Memories Never Dies

Épisode 10

Chapter 9



Spring has finally arrived! It's a grand day of celebration in Saintes-Dames. The event is very popular, with people from all over the area coming to attend each year.

For the villagers, this date marks reunions between neighbors and friends, after the long winter evenings spent isolated in their homes.

For the children and the sellers, the happiness of finally being able to show off the work they've done in recent weeks, with the realization of floats, all more wonderful than the others, during the flower parade, also called Corso Fleuri.

Even though the thermometer doesn't exceed eighteen degrees in the morning, the day starts under a radiant sun and the afternoon promises to be sweet.

Paper flower garlands decorate the branches of the large plane trees in the city center, still lacking leaves in this season. Speakers, which play festive music, have been installed in various places. From time to time, you can hear the announcement of someone.

All the shops have expanded their displays onto the sidewalks and into the large square, the café's terrace extends onto the pavement where numerous tables surrounded by long benches have been set up for a picnic-style meal. Street vendors, showcasing their artisan creations, have set up their stalls here and there in the streets. Games will be organized all afternoon. From sack races to weight throwing, including a treasure hunt, everything is done to have a pleasant day.

In short, from the oldest to the youngest, everyone has worked hard to make this event a unique moment. Not breaking tradition, I particularly like this date, symbolizing the return of sunny days and warm temperatures.

Early this morning, I decorated a table outside the agency with spring bouquets. I placed many photos of past events, souvenir albums, and lots of sweet and salty treats to enjoy. Colorful planters, lent by Nonna, also enhance the flowerbed right in front of the shop window.

Seated on a small wooden chair, I'm going to make paper flowers and other origami for a good part of the day.

For his part, Michel has brought out a crêpe cart. A sort of mini mobile kitchen on wheels, equipped with two hot plates for cooking the crêpes and a space for preparing the batter. A contraption that will be operational from the beginning of the afternoon.

Nonna, helped by her friends from the association and in charge of the refreshment stand set up in the middle of the central square, is also hard at work. On this busy day, without a doubt, it’s the place that sees the most people. And just like the past two years, she’ll surely be exhausted before the end of the day and will likely return home shortly after the ball begins.

Luna and her bank colleagues are the only ones working on this unusual day. They have to wait until the exceptional 4:00 pm closure before they can finally go out and enjoy the festivities. Anyway, this doesn't matter to my sister, who, this year and without her Loïc, has no interest in these celebrations.

As lunchtime approaches, the curious crowd grows larger and, naturally, this is the moment Michel chooses to leave the agency accompanied by Eloise.

_ Rosa, my dear,( the boss asks me, )we are going to join my nephew in the central square for a picnic... Would you like to join us?

In the middle of creating art in front of a group of travellers, I clearly show my disappointment when I look up at my colleagues.

_ I would have accepted with joy, but Enzo is about to join me any minute. We planned to have a quick meal here during his break.

At that moment , I saw him approaching us, charged with bags of food.

_ Greetings to everyone ! (my boyfriend jokes, playfully bowing as he comes closer.)

_ Hey! Hello, Enzo. (Michel greets him, doing the same.) It looks like you're planning to feed the whole village!

Enzo, who kisses my cheek, turns to the man, his chest proudly puffed out.

_ You have to feed the beast! (he jokes, tapping his chest.)

_ I see that, (smiles the boss, giving me a meaningful glance while I roll my eyes in annoyance.) Enjoy your meal, lovebirds. See you later, behave yourselves!

Enzo nods his head as a goodbye and hurries into the agency to relieve his arms. Chilled to the bone, I follow him without hesitation. Despite the sun accompanying me for three hours while I've been sitting in front of the display window, it is still quite shy at this time of year.

_ Wow!

I exclaim in delight as I discover the meal awaiting us: burgers from the local brewery, the best in the region.

_ Your meal, madame!

Enzo bows, pulling out my stool with one hand and inviting me to sit with the other.

_ Thank you! You're so sweet.

He lets out a contented sigh.

_ Yes, I know!

As we start our meal, the young man begins to speak.

_ Had a good morning?

_ Yes, it was good! We had quite a few people. And you?

_ The usual... but quieter!

And soon our conversation fizzles out.

Engrossed in responding to messages or watching videos on our phones, we enter a kind of solitary bubble. Before we know it, it's time to get back to work.

Before leaving, we agree on how the rest of the day will go, and then Enzo heads back to the garage, leaving me alone at the agency. I use this solitude to clean up the remains of our meal, but it doesn't last long as Michel and Eloise arrive after finishing their lunch.

_ Hey Rosa,( my colleague's voice rings out as she enters.) Everything went well?

_ Yes, everything's fine. (I tell her.) I was just about to prepare some tea... Isn't Michel with you?

_ He's coming... And yes, I'd like some tea. Excuse me, dear, but I need to use the lady’s room.

I smile as Eloise walks away, then grab the teapot to fill it with water. But a warm, smooth voice, one that I would recognize among a thousand now, resonates behind me.

_ Hello, Young Lady!

A chill, both destabilizing and pleasant, runs through me as I look into his intense eyes. How could I resist? They're dark, but their shadows are captivating. An ardent flame consumes me from inside, making me forget who I am, where I am, and even how to breathe. It's hard to hide my reaction, but I try my best to play it cool and answer him.

_ Amaury! I didn't see you come in. How are you?

The man leans close to my ear and inhales deeply, as if to savor my scent, before whispering,

_ Divinely, now that you're here...

Then, without regard for the turmoil he's just stirred in me, he put a kiss on my cheek and heads towards the coat rack near the trash can, where the remnants of our lunch packaging are visible.

_ Hmm, (he coughs as he hangs up his duffle coat.) Not very good for the waistline, all that!

Going from hot to cold isn't great either! I think to myself.

Honestly, I'm not sure which of the two emotions surging within me should be expressed first: the passionate fire ignited by the soft touch of his lips on my cheek or the annoyance sparked by his ill-placed criticism of my couple's questionable eating habits.

_ Hmm... And your picnic lunch?

I manage to ask after clearing my throat. The half-amused, half-incredulous look from Amaury completely throws me off, but thankfully, the man answers almost immediately.

_ A bit loud for my eardrums,( he teases,) but overall, I had a pleasant time.

_ Did you tell him we ran into Nonna?

Michel interjects, stepping through the door.

_ Yes, that's correct,( Amaury continues, noticing my sudden interest.) My uncle introduced me to your grandmother...

Silence.

And?! I ask myself , disappointed that he doesn't elaborate further. Did they just cross way? Did they talk a bit?

My frustration doesn't go unnoticed by the handsome, dark-haired man, who keep going, but not in the way I expected.

In the manner of a perfect gentleman, one hand behind his back and the other outstretched with an open palm facing me, he speaks again.

_ Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the center of the village? Our lunch break was brief, and we didn't have time to explore all the festivities. Moreover, I'm in great need of a guide.

My face lights up, only to be swiftly veiled in uncertainty.

_ I would have gladly accepted,( I defend myself,) but I'm not sure if I can leave my post.

_ Ah, in that case, let's ask your boss to give you a break. What do you think, Michel? (he demands of the main person concerned, after giving me a wink.) Would you agree to let your assistant step away from her post for a few moments?

_ Yes, of course!

Michel affirms, encouraging us with a hand gesture that says "go away."

_ Grazie mille, Michel! (I thank him, quickly rushing to his neck to give him a kiss.) We won't be long, promise!

_ No worries, (the man responds, touched.) Take your time, today is a day for celebration.

Quickly, Amaury and I jump into the busy alleyways of the village. In front of each shop, stands have been set up, creating a colorful and aromatic festival that draws curious travelers like flies. Enthusiastically taking on my role as a guide, I lead my tourist to every seller, introducing them and feeling happy to see that the seemingly introverted man joins in the social interaction without reluctance. It's quite the opposite. Amaury seems comfortable, engaging in conversation smoothly. This unanticipated behavior urges me, against my will, to compare him to my boyfriend, with whom I can't recall having shared similar moments. Moments of simplicity, where strolling rhymes with delight, where sharing occurs effortlessly, where the harmony of two souls requires no words but only the presence of each other. A constancy expressed through affectionate gestures, smiles, or meaningful looks. Amaury's gestures are full of tenderness and respect. So much so that if I weren't in a relationship, honestly, I would have undoubtedly slipped my hand into his a long time ago.

_ Do you know everyone here?

The man asks as we leave the chocolatier's stand with a small gift pouch.

_ No. (I laugh, amused by his question.) I know the sellers more than the residents. I grew up here, remember?

_ I haven't forgotten...

Before continuing, he pauses for a moment, accompanying it with an intense gaze, as if to emphasize his "I haven't forgotten" and convey to me that from the very beginning of our relationship, he has been listening attentively.

_ It must be nice to be rooted somewhere?

_ Yes, very! Is that not the case for you?

I ask, prompted by the implication.

_ Not really, no. Frequent moving doesn't go well with feeling rooted.

_ Oh yes! It can also have its advantages! Between us, being rooted can also mean being too close to others. A situation that can sometimes be burdensome and play tricks on you... And regarding privacy, I won't even mention it!

_ Like this walk, for example?

We look at each other. I feel myself blushing and turn my eyes on the people walking by.

_ M-hm, for example.

Silence.

As we continue our slow walk, seconds pass before I speak again, still driven by the desire to learn more about the handsome adventurer who accompanies me.

_ You must have traveled quite a bit, if I understand correctly?

_ A fair amount, yes.

_ Which areas?

He smiles and fixes his fiery gaze on me.

_ Which countries, would be the better question.

As the rest of his answer seems to be taking its time, I stare at him with impatience. But the man doesn't appear inclined to elaborate, so I encourage him.

_ Would it be indiscreet of me to ask which ones?

_ Not indiscreet, no. Just a bit long to list.

_ Really... To that extent?

_ To that extent, yes.

_ No worries, we have time.

As I insist, he stops walking to face me, covering me with a weird look.

_ You are persistent, young lady. But fine, I'll try to keep it brief.

He takes a moment to put his thoughts together, then starts walking again.

_ Southernmost point of South America. Then Italy for a while...

_ Italy! (I exclaim.) My grandmother is from Apulia, you know! Where exactly did you live?

A melancholic look crosses his face, revealing an embarrassment that leaves me perplexed. But before I can ask, Amaury continues.

_ In a small village in Tuscany whose name wouldn't mean anything to you. To be honest, I didn't stay there for long...

Again, his gaze saddens. Disappointed that he doesn't elaborate further, I resist the urge to press the matter, as I don't want to come across as too nosy. No one has a perfect past—myself included—and I understand that hardships can be challenging to share. So, without diverting him from the confidences he offers, I intentionally skip over Italy and continue.

_ Then? (I ask, urging him to continue his story.) After Italy, where did you go?

_ After, (he resumes, as if his mind has just returned to his body,) I moved to Paris. Specifically, the 15th arrondissement, Montparnasse—you know it?

_ Uh... Sort of! It's a beautiful neighborhood, right?

_ Yes, very!

_ Do you still live there?

I inquire.

_ No. (he smiles, clearly amused by my questions.) After a while, I left France for the United States.

_ Wow! The United States! Where exactly?

_ Very close to Central Park, in Manhattan...

_ New York!

_ That's right. (Amaury confirms.) Have you ever been there?

_ No, but I watch a lot of American TV shows. (I joke before continuing more seriously.) It's a destination on my wish list!

_ Really? If it's so important to you, why haven't you been there yet?

I laugh, rolling my eyes.

_ Well... Enzo doesn't like to travel and... it's not great alone.

_ I agree... but that's a shame. Isn't there anyone who could go with you? Someone from your circle of friends or family...

_ Who? My sister? She prefers Australia... My grandmother? She's more of a homebody and gets tired easily. Maybe my friends, but they're broke... So no, Amaury, there's really no one.

_ Hmmm... Are you sure about that?

I stop walking and look at him with confusion. What is he trying to say? Is this a proposition? If so, it's in very inappropriate. And unless I want to embarrass myself, assuming my imagination isn't playing tricks on me, I'd rather pretend not to understand. A silence that prompts him to explain himself.

_ Couldn't I, in turn, serve as your guide one of these days?

_ Amaury! (I scold, realizing I wasn't mistaken.) You can't be serious!

The following visual exchange seems to be suspended in time. While Amaury's look remains firm and unwavering, mine is completely lost. An unfair battle in the face of the inexplicable attraction he has over me. Clearly, he's playing with fire. Only, at the simple thought of putting an end to it, my heart aches with very painful pain. It's even worse when my admirer adds another part, as if one wasn't enough!

_ I'm not asking you to leave tomorrow, but if one day the adventure tempts you, know that I would be pleased to accompany you.

Well, how about that! Enzo would surely be delighted to know his girlfriend is at the other end of the world with 'Mister', just because he, the man supposed to make her happy, is simply unable to fulfill a damn wish list.

Sensing my emotions about to overflow, I take a deep breath and, start walking again, going back to the previous conversation over my shoulder.

_ You didn't finish telling me... After Manhattan, where did you go?

Amaury catches up to me, his smile saying it all. Despite knowing the subject isn't closed for him, I'm relieved he doesn't press the matter.

After Manhattan, where he had spent many years, he returned to Europe: Switzerland, Italy once again, then Germany, finally returning to Paris a few years earlier. From there, he moved to several districts in the capital, ending up more recently in the seventh arrondissement.

Impressed by this singular journey—me who has hardly ever left my region—I couldn't help but express my astonishment as soon as he finished his story...

_ Wow, that's incredible!

Aside from the countless questions rushing through my mind, like whether he did all this alone, with his parents, or if he was forced to do it and why, one question particularly bothers me: so many countries, so young, it's not just incredible, it's almost unbelievable. I even wonder if he might be making up stories just to show off.

_ You'd have to be at least a hundred years old to live in so many different places!

I joke, shooting him a defiant look. He smiles and retorts quickly.

_ I look younger , isn’t it?

Surprised by his response and the serious yet enigmatic air that accompanies it, I can't hide my embarrassment. Once again, I abruptly turn away my eyes to a passing stranger to escape... His aura? His gaze? Him? What he awakens within me? I'm not entirely sure. And to disguise my uneasiness, I keep talking.

_ And more seriously... How old are you?

He remains mysteriously silent for a moment before responding.

_ What do you think? How old would you guess I am?

Ugh! All these mysteries are starting to annoy me, yet I can't help but play along, it's beyond my control. But, to add a bit of spice, I stop walking and turn to face him.

Narrowing my eyes slightly, like someone in need of contemplation, I examine him closely. Although unsettling, the exercise is a fascinating study. His angelic face borders on perfection. His long brown eyelashes surrounding his stretched eyes give them a surprising intensity. His straight, well-defined nose accentuates his aristocratic side. However, his bleached hair on top and shaved sides lend him an unconventional charm. And as for his age, honestly, I'm getting lost—considering his athletic build and the fine beard that ages him a bit, he doesn't seem to have reached his thirties.

_ Between twenty-five and twenty-seven?

I finally pick a try, distracted by his unwavering look that never left mine throughout my observation.

_ Not bad, I admit.

He congratulates me as we slowly continue our walk. A vague answer, far from satisfying me, awaits me, expecting him to confirm his exact age...

_ And so? (I ask after a few seconds,) Twenty-five? Twenty-six? Twenty-seven?

He smiles, again!

_ Mmm... Twenty-five.

I nod in approval and move on to a more "ordinary" question, hoping to lower my body temperature.

_ What month were you born in?

As if this request bothered him, he stops again and stares at me, but this time, with a hint of surprise.

_ You're quite curious! And what about you? What month were you born in?

I'm surprised at the way he deflects my question, but I choose to ignore it and decide to remain mysterious as well.

_ I was born in the most beautiful month of the year.

I exclaim, displaying a smile that doesn't leave my companion unmoved.

_ Let me guess...

The man, much like I did earlier, stops in front of me and begins to study me closely. Initially surprised by his behavior, I wonder how he plans to guess my birth month by examining me, but I don't resist, instead engrossed by the idea of his incredible eyes on me.

For long seconds, once again finding myself in an emotionally challenging situation, he allows his ardent gaze to slowly, tenderly glide across my face, my cheeks, my nose, my lips, my eyes... so much so that I immediately lower my eyes when I feel the turmoil overtaking me.

_ In May!

Phew! I say to myself at first, relieved that he put an end to my torment. Because on the other hand, how did this man, who recently entered my life, manage to hit the nail on the head the first time?!

Annoyed, I give him a dark look when I realize my naivety! Amaury may be a stranger, but he is also the nephew of Michel, a man who, as for him, knows me very well, including my birth month.

_ You cheated! (I exclaim, pretending to be outraged.) You knew, Michel told you.

_ Absolutely not! You put me on the right track when you mentioned the most beautiful month of the year. And in my eyes, May is the most beautiful.

Like a caress, and similar to a psychotropic substance with an immediate calming effect, Amaury's last words and his warm tone radiate throughout my body. It's powerful, destabilizing, and above all, f*******n. But I don't stop the game for all that...

_ Just like in my eyes.

_ That makes two things we have in common.

Amaury adds, pointing with his chin at the bundle I'm holding in my hands, referring to the chocolate.

A moment of extreme pleasure, abruptly interrupted by the bustle of the central square that appears before us. A dense crowd wanders around the shops bordering the vast space, while other onlookers are seated around dozens of tables arranged in the middle for the occasion.

Nonna's stand, a large refreshment stall set up in front of the brewery, is likely the place with the most people. A sudden realization catches my attention.

_ By the way, you didn't tell me how your meeting with my grandmother went?

Amaury looks at the old woman, who is working like a maniac, then tilts his head toward me with an amused expression.

_ What do you want to know?

Yes, that's a good question! What exactly am i looking to find out, I ask myself... How he found her? If he liked her? If she appreciated him? What they said to each other? If they talked about me?...

And in the end, what good would it do me to know? Huh?

_ Nothing. (I retract, disappointed.)

My response immediately prompts a reaction from Amaury.

_ Nonna seems to be very kind, Benevolent, too, and undoubtedly very patient, as you can see from how much she invests in her role (we smile at each other). She was delighted to meet me, and without giving away too much, I think she enjoyed our conversation. You're very much alike in many ways, I think. A sincere smile that could brighten up any darkness. A gaze that is both soft and hard, hiding a great deal of suffering. A heart...

The man interrupts himself to face me and delicately takes one of my hands. His stare, fixed on mine, is intense. Dark and so luminous at the same time that I have difficulty holding it.

_ If you'll allow me, I'd like to ask you a favor...

I nod in agreement.

Worried about what's to come, I still hold my breath. On his side, he smiles again and continues.

_ ...Our relationship didn't start off on the best foot (he's probably referring to the aborted evening at Tenclub, I say to myself). And in order to start off on the right foot, I'd like to reiterate my request and offer you a drink, but this time without all the indiscreet eyes that made you uncomfortable the other day. Just you, me, and the present moment.

With relief, I inwardly sigh and resume breathing.

_ Of course, with great pleasure, Amaury.