Chapter 39 Marie
“Mon dieu, chérie,” I say to Olivia as I close the book I’ve been reading. “This is how you spend your working hours?”
“I’ve moved on to lesbians now.” Olivia looks very much at home in my sofa. It’s dark outside but for the city lights glimmering behind her.
“Thank goodness. I don’t think I could stand reading another one of these. You were right. Far too many penises.” I somehow manage to keep a straight face.
“You don’t have to read every book I translate.” She barely looks up from the bundle of poetry she’s reading—it’s the one Sandrine put together and Olivia has a poem in.
“Are you almost ready?” I’m surprised she isn’t running around trying to expel her nerves with frantic activity. “Maman doesn’t like it when we’re late.”
“Maman happens to adore me, so.” She
