Brooke and Lucas walked side by side all the way. Brooke felt Lucas's many sideways glances that he cast on her. As the village was not very big and the abbey was quite central, they quickly arrived at the square. Immediately, Brooke was charmed by this small village market, its colors, its smells and the life that animated it. The first thing that caught her attention was olfactory in nature, her nostrils smelled a good smell of bread. She walked towards the stall of what seemed to be an artisan baker and devoured everything with an enticing and greedy look.
BAKER : Hello, miss! What would you like? Some chouquettes? A brasillé or some shortbread?
BROOKE : All that looks delicious, but I'm not going to be very original, it's your bread that makes me want it the most!
The man turned around and hurried to bring one of his specimens in front of Brooke. He had a proud smile on his face.
BAKER : A bread like they don't make anymore... With natural yeast and cooked in a wood fire. A crunchy and thick crust!
The baker then noticed Lucas standing right behind Brooke. He smiled at her too.
BAKER : Hello, father, what a nice surprise! No mass for you today?
LUCAS : A half-mass, rather! I slipped away to make sure you haven't already packed up your goods.
Brooke watched Lucas lie or rather embellish reality knowing full well that it was for her that he had escaped prematurely ... At this moment, Lucas was staring expressly at the baker probably for fear of confronting Brooke's incredulous expression. He then glanced at the bread then turned to Brooke, all smiles. And while spontaneously getting closer ...
LUCAS : What's more, it's as delicious as it looks ...
He placed his hand on Brooke's lower back as if it were the most natural gesture in the world, like an instinctive reflex... His fingers had barely had time to brush and irradiate Brooke's spine, he withdrew them just as quickly... As if he had silently become aware of imminent danger, Lucas blushed and avoided Brooke's gaze again.
LUCAS : Its crumb is darker in color than traditional bread and has a slightly acidic taste... A real delight. You can give me one Richard and I'll get you a baguette too. How much do I owe you?
BAKER : Five euros twenty please, Lucas. And I'll add something just for you, miss, a gift from the house! Tell me what would please you...
BROOKE : Oh! That's nice! Well, I'm tempted by the shortbread.
BAKER : Go for the crumbly shortbread! You'll see, they have nothing to envy our Breton neighbors!
The baker wrapped a few sweet biscuits in a small paper bag and handed it to Brooke. She thanked him sincerely and took the few berries of delicacies with her while Lucas paid for his purchase. The second shop, right next door, gave off a much more pronounced and much less inviting smell...
QUINN : Ah, my favorite priest!
The young cheesemaker didn't even seem to notice Brooke's presence, far too captivated by the appearance of the handsome Lucas.
LUCAS : Hello Quinn, how are you?
QUINN : Always very good when I see you, my father!
Brooke scrutinized the cheesemaker with a suddenly evil and rather suspicious eye. A hint of irritation took hold of her. Indeed, her expression and her voice were not those of a simple courteous shopkeeper with a potential client ... From the way she waddled and smiled at him, she was a conquering woman doing a charming number for him! Brooke took a wicked pleasure in advancing until her arm met Lucas's to impose her presence ... And defend her hunting ground, at the same time. The cheesemaker gave her a particular look, between defiance and total indifference. Brooke maintained eye contact. Her look of rebellious rebel had gotten the better of the impressionable young girl. She lowered her eyes first.
QUINN : Well, what would please you today, Lucas?
Determined to mark her territory more around this man who was apparently coveted well before her arrival... But who, despite the solicitations, had no other goal than to please God and satisfy him... Until she and her unfailing determination proudly succeeded in turning him away... She threw at him:
BROOKE : I personally really like the Neufchâtel...
LUCAS : Really!? I love it too!
An embarrassed smile appeared at the corner of Lucas' lips when he felt that he was inevitably caught up by the attraction.
LUCAS : A specimen of character whose pretty heart shape contrasts with a strong and marked temperament...
The conversation was now mixed with more than evocative innuendos and their bodies leaned towards each other. Even if this rapprochement seemed innocent, it was revealing of this palpable and significant desire.
LUCAS : A sweet flavor, a delicate taste and varied aromas ... As if to say, appearances are sometimes deceptive.
Neither Brooke nor Lucas even seemed to pay attention to those around them in this public and so exposed place.
BROOKE : This reflection applies just as much to you, besides, don't they say that clothes don't make the man ...
Their exchange of glances was more than enough to calm the cheesemaker's ardor, who was looking at them a little shocked. Hiding the danger she represented, Brooke let Lucas add another layer in front of Quinn, suspicious.
LUCAS : Did you know that we owe its shape to the young Norman women in love who offered it to soldiers during the Hundred Years' War? Isn't that right Quinn?
QUINN : Yes. At least that's what they say.
Noticing the market gardener's dry and less cordial tone, Lucas quickly regained his wits and his composure.
LUCAS : But it's especially Quinn's know-how and the love she puts into it that makes all the difference.
The young woman blushed in spite of herself, completely charmed by the compliment that Lucas had just skillfully addressed to her.
QUINN : So I guess you'll take one... Do you want anything else with that... Or will that be all?
LUCAS : Good God no! The result of your talents combined with the quality milk of Normandy cows all deserve to be tasted!
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : It's okay, she understood there ... Don't overdo it though, sweetheart!
LUCAS : I'll take you too ... The one and only and the unbeatable Camembert, as well as a Livarot and ... a Pont l'Evêque!
With her gloved hand, Quinn made it her honor to carefully wrap each of the cheeses chosen by Lucas. Upset, Brooke moved away from her poor competitor's shop while realizing the ridiculous side of the situation.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : This rivalry between women... this possessiveness... Could it be jealousy that I feel? It's completely grotesque since the last I heard I'm still in a relationship and he's married to God! By what right would I appropriate a man who can never offer me anything other than a simulacrum of a relationship...? A fleeting and meaningless relationship... And exclusively carnal at most!
Relationships based on physical attraction, Brooke knew them better than anyone, just like jealousy ... It was even her main mode of operation with Owen ... A crisis, a reconciliation and sex, wild sex! Their explosive and rebellious duo was in constant search of adrenaline, stimulation and thrills ... The crazy and unbridled sex that resulted served to mark domination and possession over the other. Although making their hearts beat faster, this torrid passion was as invasive as it was dangerous ... Both of them, they even came to voluntarily provoke utilitarian or even necessary jealousy crises. It was their way of this unique and beloved knowledge despite temptations, encounters and external dangers... Finally especially hers. From this anger, they escaped the routine and renewed a passionate and torrid desire... Each time resulting in fiery lovemaking and a stormy reconciliation, always on the verge of aggression.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : Transposing this feeling and this process to Lucas and this relationship that is not one is nonsense. Even if we were to bond with affection for each other, it is a story thwarted before it even began ...
Brooke had always believed that women had to fight to keep the man they coveted ... Not like her mother ... She did not want to be weak and wait-and-see, she had learned that begging a man would only make him run away a little more. Her father had been living proof of this throughout her childhood and adolescence ...
DEBIE : Hello, Brooke! So, you're hanging out at the market?
Debie's voice brought Brooke out of her reverie and brought her back to reality a little too abruptly... Without realizing it, she had been walking further and further away, lost in her thoughts and reflections.
BROOKE : Hello Debie! Yes... I'm with Lucas, he's uh...
As she turned around to look for him, Lucas came towards them. He looked quite confused and disoriented.
LUCAS : Brooke, I was looking for you... Oh! Hello Debie!
DEBIE : Hello Lucas! Glad to see that you were exempted from mass and that you're getting some fresh air in good company. Introducing him to our market and the products of our small local producers is an excellent idea.
LUCAS : Indeed, I thought that a little glimpse of local leisure activities would be welcome for his first weekend...
DEBIE : And you did extremely well! I should have thought of that myself... My apologies, Brooke!
BROOKE : Oh, don't apologize, it was pretty spontaneous, actually!
LUCAS : By the way, isn't Nathan with you?
DEBIE : No, he's currently at Whitney's, at the garage for his tire. I forbade him from going back with his spare tire!
LUCAS : You did the right thing, Debie. I warned him myself yesterday, it was really risky...
DEBIE : Oh yes! And I will never be grateful enough to you for having intervened so quickly as you did...
Lucas pursed his lips as if he was trying to hide a reaction, like a future mischievous smile... Then he added:
LUCAS : Don't worry, I finally had a more than pleasant time yesterday afternoon...
Like Lucas a few seconds before her, Brooke also pursed her lips when she understood what he was referring to.
DEBIE : Personally, I was panicked! Fortunately the unexpected and the unpredictable don't scare you, my father!
LUCAS : I would even say that the best things happen when you least expect them...
At his words, Brooke blushed like a peony, not knowing where to put herself and what to say to put an end to her embarrassment.
DEBIE : Where are you going with all these good things?
Debie stared at the baguette sticking out of the well-filled bag Lucas was holding in his hands.
LUCAS : Um... We were going to eat at the foyer. In fact, I'm in charge of bringing everyone's meal!
She nodded, then, taking Brooke completely off guard, Debie addressed her.
DEBIE : And you Brooke, are you accompanying her?
BROOKE : Yes, I don't have many other options to keep me busy so...
But the idea of going to see the young people would please her almost as much as staying one-on-one with Lucas... Almost.
LUCAS : By the way, we still have some shopping to do before we go... Debie, I wish you a good Sunday!
DEBIE : Same Brother Lucas! Brooke, see you tomorrow, my dear!
Debie gave him a kind smile then continued on her way. Lucas didn't move, waiting for her to move away.
LUCAS : Hey... Why did you leave like that earlier?
BROOKE : Oh, I, I didn't leave... I wanted to wait for you but I kept moving forward without realizing it.
LUCAS : There's no problem between us, is there?
BROOKE : No, why would there be?
LUCAS : I don't know... A feeling.
BROOKE : Well it was a bad feeling.
LUCAS : Okay... If you say so.
BROOKE : Are we really going to eat at the foyer?
LUCAS : I don't know!
BROOKE : What do you mean!?
LUCAS : If you want, we can go, I'm sure we'll be well received! But, I told Debie that because... I didn't want it to seem too suspicious, you know.
BROOKE : I understand.
LUCAS : But in my mind, we could have gone to eat somewhere... Just the two of us, I mean.
BROOKE : Do you know a place that's discreet enough to avoid rumors about our slightly suspicious duo, exactly?
Lucas seemed to think but quickly displayed a sparkling look and a promising smile.
LUCAS : I might have an idea, yes! But first, we still have to buy something. Follow me!
Invigorated by his warmth and enthusiasm, Brooke followed him, lighter, to a new shop.
LUCAS : That's what I was talking about... Half-Norman, half-American specialty, here are Clay's donuts!
BROOKE : Norman cider donuts?
CLAY : Hey hey who's here! Lucas!
LUCAS : Hi Clay! Meet Brooke...
The handsome boy who was introduced to Brooke, wore a more charming smile. Brooke lingered a little too long on his face...
CLAY : Nice to meet you Brooke!
BROOKE : Same!
Lucas quickly spoke again as he moved closer to Brooke.
LUCAS : I wanted to make her taste one of your little wonders!
CLAY : What!? She's never tasted my incredible Norman donuts!?
BROOKE : No, I'm only here for a few weeks. I live in Rouen...
CLAY : That's not a valid excuse... And if my reputation doesn't reach Rouen, I still have some serious progress to make!
LUCAS : Don't talk nonsense! Especially since I prefer that you stay here quietly, and that we keep you just for us!
CLAY : It's not me that you want to keep... It's the donuts! Come on, here, taste this...
A customer came towards the stall and called out to Clay with her hand so that he could come and serve her.
CLAY : I'll be back in a minute, friends!
As Brooke savored the first bite, she greatly and sincerely appreciated what her taste buds were discovering.
LUCAS : So, do you like it?
Lucas looked at her impatiently, a smile on his lips. Brooke still had her mouth full when she answered him.
BROOKE : Mmmhh, it's so good!
Lucas continued to observe her but his eyes became darker and darker. Brooke then licked the sugar on her lips.
LUCAS'S THOUGHT : She's the sexiest creature I've ever seen...
Trying to chase away his thoughts and hide his confusion and admiration, Lucas turned to the counter.
LUCAS : Maybe you want a towel... Here.
BROOKE : No thanks, that'll do.
Brooke took the time to delicately lick her sticky fingers one by one right in front of Lucas, insisting on the suction.
LUCAS'S THOUGHT : I'm going to need a cold shower, quickly, very quickly... No, a really frozen shower!