Leaving Madeleine - Part 18
Before she left France, Brigitte wanted to see Nice and the French Riviera. She asked me if I had been. "I have," I told her. "But wouldn't mind going again." With that, we went about arranging a trip south. A friend of mine in Paris owned a frequently vacant apartment in the Majestic building on Boulevard de Cimiez. With the Matisse museum just up the hill, and Brigitte's unbridled obsession with the artist, the accommodation was close to perfect. The only impediment to perfection was this friend's acquaintance was made courtesy of Madeleine. We took advantage of her real estate at least three or four times together. I wasn't sure if she knew Madeleine and I had separated. I wasn't sure if I alone was held in high enough esteem to be granted the key to her empty flat. I was sure, however, regardless of what she knew and didn't know, regardless of what level of trust and admiration she held in her heart for my existence, if I divulged that...