Lightning flashed. The air was charged with electricity and the hair on my arms and nape of the neck tingled.
It was 1967 in Toulouse, France. I was an American who didn't speak French. I'd met a former Holiday on Ice ice skater who spoke English. He had invited me to have a drink with him and his former girl friend and skating partner on Place Wilson.
He and I were sitting at the outside cafe enjoying our drinks and waiting for her, when I spotted this gorgeous blonde walking along. I'm a male, so I watched.
To my surprise, the blonde walked up to us, gave the French air kisses to my friend and then looked quizzically at me and offered her hand. "Hi. I'm Claudine." That's when lightning flashed.
Was it love at first sight or lust at first sight. I'm not sure.
My friend had said that she was pretty. She was -- and then some. Her French accented English was enchanting.
We had a nice chat and set a date to do it again the following week. At that meeting, she said that she was being laid off work and was losing her small studio apartment.
She had said that she was a good cook. I did some quick math. Groceries for two would be cheaper than my eating out all of the time. Since I had a 3-bedroom apartment, I offered her shelter in exchange for her cooking and cleaning.
It took a month of persistent begging before the lightning's electricity reached her and she agreed to be my girl friend. I brought her back to the states with me, we got married and we're still together after all these years.
But, it seems like only yesterday that the lightning flashed.
I loved it...well told. Be sure you post the link on the linky thing at Cherie's site!!
ReplyDeleteI loved the last line. What a great piece!
ReplyDeleteI like that it took a month. Very true to life.
ReplyDeleteCute story. If only more courtships could be so short instead of multi-year.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the idea to share an apartment was less cost effectiveness and more lightning! LOL! Loved your last line!
ReplyDeleteOu, La, La! What a delicious memoir you'll have when you get around to writing it. Glad the lightning flashed and is still flashing.
ReplyDeleteTerribly sweet. What a great story.
ReplyDeleteLightening flashing when you meet someone is VERY good. I enjoyed your story.
ReplyDeleteVery sweet story and I loved the last line
ReplyDeleteThank you for entering my 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest! The six finalists will be announced on Friday, May 25th. I will further comment on your entry on Thursday.
ReplyDeleteloved reading your story, of course I'm a big romantic :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea
aw, sweet story :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful and romantic story. Well told!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great love story. I like the idea of keeping the lightning in your relationships.
ReplyDeleteWell done. Very romantic.
ReplyDeleteLoved the lines “Was it love at first sight or lust at first sight. I’m not sure.” I really liked how you used “lightning flashed” in this piece.
ReplyDeleteI'll announce the finalists tomorrow.
Sweet story. :-)
ReplyDelete