Paris Noir - Aurelien Masson [40]
[Doorbell. She hesitates, walks forward, straightens her hair with one hand, and opens the door.]
HER: Come in.
HIM: Thanks … Nice place … Money's no problem, is it?
HER: It's not me.
HIM: It's your husband.
HER: Yes. Do you want something to drink?
HIM: Something strong.
HER: Cognac?
HIM: Perfect.
[She fixes him a glass.]
I close my eyes. What am I doing here? I should have left today. Shouldn’t have come. She’s pouring me a drink.
[She brings him a glass.]
HER: Here you are.
[He swallows.]
[Silence.]
I drink almost the whole glass. Then silence. Like two strangers in an elevator.
[She takes him by the hand and they exit.]
So she’s taking me by the hand. She leads me slowly upstairs, into a bedroom. Not the master bedroom. A guest room. She only leaves a little lamp on. She strokes my face. Her hand is trembling. And we make love. Entwined in each other, breathless, exhausted, neither of them dare to say anything yet.
[In a big bed, they are lying pressed up against each other, out of breath. We can guess they’re naked under the sheets. Silence.]
HER: Why did you leave?
HIM: Why? Because I couldn't stand this city anymore.
HER: You don't like Paris? The neighborhood?
HIM: It's complicated. I love this city and I hate it at the same time. It's the city of my childhood. That's a terrible thing! Years … painful years …
Silence.
She puts her hand on my cheek.
HER: You know, I was in love with you.
HIM: I was in love with you too.
HER: We've missed each other.
HIM: You said it!
HER: And you left.
HIM: Yes … And now what?
HER: Stop it.
HIM: Stop what?
HER: For a long time, I dreamed of your body.
HIM: You're not answering me. Now what?
HER: I can't answer. You wouldn't like the only possible answer. I wouldn't like it either.
HIM: I know that answer.
HER: I'm not so sure.
HIM: How about your family?
HER: What about my family?
HIM: I don't know.
[She puts her hand over his mouth.]
HER: Shhh! Don't talk about the future. It doesn't exist.
[They embrace.]
10.
I decide to stay in Paris longer. My mother is delighted. I meet Valerie the next day. We go for a walk. Moments wrenched away from the rest of the world. Moments for just the two of us, with that permanent threat, that ending getting nearer.
[They cross the stage holding hands.
HER: I can't come tomorrow. But later …
HIM: Later?
HER: In one or two days. I don't know yet. It's complicated.
HIM: I'm not asking you for anything.
HER: I know. It's not easy for me.
HIM: Not for me, either.
[They exit.]
Evening. Marco comes by to pick me up. “Where’re we going?” “A nightclub near Bastille.” “I really don’t like all that.” “I gotta tell you something.” “What?” “You’ll see.”
It’s not really a nightclub. Just a big bar with music playing in the back room. We order cocktails. “What did you want to tell me?” “Just wait a little. Actually, I want to introduce you to someone.” “I don’t like your mysteries. Last time, I was really mad at you.” “Last time, everything went okay.” We drink and we order again. Then a group comes in. Three of them. Marco waves and they walk toward our table. I recognize one of the guys from the warehouse and I recognize Dumont. What the hell is he doing here? The three guys stop. Marco introduces everybody. Dumont stares at me. “Haven’t we met somewhere?” “Could be. I’m from the neighborhood but I’ve been away for a while.”
Marco praises my skill as a driver. Dumont becomes interested in me. “And what are you doing now, my man?” I don’t like it when somebody calls me “my man” just like that. “I work in a garage.” “I might need you.” “I don’t see how.” “A good driver.” “I don’t do that anymore.” “Marco, you should persuade him.” “I’ll take care of it.” “No way.” Dumont gives me a piercing glance. He doesn’t like to be contradicted. “I have a feeling we’ll meet again.” “I don’t think so. I’m leaving in a couple of days.” He doesn’t answer. He goes away with his two bodyguards. Marco doesn’t say anything.
“Why did you bring me over here? Why’d you introduce me to that guy?”
“So you can stay here.