Page 25 of Be Less Panda

‘I’m sorry?’

‘It would sound better if you said “spending all day on your feet”’

‘I see. My lesson has started already.’ He grinned.

At least she’d somehow cheered him up.

‘That was a long walk,’ Olivia said, when Nancy returned home later. ‘How much vocabulary did you get through?’

‘Nothing adventurous. We spent most of the time in a café, talking about our childhoods. He told me about his life in Germany during the war. It’s so sad. He hasn’t got any family left now. He was the only one to survive an air raid.’

‘That must be tough. Still, no in-laws for you to worry about.’

‘Olivia!’

‘It’s true. I’m quite nervous about meeting Pierre’s family.’

‘It shouldn’t matter if they don’t like you. Is Pierre the type of man who would ditch you if his parents’ objected?’

‘I’m not sure. I guess we’ll find out in a couple of weeks. Anyway, when are you seeing Hans next?’

‘He’s meeting me after work again tomorrow.’

‘He sounds keen.’

‘Only because he wanted to check what some of the phrases meant inBleak House, and he forgot to bring the book with him today.’

Olivia raised her eyebrows. ‘That’s convenient.’

It had crossed Nancy’s mind that Hans might be using it as an excuse to see her again, but today had been a perfectly pleasant chat with no hint of him being attracted to her. She didn’t want Olivia poking her nose in and ruining what could be a good friendship with him. ‘I‘m not getting involved with anyone here, remember,’ she said.

13

It was Nancy’s first Saturday off. Olivia had promised to show her around the sights of central Paris, but apart from a quick look at Notre Dame, the trip was turning into a guided tour of the best dress shops.

‘You said you wanted to up your game fashion-wise,’ Olivia said when Nancy complained.

’Yes, but I haven’t budgeted for a new frock this month. I’m fine with the ones I’ve got.’

‘Just one more shop, then we’ll call it a morning,’ Olivia said as they walked up to a rather chic boutique.

The sales assistant greeted Olivia with delight. ‘It’s so lovely to see you again. Do sit down. We’ve had some new styles in this week which I’m sure you will love,’ she said, heading towards a rail at the back of the shop.

‘How many dresses have you bought from here before?’ Nancy whispered, ‘Because I swear I saw the Franc signs appear in her eyes the minute she saw you.’

‘One or two, possibly three.’ Olivia looked sheepish. Nancy guessed that meant at least six.

‘This dress is exactly your style,’ the assistant said, returning with a shot silk dress in emerald green.

‘It’s beautiful.’ Olivia looked besotted with it.

‘Shall I put it in the changing room for you?’ the assistant asked.

‘Yes, please. I’ll just see if there’s anything else I like.’ Olivia got up and started flicking through the hangers on the nearest rail.

‘This blue one would look fabulous on you,’ Olivia said, pulling out a dress with a fitted skirt and holding it up for Nancy to admire.

It was a pretty colour, similar to the large ocean blue topaz ring her mother loved to wear. Nancy got up and took the dress to the mirror. She held it against herself. The shape would be flattering. Perhaps she could skip the savings for another week.

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