The Luncheon Party (Part One) by Suzanne Hudson

 

A short story inspired by the above photo.

 

“So it’s just a little luncheon party…”  Simone was saying and Claudette’s eyes were glazing over, in the way they always did when her friend regaled her with the long list of social events that she was going to or hosting.  Claudette sipped her red wine and thought about the painting she was working on.  Just hearing about Simone’s hectic social plans made her feel exhausted. 

         That’s another reason I didn’t marry, she thought to herself.  The endless parties and suppers and entertaining would have bored her rigid.  A film producer’s wife, Simone had happily immersed herself into Parisian society and it was all her old school friend seemed to talk about these days.  Claudette was a painter, a free spirit and a solitary animal.  She liked nothing better than dining alone in a restaurant with a good book for a companion.  People drained her energy and small talk paralysed her.  She smiled her best non-committal smile while Simone chattered on about the menu, her new sequinned flapper dress and the guest list.

         “And then there’s someone else that you know, or used to know.”

         “Oh yes, who’s that?”  Claudette asked, barely caring as she had already made up her mind that she was busy that day.

         “Phillippe?”                                     

         Claudette’s heart leapt into her mouth. 

         “Phillippe Dupont?”

         “Yes, that’s right.   He’s home from America for a holiday.  He’s just made his first movie.  He’s tipped for stardom, Henri says.”

         A memory flashed through Claudette’s mind.  The Summer House in Simone’s country home.  Tennis whites, grass stains and sunburn. Champagne going to her head, making the stuffy room spin.  A bee buzzing at the window as Phillippe held her in his arms, his lips caressing her neck, his hand moving up her bare thigh.

         “So you’ll come?’  Simone’s question punctured her daydream.

         “I’d love to,’ she said, trying to hide her delight, to stifle the huge grin that had spread across her face.  She saw Simone frown, just a little, in surprise.

         “I didn’t know if you’d remember him…’

         “Oh yes I do,’ Claudette said, realising to her horror that a blush was spreading over her cheeks.  Seeing her friend’s look of interest, she muttered, “Well, vaguely.  So when’s this luncheon?”

         “Sunday the 18th.  Drinks on the terrace from noon."

         Claudette reached into her handbag for her slim leather diary and began flicking through the empty pages.  She felt Simone’s eyes on her as she found the date and scribbled in the details with a pencil.  She knew she was grinning like a fool, but she couldn’t help it.  Her heart was singing.  Phillippe!  Wonderful, handsome, funny Phillippe, who lit up any room he was in.  It was five years since he’d left. She’d thought she’d never see him again.

         “Of course he’s married now…”  Simone said, and Claudette thought she heard a gentle warning in her friend’s voice.

         “Of course!” she smiled, her heart sinking slightly.

         “But he’s travelling alone as his wife is expecting their first baby.”

         “How lovely!”
        
         “We’d love for you to come, but if your too busy, please don’t worry darling.  I know these things aren’t your scene.”

         Their eyes met for a second.  Claudette held up her blank diary for her friend to see.

         “Busy?  I don’t think so my dear!  It will be fun.  You keep telling me I need to get out more.”

         “Mmm.  I just don’t want you to be bored, that’s all.”

         “Oh there’s no danger of that.”


To be continued...