“In that case, we will eat a big dinner first. That will help. And then we will head over to what you probably think of as Café Des Assassins. The name has changed to Au Lapin Agile, but the place remains the same.”
“Mon Dieu, you really are planning on getting me plastered if we are going there!”
“Plastered or higher than hell, your choice. Let me show you out back.”
They clamored down the back stairs to the yard. Gastien was thrilled to see that the old privy was gone, and a new one was built with a dirt system. In fact, there were two.
Mic said, “I ran a tough ship here, Gastien, and convinced the men to build another for the person upstairs. That way you don’t have to share.”
Gastien was pleased. That was really a nice thing for Mic to think of. Privies were bad enough without having to share them with others not in your immediate household.
“Good job, Mic. Seriously, I don’t think there has even been an ami like you in the history of the world!”
“I care about you, Gaz. You have shown me how badly a person can want something; how much they will go through to achieve it. Not many have that force of will or determination.”
“Or are foolish enough!” Gastien added and they laughed. “Mic, I was just coming to get you. There is something I want to show you. Come back inside.”
When they walked in, Gastien pulled out some papers from the satchel he had taken to the bank. “Sit down at the table, Mic. I have something for you.”
Mic sat down, with Gastien across from him. Gastien quietly passed the papers to Mic. As Mic read, he looked up questioningly.
“This looks like a deed, Gastien. If you are planning on selling the upstairs instead of leasing it, why are you asking me to look it over? I know nothing about legal documents.”
“I know you don’t. But the man who is coming in about five minutes does. I assume, however, that you do know how to sign your name.”
Mic looked blank. “Pardon me?”
“Don’t you understand French, ami? I said I want you to sign your name when the man comes.”
“Oh! As a witness! You have already found a buyer! Do I know him?” Mic looked worried. “I hope you will find him a good upstairs neighbor,” Mic warned.
“Oh, I know I will. He will be the best. You know him very well.” Gastien smiled.
“Well, who is he? Quit being so secretive! I am dying of curiosity here!”
Gastien placed his hand on his ami’s arm. “Mic, I want you to have the upstairs property. You will be signing the paper as owner. The man will legalize it.”
“WHAT???” Mic stood up and then sat down again. “Gastien, quit joking with me!”
“I am serious, Mic.”
“You can’t be! You can’t give away a prime piece of property like that! Why would you?” Mic was stunned.
“Mic, you gave me my life.” Gastien put up his hand. “Non – don’t interrupt. Just be quiet for once and listen. You took the time to teach me to paint; you did not have to do that. You also taught me how to waiter and got me a job! You were even my ami when no one else could stand the sight or smell of me. Probably the hardest thing you did was staying my ami last year, when I was the biggest asshole in France.”
“You didn’t stop there. When I asked, you oversaw the work on these studios while I relaxed at the sea. I know that you have an idea of what this property cost me, but still you care for me. I care for you just as deeply. Je t’aime, Mic. You are closer to me than any of my brothers. I do believe I would give up my life for you! Mic, you have shown me over and over again what unconditional friendship is. Please don’t insult me by saying you won’t take the studio.”
Mic had tears in his eyes. “Gastien, Je t’aime, too, you know that. Hell, if you were a girl I would even buy you dinner tonight! The love is mutual. I am so glad the old Gaz is back! Mon Dieu, I missed you, ami. I really, really missed you!” He wiped his eyes. “Now give me the damn pen! I have to sign before you change your mind and find a neighbor that argues less with his girlfriends!”
“Well, wait for the avocate. By the way, if you can put up with the loud cries and moans of the women I will no doubt be pleasing most days, I will put up with your arguing.”
“Oh, please. You wish you could make them moan!”
“We will see, ami. We will see. I just don’t understand why you would not rather make them scream in pleasure than in anger! However, that is your business. I still say you need a good knock in the head to get rid of those romantic notions.”
“You might be right. I keep hoping…but I know, I know. Painting and family just does not mix. Someday I may learn that.”
“Hmmmmm. We’ll see. You seem to be a slow learner.” Gastien went to the front window. “Here comes the avocate. He will witness both copies and put the legal mark on them. Make sure you keep your copy somewhere safe.”
“Oui, mother.”
They both laughed. Mic was still stunned about what had transpired.
Gastien confided, “Mic, I am really excited about my life here. You know, I have a lot of organizing to do; and you need to move your stuff over. I am betting you would like to do that tomorrow. I can help if you wish. How about if we go to dinner, and then go somewhere other than Au Lapin Agile? That way we will get home in reasonable condition. You know how thoroughly trashed we usually get there. The art talk goes on until the wee hours.”
Mic agreed. “Oui, now that I need to move I am as excited as you! I don’t really want to be recovering tomorrow. How about if we go to Moulin de la Galette after dinner to dance and socialize? There won’t be any serious art talk there. We can leave there easily whenever we want.”
“Excellent! I will probably eat more hash than I will do drinking. A good buzz tonight won’t hurt me tomorrow.
“Oui, unless you end up with some woman in your bed until morning. I know you, Gaz. If it is offered, and you approve of her, you aren’t one to say non.”
“Not tonight, Mic. Getting my studio and home ready means more to me than chatte.”
“Hmmm. After a month by yourself you would turn down chatte? Something must be wrong!”
Gastien looked away, a slight smile on his lips. “Well, I did run into an old acquaintance this morning in the 6th…”
Mic chuckled. “I knew there was a reason.” He nodded. “Agreed. We will both come home by about midnight, without a woman in tow. That way we can get up early and get going.”
Mic decided to get some different clothes back at his place and try out his new tub. Gastien took that time to walk around the immediate neighborhood. He bought coffee beans, a grinder, a coffee press, and some other household items.
A slotted spoon for absinthe was also purchased. So far he had not tried the drink, but it was hugely popular in Montmartre. Mic had told him to get a slotted absinthe spoon because he would soon need one. That would be something he would try another night, though. He had heard plenty about what it did to you!
IV
There was an interesting looking herb store next to his studio. Going inside, Gastien noticed that they also sold homemade soaps. Oh, and good, thick candles, which he preferred over kerosene lanterns! He would buy both, but would probably end up lighting candles most often.
A petite woman in her mid-twenties suddenly appeared. She had very long, dark hair and lively brown eyes.
“Bonjour. You must be the artist who is moving in next door. Welcome! My name is Cassandra, Cassie for short.”
Gastien gave her his best smile. She was cute! Someone that nice looking might be an exception to not dating locals, he thought.
“Merci! My name is Gastien. What a great store you have! I am glad it is so close by.”
“Merci!” Cassie continued, “Gastien, I have a proposition for you.”
Gastien looked pleased.
She laughed. “I don’t think it is the kind you are probably thinking about. Sorry. I am interested in your large back yard. I could dearly use some of
that space for growing herbs. Are you interested in renting some of that space to me?”
Gastien thought a moment. “Well, I must say I was hoping for a different proposition. Your offer is interesting to me all the same. It is a very huge yard! I would be glad to allow you to grow and harvest herbs.” He thought some more. “How about a barter instead? I am a great fan of bartering when it benefits both people.”
“Oh that would be fabulous! I doubt if we carry enough products you are interested in to equal that value though.”
“Don’t be so quick to decide that! I can use soaps for my hair, my bath, and for shaving. I will need candles, too. I will also need various herbs for medicines and general health. How about if you also provide for my ami who now owns above me? His name is Mic. You will like him very much, he is very nice. Just don’t offer him the proposition I am eventually hoping for!”
She laughed. “Neither of you will get that proposition I am afraid.” Noting Gastien’s surprise, she continued, “Oh, don’t look so amazed! There is definitely nothing wrong with your looks; I am sure women fall all over you. I just happen to prefer women, too.”
Now Gastien was truly surprised. “Really? I mean, I don’t care, but you don’t look like the type…you are so feminine!”
“I should say I prefer a woman. I am in a committed relationship. I AM very feminine! My partner looks much less feminine.” She laughed. “Don’t be embarrassed. People always assume things. It is just fine. Once you get to know us, it won’t seem odd.”
“I am sure it won’t. It is none of my business anyway. I was just hoping you found me as interesting as I do you!”
“Oh, I find you very interesting! I am sure we will be great amis. We just won’t be lovers, Gastien. As darling as you are, you just don’t do it for me.” She walked up to him and held out her arms. “Amis only?”
Gastien embraced her. “Amis only. I look forward to getting to know both of you better. What is your partner’s name?”
“It is Victoria. She goes by Vic. Don’t ever call her Vicky!” she warned, smiling. “It is fine to barter for both you and your ami Mic, but that still does not seem fair. What can I pay in addition?”
“I see that you sell hashish. Depending on the quality, that may make up for it.”
“Ah! Oui, I do sell hash. My hash is black and pure, from the mid East; very potent. I also have hash that is not as strong.”
“The stronger, the better; I use it for pain by taking a few hits off a smoke. I also will eat it directly when I want to alter my mind. I do love getting very, very high at times.” He smiled. “It needs to be the black. Black takes away the limitations of this world and expands my mind… takes me to where I hear color and see sound.”
She smiled. “Well, this black will do that and quickly. It stays with you quite a long time, too. I bet you really can paint when using hash.”
“I can really paint any time, but it is even more fun then. Of course, I only get high like that when I am not painting for a patron. In regard to the barter, could you see bartering for the other things I asked for, and enough hashish to keep me as high as I might wish on any given day?”
“Oui, I think that would be fair. You may be coming out ahead on the barter, but as we get to know each other perhaps we can both do each other different favors; odd jobs around the home, things like that. Let’s agree to it and see how it goes.”
“I like that idea very much, Cassie. It would be a pleasure to help the two of you out. I am sure there will be times I need help, too. I am new to owning, so things are sure to surprise me.”
“It sounds like we will both get a lot out of this. Amis treat each other fairly without keeping track. Sometimes one has gained far more and other times the opposite will be true. We will all understand that our work comes before helping out in other areas. I am sure you will put in long hours doing what you love, just as we do.”
“Oui, I am planning on painting a lot. It is really the only reason I was put on this earth.”
“I can’t wait to see your work. Do you think we need a contract for the barter?”
“I am good with another hug and dinner out one night to discuss how to move forward. How does that sound?”
“That is just fine. How about two nights from now? We can just have you over for dinner. Mic, too, if you wish. Are you two a couple? Do you like both men and women?”
Gastien threw back his head and laughed. “Non! Forgive me for laughing. Mic and I are very close, but it stops there. We both like the ladies, and me…um…I like them too much.”
“You will be quite an interesting ami, Gastien. Much different from the group I usually hang out with. I think Vic will like you, too. Maybe we will get you to settle down with someone nice in the neighborhood.”
“Don’t count on it. I am married to my art.” Seeing her doubtful expression, he continued, “Seriously. That is my only true love.”
She looked long at him. “I believe you mean it. But hearts have a way of falling, just the same. I won’t be surprised if someday you tell me you are in love.”
“Again, don’t count on it. I prefer married women.”
She raised her eyebrows. “A nonconformist like Vic and me, in a way. Well, whatever takes care of your desires, Gastien. Just be careful. Peasant men don’t take kindly to that.”
“I don’t sleep with peasants.”
She raised her eyebrows again. “Oh?”
“I sleep with the wives of gentry and bourgeois. They are more open to both man and wife having affairs. They are my clients; if they offer, I accept….although I have decided not to accept as often. I need to be a bit less promiscuous.” He blushed.
“Ha!!! An extremely handsome man becoming less promiscuous? Now you have given me something interesting to observe for sure!”
“Well, er, I will try. That is all I am going to say.”
“Uh-huh.” She rolled her eyes. “Men!”
Gastien decided to change the subject. “Well, anyway, shall Mic and I come over about half past seven two nights from now? Where do you live?”
“That will be fine. We live upstairs.”
“We will bring the vin, along with some flowers for your table.”
“Wonderful. Gastien, do you have enough hashish for now in regard to your pain? Do you need to get some today?”
She really liked this man. She did not want him to hurt. Her gut told her that she could trust him to honor the barter; he would always be good to her and Vic.
“That is very thoughtful of you. I have enough for the next couple of days, but am getting low. How about if we wait until we get together for dinner?”
“I insist you take just a little to try before then. I don’t want you to just trust that it is as pure and good as I say. Try some tonight or tomorrow and let me know. I think you will find yourself very high indeed. Go slow; there is a lot of oil in it. You will need to smoke less for a good high. And if you eat it, well…enjoy the adventure!”
“Merci! I appreciate it very much. Pure black is very peppery and good.”
“Oui, it is excellent in soup and stew or just eaten alone. Cakes, too. If you ever want it in cake, let me know. I can bake it for you.”
“Perfect. I better get back now and grab Mic. We are going out to dinner and then to Moulin de la Galette for some dancing. See you soon!”
“Have fun, Gastien.” Cassie tucked Gastien’s hash into his hand.
V
Mic and Gastien had a great dinner on the outdoor terrace at a small restaurant. From there they headed to Moulin de la Galette. On the way to dinner, Gastien ate some of the hashish Cassie had given him. By the time they finished dinner he was feeling very fine. Mic had declined the offer of some hashish, saying he was sticking with vin.
After dancing with a few women they were both ready to leave. They each picked a partner for one last dance.
Gastien was dancing with a woman he had previously slept with. When she indicated interest again, he lo
oked at her with glazed eyes.
“Shhhh,” he chastised her, “your voice is too loud. I cannot hear the blue of your dress talking.”
“What? What are you talking about?” she asked, puzzled.
“The voice of blue! I am trying to listen. I am also watching the music. I have no interest in sex right now,” he said dreamily.
“Gastien, you are high. Mon Dieu! Get a hold of yourself! Imagine you turning down sex! Whatever drug you are on is messing you up,” she retorted disdainfully.
“On the contrary, chèri. I am even better high on hashish. I can kiss and fondle for hours. I am simply saying non. I want to watch the music.”
“I don’t understand,” she said, irritated.
“Exactly. Please enjoy the sound of the color,” laughed Gastien as he happily walked away.
He found Mic, and asked if he was ready to leave. They were both so thrilled about their new lives that they just wanted to go back to the new studios.
They sat in Gastien’s living area, each on a chaise lounge. Mic smoked some of the hash that Cassie had given Gastien. Pleased at how good of a buzz he quickly got, he starting talking about Montmartre. They sat contentedly talking for about two hours. Mic got Gastien caught up about the art scene: who was new, what places were “hot”, and other local gossip. They laughed at everything before eventually mellowing out.
Mic decided to go upstairs to bed. Since there was bedding on the new bed, he decided that he may as well sleep there. Gastien also turned in. He was so buzzed that it felt good to just lie down. He definitely could hear color talking to him as he went to sleep. It was a very pleasant conversation; one he hoped to remember in the morning.
VI
Gastien woke up relieved that he no longer had to worry about the upstairs. The decision had been made in L’Estaque to give the upstairs property to Mic. He knew that most people would elect to rent out both the upstairs studio and the area he bartered to the furniture makers. It would be a certain way to accumulate more money.
Gastien: From Dream to Destiny: A Caddy Rowland Historical Family Saga/Drama (The Gastien Series Book 2) Page 3