Chapter 2 Véronique
(excerpt from chapter)
Véronique swept aside her bangs and put on her black sunglasses as she descended the circular staircase of her fashionable Paris flat, heels clicking the wooden stair boards. In her arms, she carried an expensive brown leather tote bag gifted to her by an up-and-coming French designer. Her chestnut hair was parted and gathered in a low ponytail, tied with a patterned silk scarf. She wore a long-sleeved white blouse tucked into a slitted black skirt. Behind her, Darius dressed in a black turtleneck sweater, tucked into belted gray trousers and loafers, descended the steps, and behind him, the driver, carrying one of their suitcases.
The man placed the luggage in the trunk and opened the doors of the car. They seated themselves in the back. This was their first time going on a holiday together since their honeymoon last year. She couldn’t believe it had only been a year, so much had happened since, and it hadn’t been easy...
“How are we doing on time?” Véronique asked.
“Right on schedule.” Darius removed two cigarettes and gave one to Véronique, lighting it for her, then him. The black car slinked towards the airport, trailing two ribbons of smoke from each window.
They arrived at the VIP airport lounge and made themselves comfortable in mid-century-modern arm-chairs. The room was sparsely populated and quiet, with a bar, pool table, assorted magazines and newspapers, and complimentary macaroons.
“They should be here, it’s getting close to boarding...” Véronique reached for her phone.
Darius looked at his watch. “Relax, they still have time.”
“Would you call Milo please?”
Darius folded his paper, slightly annoyed at being instructed. Before they had a chance to call, Lucie—her younger sister of seventeen—hurried into view with her carry-on. Her wavy, honey-colored hair bounced with her gait, along with her light, floral-patterned dress. Cheeks flushed and large lips parted, she sighed, stopping in front of them, and offering her crooked, yet charming smile.
Véronqiue stood up, straightening her skirt. She smiled at Lucie and kissed her cheeks. Darius did the same.
“Bonjour Lucie.”
“Bonjour! I’m sorry I’m late. I had trouble finding the lounge.”
“It can be hard to find.” Véronique smiled.
“Now, where is your son?” Véronique looked over at Darius.
As if on cue, Milo entered the lounge. Lanky and fair, with light brown hair and blue eyes, he wore a sweater over an untucked blue collared shirt, jeans, and dress shoes. His walk was tentative. It was not at all the boisterous, attention-grabbing entrance that Lucie had just demonstrated.
“Sorry I’m late...” He looked at Darius anxiously.
“Not a problem Milo. Glad you’re here.” Darius patted his son’s arm.
Milo turned to Lucie and quietly greeted her. She gave him her offbeat smile.
As first class, they were first to board the plane. The economy passengers eyed them with interest, and some whispered amongst themselves as passed them on their way to the back of the plane.
Véronique scowled, putting AirPods in her ears and Chanel sunglasses over her eyes.
No sooner had she done so than she felt the presence of someone hovering above her aisle seat. A teenage girl in leggings and a hoodie was staring at her wide-eyed.
“Véronique Laurent and Darius Legrand—I-I’m a huge fan.” The girl stammered anxiously in English with an ugly American accent. “I was just sitting in the airport reading a magazine article about your new movie, Follow Marie, and then you both turn up on my flight! How crazy is that?! Can I please take a picture with you for my Instagram? My friends will die when they see it!”
Véronique responded, strained, “I’m happy you enjoy our work, but no photos, please.” The girl looked hurt.
“Enjoy your flight.” Véronique turned away, annoyed that the interaction left her feeling guilty.
Darius seemed unbothered, still reading his paper.
Véronique looked over at Milo and Lucie who were raptly watching the encounter from across the aisle. The two of them weren’t used to beholding such scenes. For Darius and Véronique, it was a frequent occurrence, at restaurants, shops, and events.