ADRIELLE
His coffee grew cold as his eyes remained fixed on a beautiful young peasant woman standing next to a cart overflowing with flowers. There were conversations humming at the tables all around him, but they were of no interest to him today. Adam was lost in the glow of the red highlights that glinted off the woman's golden brown tresses. Framed by the colorful backdrop of her wares, she was a glorious sight, and Adam was transfixed.
La Closerie Des Lilas was a popular spot for artists and writers in Paris. Adam had become a regular, mostly just to observe those who were busy sketching or writing in their notebooks. The conversations he overheard helped him better understand the culture. He had worked hard to improve his French and always used it rather than English unless there was no other option. Still, he felt every bit of the Nevadan rancher that he was. Even after several months in the city, he did not consider himself on equal footing with the sophisticated gentlemen that sat at the tables nearby. He wondered what they would think of his interest in a street vendor, beautiful or not.
To hell with what they think!
Adam noted the woman's polite words and genial smile as she conversed with the haughty women of much higher standing. It made his desire for her that much more intense, and he knew he must meet her. He dropped a coin onto the table and made his way toward the street. As he passed the last table nearest the flower cart, he happened to notice the open sketchbook of the man seated there. Adam could see the outlines of the scene he had been taking in for the better part of the past hour.
He pointed to the silhouette of the young woman on the paper. "She is beautiful, yes?"
Startled from his concentration, the artist first offered a look of confusion before understanding registered on his face. "Oui, monsieur. You have an eye for true beauty."
"Will you paint this someday?"
"Oui, monsieur. That is my hope."
"Best of luck to you."
"Merci monsieur. And to you."
Adam took a wide path around to the backside of the flower cart and waited for the current customers to complete their purchases. He pretended to focus on the flowers in front of him while sneaking furtive glimpses of the woman in the striped tunic. She busily, albeit gracefully, trimmed the long stems of the chosen blooms and deftly tied them into bouquets with cord from a spool hooked to her cart. He continued to play coy until the woman came his way.
"Good morning, monsieur! It is a lovely day, yes? How may I help you?"
"They are all so beautiful. I cannot decide. Would you be so kind as to make a large bouquet for me, please?"
"I would be happy to. For the lady of the house?"
"No, mademoiselle, just for my own enjoyment."
"Of course!" Her bright and sincere smile made his heart skip with delight.
He watched, entranced, as she danced about the cart choosing flowers for his bouquet. After completing her selections, she held out a large bundle to Adam.
"Here you are, monsieur. I hope you will find these to your liking."
"Perfection."
Adam's hazel eyes locked onto the woman's sparkling blue ones. Embarrassed by his obvious meaning, she blushed and began to fuss and adjust the flowers on her cart.
Adam leaned over the cart. "Thank you so much - excuse me - your name, please?"
All too accustomed to men's questions, she was hesitant to oblige him. Still, there was a sincerity in his eyes, and she was drawn to the melodious sound of his voice.
"Adrielle."
"Adrielle. Like the blue of the sea?"
Adrielle turned to face him and offered a shy smile. "Yes, monsieur, like the sea."
Adam held out several coins, more than enough for the payment of the flowers and her effort, but not so much that it would create awkwardness. "Thank you again for making this lovely bouquet for me. I do hope we meet again soon."
"Thank you, monsieur. You are most kind." Emboldened by his good manners and dimpled smile, Adrielle continued. "But now you have me at a disadvantage. Your name, sir?"
"Adam Cartwright."
Have a wonderful day, Monsieur Cartwright."
Adam tipped his hat and walked away. He sighed with satisfaction, buried his nose in the flowers, and began to ponder his next encounter with Adrielle.
Author's Note:
La Closerie Des Lilas Cafe and Restaurant was established in Paris in 1847 and is still known for its fine cuisine to this day. Many well-known artists and writers have dined there through the years.