The Weeks Between • HS

Week 11 • Harry *

The past few days in France were wonderful, but I found myself missing Nola a lot of the time. I missed her even when she was sitting in the same room as me because I'd become so used to being able to freely show her affection that when I was restricted by the presence of Lottie, Mia and Hattie, it felt like she was pulling away. Logically, I knew that she wasn't, and I knew her reasons for keeping it friendly in front of the girls, but I can't say that it didn't deal my ego a bit of a blow.

Everyday in France was a good day, for one reason or another, but each day in France also had its challenges. I guess you could say the rose colored glasses somewhat came off, but even with them folded and put away, I still wanted to spend more time with Nola.

The first day was taken up by driving and settling in. Watching Nola navigate organizing and packing to take the girls to three foreign countries for a month was an eye-opening experience. Every time we talked about it or worked to get anything ready, she would focus on the girls first. Then, if she had the time, or energy, she would get things ready for herself. It became evident when she was packing that she was giving herself the bare minimum and that just won't do. Hence, I planned out shopping trip in Paris.

-----Message to Alessandro -----

Harry: Buongiorno!

Ale: Buongiorno, friend. Did you get the message from Nina?

Harry: Yes. I think that the girls will like all of those choices.

Ale: And your friend?

Harry: Can we pull a few more dresses? I am also sending you some choices for delicates and accessories.

Ale: I understand. I will make sure there are selections. You are going to be in Paris, after all.

Harry: Exactly.

Harry: Thank you, Ale!

Harry: Anytime. I hope to see you soon.

Ale: That would be wonderful.

----- End of message -----

•••••

The second day was the shopping day. This day was the most eye-opening of the trip, so far. Nina and I talked the night before our appointment, setting up snack options and going over the plan. I can say that Mia and Lottie fell straight into the matching trap I had her set up for them right inside the showroom door. Ale had already gone over what he pulled for me earlier in the week, and Nina already knew that I planned to purchase all of it. So, the focus was on Nola, but Nola didn't want to show me anything she tried on. I watched her grab the dresses I had selected, as well as more than one of the lingerie sets that I had them pull in her size. I was happy to see that everything she tried on made it into her purchase pile, with the exception of one pair of flare jeans and some loafers.

What I was not happy to see was her pull out her credit card and pay for everything. Nina didn't know what to do, especially when the total came out to €21,419.00. Seeing the black AMEX, I knew she could afford it, but how? It was then that I decided that this trip needed to become just as much about getting to know Nola outside of the bedroom as I did inside of the bedroom.

After we finished at the toy store, which was every little kids dream, we came home to a very domestic evening of cooking and playing until bedtime. Hattie, however, had different ideas about how her night should go. I heard her fussing for about an hour before I went to go and check on the Nola and her. Nola was signing to her in the chair in the corner of the room, Songbird by Fleetwood Mac, which made me smile. I decided to not interrupt, but when Nola didn't come downstairs, I went up to check on her and she was asleep in the chair with Hattie. Her bare legs looked cold, so I brought her a blanket and a water, and went back to my room... alone.