Read Online Promises to Keep by Patricia Sands - Free Book Online

diminished, her artistry grew.
    Kat was embarrassed at first, even though she realized it was a normal topic for Véronique and not meant to make her uncomfortable.
    “We French have a very open attitude to our bodies and sex and how we relate to them,” Véronique said. “I’m sorry, I did not mean to make you uneasy.”
    Katherine waved her hand. “No, no. Please continue. I know the French talk about these issues much more matter-of-factly, but sometimes I still react like a Canadian.”
    “I am seventy-five, much older than you. I know that life changes at this stage, and, yet, I’m always a little surprised when it happens to me. I feel much younger, but the realities are what they are. David is five years older. Physically he struggles a little more each year, and losing his sexual prowess has been difficult for him.”
    Katherine shifted her position, hoping the move and her discomfort went unnoticed.
    “But here is what is satisfying now,” Véronique continued. “We have both adjusted. What has become much more intense to us—our passion, you might say—is the beauty of life around us and the importance of what we share. Do you suppose it’s because we are acutely aware of time slipping by?”
    Without waiting for an answer, she went on. “Our lives have a different intensity now. Our lust is for life, for beauty and peace and, of course . . . le plaisir . I am often told I have never created better work than in these past few years. David spends less time running his business but gets more pleasure from his successes and is less disappointed when things don’t work out. I think we have never loved each other more . . .”
    Her voice trailed off.
    “May we all age so well and so wisely,” Kat said.
    “Pardon my ramblings,” Véronique hiccupped behind her hand, “but I’m caught off guard by the revelations of old age. The cognac urged me to share it with you. Now I will show you to the guest room, and please let me know if there is anything you need.”
    “It’s been a lovely evening and an illuminating conversation. You expressed so beautifully how life can continue to be satisfying and even exciting, just in different ways. Thank you.”
    “Make no mistake, ma chère , there are many who continue to enjoy sex at my age too. Everyone is different.”
    Katherine smiled, “Taking it one day at a time is the secret.”
    “D’accord,” Véronique agreed, leaning in to bise her.
    In the guest room, the window was open wide, and cool mountain air washed over Katherine as she slipped under a heavy duvet. Instead of the sea air she loved, this was another kind of good, she thought: a fresh, crisp breeze, cooled by the snow-tipped mountain summits. The quiet was a dramatic change from the sounds of the sea, traffic, and people that were her lullabies in Antibes.
    In the stillness, she heard the distant bark of a dog and she smiled as she drifted off. It never fails—there are always dogs , was her last thought.
    Morning came quickly, and a light rap on her door roused her from delicious sleep.
    After a quick shower, she went to the kitchen, where she found Véronique had lit a fire. The aroma of bacon being cooked filled the room.
    “It’s the easiest meal—breakfast in a pan—again from David’s childhood and transported across the Atlantic. Lardons . . . our bacon, eggs, peppers, onions, cheese, all cooked in a skillet. I’ll keep it warm in the oven and plate it when the others are here. It’s hearty fare, but they won’t allow me to prepare anything else. They’ve heard what a terrible cook I am, so this is my spécialité de la maison !”
    “It smells divine.”
    “My secret ingredient is Jacques’s young goat cheese. It has a unique flavor. The others will be here soon, and I’m looking forward to you meeting them.”

    The day proved to be as invigorating as Véronique had promised. The group was friendly, focused, just a bit eccentric, and very French.
    It was not