Excerpt Thirty Four

“Listen, I have people here from out of town. I am a regular at this club. I am about to order a Magnum of Blanc de Blancs Champagne. I would like a couch and table seating please. I will not stay a regular to your business if I do not get into this club right this moment.”

I could not believe the words coming out of my mouth. Who did I think I was? I was acting like I owned Paris. The truth was I had never stepped foot in this club. And promising to order a Magnum of Blanc de Blancs? Blanc de Blancs is champagne made from using only Chardonnay grapes. It was my favorite and also much more expensive usually speaking. Much to my surprise this extreme assertiveness worked and the group of us were let right in. We were led to a large circular area near the DJ and a waiter came over immediately. As I had promised the bouncers, I ordered a Magnum of Champagne. It was Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. Next thing I knew, the Magnum was presented and sparkling crystal glasses were laid out. Sarah screamed, “Oh my GOD! Who ordered this?” I shot her a smile. She looked back in disbelief. “Krista!!” she exclaimed, not quite understanding what I was doing.

At 4 am finally the bill came. 500 Euros. Everyone had trickled out and left. I had ordered a Magnum of champagne and I was left with the bill. I broke away from my make-out session with Matthias and asked him to read the bill and clarify the price. Sure enough he did. He took out his credit card and agreed to split the bill with me. I could not believe myself.

What I did remember the next day was walking back to my place as the sun was rising over the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine River was glistening, picking up the reflection of the baby pink and blue sky. I remember smelling the yeasty, buttery and sugary whiffs from the boulangeries and watching white trucks pulling up outside with drivers unloading large potato sacks of flour. 

 After taking two aspirin, I glimpsed at my phone to see several text messages from Sarah asking if I was safe and okay. I did not even remember saying good-bye to her.  Geez

Low and behold I also had a text from Benjamin. 

Hello Krista, do you want to see a movie tonight with me?

I responded yes to Benjamin. I responded to Sarah and told her to meet me at our favorite brunch spot, Egg’s and Co. in the Saint Germain Des Pres. in an hour so we could rehash what exactly had happened the previous evening. I needed toast, coffee and orange juice desperately.

 I suddenly noticed the empty champagne bottle of Ruinart sitting on my kitchen counter. According to Matthias, I had apparently taken it home with me for a memory. Why would I want a memory of stupidity? All I could do was laugh. I threw on a sweater, my large sunglasses and headed out the door to meet Sarah for eggs.