16
Paris, January 1950
Jasmine bumped into Antoine on the landing, so they walked to the school together. She had suffered a turbulent night, unable to sleep as her brain raced, re-running everything she could remember about the previous night. As they walked, Antoine kept up a monologue, but she was only half-listening. They were crossing the Boulevard Saint-Germain before she realised he was talking about his girlfriend and how he was going home to Cabourg the following weekend.
Trying to sound casual, Jasmine said, ‘You must miss her a lot.’ Seizing the opportunity she added, ‘May I ask you a personal question? You and your girlfriend – have you? Do you? You know ...’
He looked at her sideways, amused. ‘Get to the point, girl. Are you asking me whether we sleep together? Of course w
