Page 53 of Be Less Panda

Nancy looked at the date again. ‘I’ll have to check with Madame Dubois. I’m supposed to be working that Saturday.’

‘What time is the ceremony?’

’15:30 at 18 Rue de la Republique. Where’s that?’

‘I don’t know. Hang on.’ Olivia took a small blue map book out of a kitchen drawer. She looked up the location in the index.

‘There it is,’ she said, pointing to a short street on the other side of the Bois de Boulogne.

Nancy took the book from her. ‘It doesn’t say there’s anything special there. Shouldn’t it be a church or something?’

‘I thought it had to be a town hall to make it legal, but they might do that beforehand, and this is just the informal ceremony afterwards.’

‘It will be interesting to see how a German wedding ceremony works.’

‘And it’s another excuse to go dress shopping!’ Olivia said gleefully.

Nancy was horrified. ‘I am not coming with you this time!’

26

The day of the wedding was hot and sunny. Nancy was checking her dress looked ok when there was a knock on the apartment door.

‘That must be Hans,’ Olivia shouted from her bedroom. ’I forgot to tell you Pierre’s going to meet us there. He’s been helping his brother set up his new restaurant.’

Nancy opened the door. Hans was standing on the landing, looking very suave in a new medium blue suit. It enhanced the colour of his eyes.

‘At this risk of making a terrible pun, it suits you,’ Nancy said.

‘As the best man, I thought I should make an effort.’ He smiled as he walked in. ‘Dieter’s gone on ahead to make sure everything is ready.’

‘You’re looking hot, Hans,’ Olivia said as she emerged from her bedroom.

‘Really? I’m feeling just right. This lightweight material is perfect for this warm spring weather.’

Nancy decided not to explain. It might make him embarrassed. But Olivia was right, he was looking hot. The better-fitting suit emphasised his broad shoulders. She remembered admiring him in his swim shorts at the toga party, and blushed at the thought.

Hans must’ve noticed her face going red. ‘You are also looking hot, Nancy.’

‘Yes, it is quite warm in here,’ she said, fanning herself with the wedding invitation.

‘Are you both ready?’ Hans asked. ‘I have a taxi waiting outside. I thought it would make for a more pleasant journey than using the Metro. My treat.’

‘Hans, you’re an angel. That’s really considerate.’ Olivia gave him a peck on each cheek.

He looked at Nancy.

‘I better show my appreciation as well,’ she said. She noticed him gulp as she pecked him on his left cheek. For a moment, she thought he was going to go in for a full kiss, but he changed his mind.

He coughed uncomfortably. ‘Shall we go?’

‘Just a minute, I almost forgot their present.’ Olivia grabbed the bag containing the bottle of champagne she’d bought that morning. ‘Ready now. Lead the way.’

Dieter and Pierre were already waiting outside as the taxi drew up outside the wedding venue. Pierre embraced Olivia as if they hadn’t seen one another for weeks rather than a few hours.

‘Nervous?’ Nancy asked Dieter.

‘A little,’ he said. ‘I will be happier when Ingrid arrives.’

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