Page 40 of A Noble Affair
“Thank you very much for the invitation,” Sherri replied. “We’d love to come.”
“It’s kind of you to think of us,” Chastity added.
After Charles’s short visit, Chastity lifted her arms in a stretch and removed the pins from her hair then rolled onto the balls of her feet. She dropped her head down and swung her hair back and forth. As she stood and twisted from side to side, her mother leaned back in her chair. “So, he’s another one of Tommy’s doctors?” Her tone was casually inquisitive.
“Mmhmm.” Chastity walked over to the windowsill and fiddled with the toys there, stacking the books and putting the pieces to a game in a more orderly fashion. “He was the first doctor who treated him, but he’s on sabbatical so he handed the case back to Dr. Toussaint.”
“And it’s the strangest thing,” she added, turning around swiftly. “He owns the château at Maisons-Laffitte, and I teach his son at the school."
“What a coincidence.” Her mom raised an eyebrow. “He seems like a nice man.”
“Oh.” Chastity shrugged one shoulder. “He’s nice—at least here in the hospital. Honestly it came asa surprise to me. When I met him at the school to talk about his son, I never could have imagined him being this warm. Believe me, his expression is not always that friendly.” Restless, she straightenedthe blanket over her son and sat, crossing one leg over the other.
“Hm.” Her mother picked up her Sudoku puzzle and pencil. When her daughter turned to stare out the window, the older womanallowed herself a small smile.
19
Max showed up at the café fifteen minutes late. He stood at the entrance, his eyes blinking in the poor lighting. Jean sat to the right of the small round table with anempty espresso cup, hooded eyes fixed on Max and a lit cigarette poised in his hand.
Max finally spotted him. He moved unhurriedly to the chair at the left of the table and threw his book-bag on the floor. With deliberate movements, he took out a cigarette, tapped it on the package and lit up, exhaling before he spoke.
“Okay, I’m here.”
Jean stared at him until he penetrated Max’s armor of confidence—the chink that was his youth. “Don’t be late again,” was all Jean said.
He stood, threw a couple of euro coins on the table and said, “Come,” without a backwards glance. Max slammeddown the menu, grabbed his bag, and followed his dubious mentor. When they were on the street, Jean led the way over the crosswalk into theJardin des Tuilieries, where there were plenty of people, and just as many empty spaces to talk.
Climbing onto a park bench, Jean sat on the back of it, his feet planted on the seat. Max did likewise. “So? What happened.” Jean lit another cigarette.
“I was able to get the money again, so he won'thave it. What are you going to do to him?”
Jean ignored the question. “Did he ask you about it?”
“No, why would he?” Max answered with hostility. “He doesn’t suspect me. I mean, the guy doesn’t have a clue. I don’t know why you insist on using him when I would do a much better job.”
Jean took a drag on his cigarette. When he spoke, Max felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck. “Drop the attitude, kid. I know all about your ambition. I was you not all that long ago. Now. Give me half of what you stolelikewe agreed.”
Max played with the strap on his bag while staring at the ground. Finally, he reached into the side-pocket of his jacket and took out a wad of cash, handing it over without looking. “It’s all there.”
Jean counted it. “I’m sure it is.” When he flicked the last bill, his gaze went to Max. “I need Louis for a little longer to serve my own purposes. When I’m done with him, I’ll need someone with more balls. If you drop the attitude, it’ll be you. If not, I’ll find someone else.”
Max exhaled, and contemplated the blue sky. He thought about where he would be if he were no longer ableto provide the other kids the drugs he had promised. He swallowed his bileandnodded. “I’ll wait to hear from you.”
“Smart kid.” Jean climbed off the park bench, dusted the seat of his pants, and sauntered off. Max waited until he was sure he wasn't looking, then gave him the finger.
* * *
Chastity didn’t knowwhy she was so nervous to go to the museum exhibit. She put on neutral lip-gloss and leaned close to the mirror, puckering her lips. “Your lips are kissable”—words that came back to her unbidden. Marc had told her that before he kissed her for the first time, and itwas one of the few good memories she had of that time.
The front of her hair was clipped back, and the rest fell in large ringlets to the middle of her back, partially covering the royal-blue, low-backed dress she was wearing. Swiveling to the side, she admired the way the pleats of the dress accentuated her curves. She shook her hands nervously and padded out of the bathroom in stocking feet.
Her mother wore a modest beige dress with a blazer. Her face was unadorned, but her eyes were merry. “You look lovely, Chastity. It’s so nice to see you dressed up.”
“Thanks, Mom. I guess we should go.” Chastity bent down to slip into her high heels. “I’m glad the car’s fixed so we can drive. There’s a parking lot there.” She reached for her navy wool coat, which belted in the middle, and grabbed her car keys and clutch. “Do you think Tommy is all right?”
“Thomas is fine, dear. He’s sleeping, and the nurses are there.” Her mother walked to the elevator at a sedate pace.
The air was crisp and cold under the starless night sky. As Chastity parked the car, they could see streams of people pouring into the lit museum, and they were greeted at the door with live jazz music.
