Chapter 22

Zach and Kendall walked in silence for awhile. Every so often Miranda would point and say "Doggie?" or "Baby?" and Kendall would confirm her question. Finally they arrived at a park and Kendall freed Miranda from the stroller so that she could toddle around. Zach watched as Kendall fished a large blanket out from the stroller basket and lay it on the ground. She also fished out a sippy cup and a container of cheerios. Every so often when Miranda came near, Kendall would blot some drool from her chin with the bib hanging around her neck. Zach wanted to make a comment about how naturally everything seemed to come to her. But he figured she would make a sarcastic reply, so he was content to lounge against the blanket and admire the softness that came over her features in such unguarded moments.

Kendall stole a glance at Zach. Miranda was busily trying to put cheerios in his mouth. She was amazed at how comfortable Miranda was with him. She wasn't really shy with strangers – how could she be after having been passed around so much as a baby? But there were times she was guarded around people – especially bearded men. Yet she was very easygoing around Zach. Maybe she sensed that he was her uncle. Kendall studied his face a bit. Miranda might not mind the beard, but Kendall wasn't thrilled with it. Kendall had very sensitive skin, and beards tended to chafe. Her cheeks grew warm. As if his beard were going to be against her skin anytime soon! Ha! To get away from her thoughts, she finally broke the silence. "So what's this about Maggie saying you play saxophone at a jazz club?"

Zach crunched on a cheerio. "Its true. That's how I spend my evenings now. I'd never so much as picked up a saxophone before coming to Paris. The first night I was here, I asked the hotel concierge where I could find a little hole in the wall jazz club. You see, I was feeling inspired by a song I heard my last week in Pine Valley. I decided I was going to come to Paris and live a lush life in some small dive. Anyway, being a mind reader, like any good concierge, he recommended one to me - and it was perfect. Well, I started going to this place every night. I would sit and watch the band play several sets, have a few drinks, and never speak to anyone but the bartender. After about three weeks, the saxophonist came up to me."

Zach remembered the wiry young man threading his way through the tables and stopping in front of his. The man stared at him for several seconds, and then asked him a question in German. Zach opened his mouth to tell him that he wasn't German, but the man started laughing before he could say anything. "I know you are American, I was just having a joke." Zach raised an eyebrow. "How did you know?" The man sat down. "The bartender told me, of course. He also told me that you have just arrived in Paris and plan to stay here indefinitely. He says that you do not have a job and apparently have enough money not to get one. He says that you do not speak French, but hope to learn." Zach shook his head. "Not a very good bartender." The man gave him a shocked look. "You do not like the mixing of the drinks? Oh, I see. The American tradition of bartender as confidante. No, Michel is the biggest gossip in here."

The man lit a cigarette. "My name is Philippe. I already know that your name is Zach. Michel also shared something else with me. Something that you did not tell him, that he surmised on his own. He said that he could tell very strongly that you were empty inside. He comes across many people who are empty inside, so that is not unique. What is unique about you is that you do not try and fill up that empty space and you seem to want it that way. I tell Michel that he is crazy. No man can be content with the empty space. So I feel challenged. This is why I have come to you. I, my friend, am going to fill up that empty space of yours."

Zach's eyebrows shot up, and Philippe laughed uproariously. "Don't be stupid. I do not mean with myself." He held up the saxophone he'd been holding on his lap. "This, my friend, can fill you up and make you whole again. Zach, I am going to do you the biggest favor of your life. I am going to teach you French and teach you how to play saxophone. Both of these will be accomplished in three months." Zach sat back, very intrigued. "Three months is a short time. Why three months?" Philippe grinned. "Because in three months I am going to be married and take over my father's cheese making business in the north country. Gervaise, the owner of this club, will need a new saxophonist." It was Zach's turn to laugh uproariously. "Quite a change of careers!" Philippe tried to look offended. "The cheese making business is a very old and honored tradition here in France." Zach nodded his head. "Of course, but will it fill you up like the saxophone?" Philippe shook his head and smiled dreamily. "My empty space has been full of Nicole for some time."

Zach sobered up. Stifling the desire to make a cynical retort, he quickly considered Philippe's offer. "How about this. I will take you up on your offer to teach me French and saxophone. If you are successful enough that Gervaise wants to hire me in three months, I will take the job. On one condition." Philippe looked at him hopefully. "Once you move to the north country, you must periodically send me some of your traditional cheese." The young man broke into a smile and shook Zach's hand.

As Zach finished his story, Kendall stared at him in amazement. All she could think to ask was, "So does he send you any cheese?" Zach smiled. "The best damn cheese you ever tasted. I've even been up to visit him once. His wife, Nicole, is very sweet and they run a very good business together." Kendall shook her head. "Amazing. Truly amazing. I can't wait to hear about what you do with your days." Zach got an uncomfortable look on his face. "No, its your turn. Tell me about what's been going on in Pine Valley. Any interesting news about your life?"

Kendall closed her eyes, her troubles back home suddenly rushing into her head. She couldn't tell him about her latest stupid move. She couldn't. She opened her eyes, trying to think of something innocuous to distract him. Miranda suddenly jumped up and yelled, "Maggie!" Kendall looked up and saw Maggie standing there. "Hey sweet pea!" She picked up Miranda and cradled her on her hip. "Bianca was so tired and surprised to see Zach that she forgot Miranda has a doctor's appointment. I came to fetch her from you. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Have you told Zach the big news, yet?" Maggie had that smirky look on her face. Oh no, she's going to blurt it right out. Kendall clenched her teeth as Maggie opened her big fat mouth. "Kendall and JR Chandler are getting married."