was well-attended to, the individual seating arrangements were not being used. To Sarah, this meant that this was primarily a meeting location for singles, e.g., a pickup bar, a.k.a. a hookup bar. She thought that maybe she should have waited for Susan to approach the bar. But then she saw a familiar face at the bar that waved to her to join him and others. Indeed, it was Bob that had several business courses with her at college. She had enjoyed their conversations between classes. But, he was a bit goofy and focused on muscle cars, she recalled. However, he provided her an 'IN' to be at the bar before Susan arrived.

She offered her hand out for a shake. However, he had a different thought. He immediately embraced her in a gentle way. She liked his cologne. "Hello Sarah, You disappeared after graduation. I have missed our conversations at college." "It is nice to see you again, Bob. I was gone for 2 years attending Harvard's MBA program. I just graduated a month ago." "Wow!, that's great. What's next on your agenda?" "Actually, I am quite excited about a consulting job in Paris where I will returning soon.' "WOW!, again Mademoiselle. Actually, I have an international marketing job which takes me to Paris several times each year." "Really, Bob. That has been a real kick for you, i'm sure." She paused,  "First a question. Which red wine would you suggest for me this evening?" "I'll make that easy for you. Permit me to purchase your first wine here." Without waiting for her response, he turned to the bar tender, "Sir, 2 glasses of the Montelenna Cabernet Sauvignon. please." "Thank you, Bob. I have just returned from Paris where I miraculously received the job offer from an AI company. The gentleman there took me on the face value of my Harvard MBA. And, I start woth a week, or two, for a consulting position so as to test me for a full-time position." He cracked a large smile, "WOW! & WOW!." The two glasses were served with Bob, offering a toast, "To your success with the consulting position .... and to my meeting you when I am in Paris." "I'll toast to that." They clicked their glasses, and Sarah sat back relaxing with with the comfortable introduction to Chateau Vin. 

Remembering his interest in muscle cars, she started the conversation regarding having driven her Dad's 1978 Mustang to the bar. "Oh yeah, I remember seeing that car on campus occasionally." However, he had no further interest at that point. Actually, Sarah liked that and thought 'Maybe he isn't as much of a jerk as I remember from college.' So, she shifted to discussing Paris. That conversation lighted them both on fire. It was as if they were in a competition to top the other's memories. The wine had disappeared, and she took the lead to order the next round. She was really enjoying the conversation .... and his personality. Indeed, he was not the same Bob. But, then again, she was not the same Sarah. As the second glasses of wine arrived, Susan was arriving through the front door. Bob noticed her and said loudly to overcome the noise at the bar, "Hey Susan, great to see you. Come and join Sarah and me. In fact, let's take a booth for the three of us." He then turned to Sarah, "I hope you don't mind." (But, she did, given how the conversation had been going). "Susan and I have been drinking friends since .... since college." "Actually Bob, Susan and I planned to meet her at 8 this evening." "Great. everyone knows everyone." The two met Susan at a table in the far corner of the bar. The two women hugged, and sat down in the booth with Bob taking the place next to Susan. Regardless of how slight, this was Sarah's first experience with jealousy. Susan started, "I must say, Sarah, that you have already made a good start her at this bar. Bob is excellent company." as she turned to Bob and gave a definite wink. Sarah noticed that gesture and wondered what the hell that meant. 'Are these two a thing?'

Sarah continued the conversation about Paris before Susan had arrived. Bob, however, appropriately, included  Susan in the conversation. Sarah eventually gave into the necessity to include Susan. After all, she had asked Susan to be there. Sarah accepted her position and the three continued in a friendly way returning to their college days. Their professors, good and bad, were primarily the points of discussion. 

Bob ordered another round of wine for the three as the evening continued. It was now approaching 10 when Sarah decided she had reached her limit with the wine, given her experience on the Delta flight to JFK. It was clear to her that the other two could go on without any problems. She decided to leave, but with a slight twist. First, she thanked Susan for joining her without any mention of future meetings. Next, she tooks Bob's right hand in hers and expressed her pleasure in their Paris conversation. She gave him a definite wink as Susan had done. He squeezed her hand gengly.

By 11, she was snuggled into her goose down quilt. She fell asleep thinking about the competition she felt with Susan even given the limited time she had alone with Bob.  She thought, 'Am I now vulnerable to such quick feelings given my time with Claude?' She fell asleep thinking about her interactions with Claude learning about France and its qualities in expanding her knowledge of one's life pleasures.

She didn't awake until 9 to the scent of frying sage sausages. That probably meant that pan perdu was on the breakfast menu. This decedent version of French Toast includes vanilla using thick slices of brioche fried soaked in an egg mixture and then fried in butter. Warmed maple syrup was always provided, with a dusting of confectioner's sugar. Before going down, she took a long shower with thoughts of the previous night going through her mind. She shook those thoughts off as she dried and brushed her long hair. Today would be about reacquainting herself with Omaha in general, but specifically with an afternoon visit to the Old Town Market to scope out other wine bars and, possibly, French restaurants. She dressed casually in jeans and a Harvard sweatshirt.

At the breakfast table, Dad was working the crossword puzzle in the daily newspaper while Mom prepared the necessary egg-soak for the Pan Perdu. The Brioche loaf was properly several days old, and Mom was proceeding to cut 1-inch slices. Sarah felt very comfortable being home again. Dad spoke first. "Pumpkin, how was your evening last night?" Quickly followed by, "How was the bar.", and then, "Did you meet with Susan".  As usual, her father strung together several questions without any opportunity to respond. Her Mom kicked in looking up from the utensils she would be using for breakfast. "Yes!, Dear, tell us about last night."

Pouring herself a cup of French Roast from the heated caraffe on the table, Sarah took a sip and then began a brief explanation of what had taken place without mentioning any details regarding Bob. She knew her parents were interested in her pursuing social interactions,  especially with men. However, Sarah was not ready to involve her parents yet. She was still struggling to understand herself out in the world. The Paris trip had been a phenomenal start, but just that. Finishing two hearty pieces of Pan Perdu along with two sausage links, Sarah excused herself from the table to prepare for the day. In her younger years she would have asked to be excused. She was now past that family etiquette.

Once in her room, she used the internet on her laptop to investigate the Old Town Market as to the stores included. Her first find was La Buvette Wine & Grocery. With enthusiasm she checked out the menu and reviews. The reviews were great, but with her recent knowledge of French cuisine, she realized that the menu was quite limited as to serious entrées. As to the wine menu, she was too unfamiliar with the wines offered to rate their worthiness compared to what she had enjoyed in Paris. She noticed that only a few were from France. Nonetheless, that would be her first visit in the evening. Given the previous evening having met Bob on her own, she felt she would try it alone without Susan.

For that daytime activity, she shopped several of the malls near the city as well as boutiques in the Old Town Market. Essentially, she was bored with her shopping activity. By late afternoon, she was ready to get back to Paris. She clearly had replaced her Midwestern mindset. Even though she would be going to the La Buvette bar that evening, she checked it out to buy a bottle of red Rhone for dinner that night.

Upon entering the bar she immediately felt comfortable with its interior compared to the relative plainnessof Chateau Vin. She took a quick turn around the room and found a bottle of red Rhone. Upon checking out, she asked if a reservation was suggested for the evening. It was not. By 5 she was back home and went directly to her room to take a quick shower and change into a stylish cotton outfit for the evening. She then went to the Delta web sight to book her first class ticket back to Paris. She also sent Claude a text as to when she would be arriving in Paris CDG on Delta from JFK. Shortly thereafter, Mom called up that dinner was ready. She grabbed the bottle of Rhone and went down to the dining room. Both parents were seated with the food trays laid out as usual. Tonight was Mom's 
meatloaf with a ketchup-inspiredmtopping, as well as baked small potatoes, and cooked fresh spinach with a touch of garlic. The food and the scents from the kitchen took her mind back to her adolescence. She gave the bottle of Rhone to her Dad and asked him to open it. "Happy to do that Pumpkin. He left to do so, and Mom immediately started in with her. "Dear, I like your outfit. Is this a new style for you?" "You betcha. I was introduced to some exciting styles in Paris."  Her Mom continued, "I expect that you have plans tonight again to visit the Old Town Market" "You betcha, Mom. There is another bar that I want to check out. I wish to know more about French wines in particular before I return to Paris." Dad returned with the opened wine bottle and 3 glasses. Dad first sampled the wine before filling the glasses. He filled the other two glasses and then his. Mom said "Cheers" followed by a "Wow!" by her Mom after tasting the Rhone. The plates were then passed around. As they enjoyed the meal, her Mom paused and asked, "Dear, when do you plan to go back to Paris?" That was the perfect question for Sarah at that point. She was anxious to get back and start her new career. She had only been in Omaha for 3 days, and she loved her parents dearly. But her desire to be in Paris had increased steadily while  being home. So she lied. "Actually, I wanted to mention that issue to you during this dinner. My boss, the CEO, sent me a text that there is a very important meeting with the company's Board and stockholders in 3 days, and he wants me there in two days to prepare for my introduction in that semi-annual meeting. Therefore, I need to leave tomorrow to attend that meeting." She paused, So, I will be leaving Omaha tomorrow at 1 to be in Paris in two days. I'm sorry I can't stay longer. But as I told you before, this position will bring me to the States several times over the next 4 months. AND, you will be able to join me in Paris when you come." As usual, Mom took the lead, "That's fine Dear. We understand. We are so happy for you with this beginning career."

The dinner was an excellent send off with its classic American cuisine. Once finished with her meal, Sarah excused herself saying that she would be home early tonight to finish packing for her trip tomorrow. Mom said, "I will wake you up at 8 serving you one of your favorite breakfasts to get you to the airport by 10;30 for your flight." "Thanks Mom, that will be perfect. I said earlier, I want to check out the wines at La Buvette Wine & Grocery. Sarah excused herself and went to her room to freshen-up for the evening.

On her way to La Buvette Wine & Grocery, she rethought her evening plans. Given that she was now leaving tomorrow, she decided to go back to Chateau Vin. She was hoping that Bob would be there for another conversation, without Susan, before returning to Paris. She entered the bar at 7:15. She went directly to the bar, and Bob was not there. She took a seat as the bar tender recognized her from the previous night. "Sarah, would you like the Montelenna Cabernet Sauvignon again?" "Absolutely, unless you have a particular red wine you would recommend. Perhaps a Rhone?" reflecting on her Delta flight experience. He responded with a wide smile, "Actually, Sarah, I have a very fine Northern Rhone for your tasting. I will pour you a taste." She knew not what the phrase 'Northern Rhone' meant and responded with assurance as if she did know. Tasting the wine she gave the bartender a thumps up. As her glass was being poured she looked up the two Rhones on Google and saw the difference between 'Northern" and "Southern' red Rhone. She made a note in her mind of the difference in the wines used for each wine. 

She was only partially through her glass when she felt a slight hug on her right side. It was Bob, and he started.. "Hello Darling. So nice to see you again, and two nights in a row. I like that. Please keep it up." She responded, Bob, I would like to think that possible. But, the next time we will most likely see each other will be Paris. I leave tomorrow to start my consulting assignment." "Oh, I didn't understand that from our conversation last night. Well, I will need your contact information to make that happen." With a sincere smile, she responded, "Oui Monsieur" and she provided her email address and cell phone number. He  reciprocated with his contact info. Immediately thinking ahead about his trips to Paris, he had the info he needed. With the arrival of Bob, and without the presence of Susan, she reflected on their ease of conversation the night before. She was quite interested in the possibility of meeting him in Paris

He changed the conversation. "What are you drinking?" With faux authority, she said, "I am drinking this very fine 'Northern Rhone' that the bartender recommended." "Ah, yes, Syrah, I prefer the Northern over Southern given the richer dark fruit and lower acidity." Again, with faux authority, she said, "I agree totally." He continued, "By the way, the primary grape in the wine you are drinking is spelled S Y R A H, and often misspelled by Americans as S A R A H  "Perhaps that explains my enjoyment of this wine." They both laughed. With a charming smile he quipped, "I just realized that their are 2 SARAHs that I like very much." She blushed slightly at that comment. "Indeed Bob, you are a charmer. And I like that." He said with a wink, "Wait until we meet in Paris. I take on a certain personality in that City of Lights." "I look forward to that Monseiur." This slight flirtation by both was mutually enjoyable.

Sarah finished her wine, and Bob ordered another round for both of them. Sarah started, "Tell me, s'il te plaît, when you come to Paris, what would we do during your visit .... when I can best enjoy your 'Paris personality'. He liked the question and the challenge to charm this woman." He paused for a moment. He didn't have an immediate response. "Well Mademoiselle, what we do will be up to both of us. You collect your thoughts, and I will do the same. Our first time together will be at one of my favorite brasseries, and we will discuss and move forward from there." She loved that response. 

The conversation shifted to lighter subjects such as shopping in Paris and the advantage of taking the bus instead of the Metro. She was so charmed with his ease and warmth in discussing Paris from her perspective. Her apple watch sounded when it was 9, the time she had set to get back to the house to finish packing. She said she had to leave to prepare for her flight tomorrow. They both stood, and he gave her a kiss on each cheek. She responded appropriately.

Once home, Mom said goodnight and stated that she would wake Sarah at 8 to enjoy another one her favorite breakfasts, poached eggs on top of corned beef hash. Her mom knew the two secrets to making poached eggs, e.g., straining out the loose whites, and then putting the eggs in vinegar before placing then in simmering water. The eggs were poached for 3 minutes.

Within an hour, Sarah had finished her packing including her favorite stuffed dog that was showing its cuddling of 20 some years.

As promised, Mom knocked on Sarah's bedroom doo at 8. "Dear, in 25 minutes your breakfast will be ready." "Got it Mom. Thanks!" She showered, put on her jeans and Harvard sweatshirt. At 10, Dad was driving her to the Omaha airport with plenty of time to check in on her Delta flight to JFK, and then onto CDG.

On her flight to JFK, she reflected on the conversation with Bob the night before and realized that Claude had not entered her mind that whole time. "Hmmmm, meeting Bob in Paris." She smiled.