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The Paris Experiment

Excerpt Thirty Eight

Le Petit Dejeuner

1 Jul

“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” Billy Idol

“I will take it!” I made this declarative statement almost immediately after walking into the charming 6th floor flat with a partial view of Notre Dame.  I could not believe it was an apartment in my price range, newly remodeled with a glimpse of the stunning cathedral. Also, it happened to be located only a block from the Seine River. I felt as if I had won the lottery. I was going to be able to rent this for the next six months before it would become high tourist season and much more than I would be able to afford. I happily signed the six month rental agreement.

It was only twenty-two square meters, however the architect had done such an amazing job with it, it felt much more spacious than that. This apartment had tall ceilings, off-white walls, chandeliers and floor to ceiling windows in both the bedroom and the living area. The bathroom and kitchen had been newly up-dated as well. There was a gas fireplace in the bedroom, a large flat-screen TV, and windows staring out at the Notre Dame Cathedral. I just could not understand how this place fit within my budget. This apartment had a quintessential Parisian charm. This is exactly what I had envisioned when I had pictured life in Paris.

It was extraordinary. A true dream.

~~~~

“Cheers, Santé. To an awesome year so far… and much more to come!” Stated Sebastian, and with that the four of us clinked our glasses of champagne. “To Krista’s new amazing flat!” Pearl exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Thanks for celebrating this with me you guys and ….To new friendships!”

“Yes! I already feel like I have known you all forever.” Sarah shouted.

Sebastian preceded the conversation in sharing his latest. He was in a new relationship. He had started dating a french man much older – close to 50 (Sebastian was 27) who was a successful attorney in Paris, also a published author of several books including one on eroticism. Interesting. I was curious as to Sebastian’s type. He even declared he was attracted to very successful business men that were older and wiser. Sebastian peaked at my curiosity, as I felt he was looking for something meaningful and serious in Paris also. Sarah was more flippant about it, but Sebastian I felt was dating to be in something real like myself. At times I wished I could have had Sarah’s nonchalant attitude about dating.

“His name is Emmanuel. He is very wealthy – he lives in the 7th arrondissement.” Sebastian stated with conviction. I could see the pride on his face, and the utter enjoyment he was feeling of setting roots down here too. For me it was my apartment and house party. For him … it was a man.

We were all glued to the conversation sipping our champagne and passing around the cheese board.

The large window in the room was ajar, letting in the breezy night air. Intermittently throughout the conversation we heard the Notre Dame bells ringing in the background … I had goosebumps on my forearms. As I took a sip of champagne and gazed around the room, I wasn’t sure if it was from the chill in the night air, what Sebastian was relaying to us, or the profoundness of the bells ringing.

4 Comments

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Comments

  1. Evelyn Anderson says

    July 2, 2021 at 8:04 pm

    ❤️ keep writing Krista. Stay healthy and happy

    Reply
    • Krista Bender says

      July 12, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      Thank you Evelyn – I plan to!

      Reply
  2. Tierney says

    July 18, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    May the bells of joy ring for you always . You have so much to look forward to !! Such goodness ahead !
    ❤️

    Reply
    • Krista Bender says

      July 21, 2021 at 5:07 pm

      Yay! Love this statement Tierney – thank you 🙂

      Reply

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