It was a bright summer populous day, he suddenly froze in the middle of the street, with his head up, staring at the church spire. She did not have time to brake and knocked him down, strongly hitting him in the side. Lord… He flew off to the sidewalk, rolled a few yards and froze. The surrounding people screamed in fright and she had already opened the door and jumped out, bent and took her hand. Then she was still fast, impetuous, slim, no one gave her more than thirty-five or forty, and she already was… She grinned, looking at the screen still hanging in front of the window, no matter how much she was. And it is important that everything with the poor fellow turned out to be in order, nothing broken. They were surrounded by excitedly speaking people, she bent toward him, close… Quite young, long hair fell in disorder on his shoulders, his glasses slipped on the tip of his nose… The view would have been frivolous if not for firmly compressed lips and not a look. She was surprised — there was no anger or annoyance in him. Only participation, empathy and desire to help. Help her? Yes.
“How are you, monsieur, it's okay?”
He shook his head, do not understand French. I switched to English. The guy smiled, nodded, wincing a little. He tried to sit down. The crowd around worried, demanding to lie down and wait for the doctor, he was already called. The guy frowned and raised his hand, asking everyone to fall silent. He looked at me and realized how was I uncomfortable here. Did he recognized me? Not? I do not think. He is too young. Even local residents have long ceased to associate the once-famous name with the humble madame. I always introduce myself as my husband's name. So, as a rule, I enjoy my incognito. But I need to take the guy to the hospital, I can not leave him on the street. And there … It will be necessary to fill out documents, to explain to the police. Publicity and a small scandal for the joy of the press. A newspaper headline appeared before my eyes. Oh, how I don't want to … May be, I will wait for the promised doctor and then quietly disappear? No. It's dishonorable.
— Miss, I'm fine, do not worry and sorry. This is my fault, staring and did not notice your car.
I shuddered when I heard this heavy accent. How did he get here? And this old-fashioned "Miss"… But thoughts off, if he's all right, then …
— Are you sure? Maybe it’s still necessary to wait for a doctor or do you want me to take you to the hospital? Not far from here. You never know, it may be a strong injury or fracture. Costs, of course, I …
He did not let me continue and quickly sat down. Yet it hurts him, I can notice this, for many years I studied various facial expressions. And a great idea came to my mind … I lowered my voice and said in a tone of conspirator.
— I guess we can disappear from here?
So he appeared in my home, it was the best way out — I did not leave him and at the same time avoided publicity. And then…
I laid him on the couch in the living room of the first floor. He was very embarrassed, but I insisted. He needs a little rest. I brought coffee, some sweets. Soon he was sitting, finding it impolite to lie in my presence. Easy conversation… He introduced himself, talked a little about himself… I called my name with some tension. Yes, as usual I told my husband's name, but… If my guest finds out? If so, what to do? Ask him not to tell anything to anyone? What an absurdity… No, no reaction. The guy nodded politely, asked what I am doing and so on. Suddenly I was hurt by insult… I looked at him and thought — thousands of people would dream to be in your place. And you sit, drink coffee with my home-made cookies — and you do not even know who you are talking with, in whose house you are. And you will not know… I can even make a movie on this story. I could not stand it and laughed, the insult was gone. I did not think about it a long time — to make a movie… I can call my husband, he is a director. I will call a Friend, how he would be surprised… He may be my producer again. I can even write a script myself. Laughter has become even more fun, the guy looked at me wonderingly, put the cup on the table. I hurried to calm him down.
— Do not pay attention, I just …
— What?
— I just thought that we are like in the old film — I hit you with a car, here we are now, at my home… Good beginning, don't you think? Just imagine…
He smiled back and took the cup again, took a small sip. Looked around the living room. I froze — there are pictures on the walls. Some are signed …
— So you are an actress? But you said that you are engaged in the dress design.
Yes, so I said. And out of habit, I did something out of naughtiness. I do not know why … Apparently, the atmosphere of happening has so affected me. And, he is just a boy, he will not understand the hint, he certainly has not watched that old film. I showed him crossed fingers. He laughed.
— You lied to me!
— Yes! But when you cross your fingers, it's not so serious!
Our loud laughter filled the room, burst into the garden, into the free air and to the bright sun. Laughing, he pointed to the wall. I shrugged in response and sighed.
— Yes, I am an actress. Was.
He appreciated the pause, his face turned serious. He quietly asked.
— Can I see? Allow me?
He watched, I silently stood nearby and waited. After all, he will read the signatures, there are names. My name is there. I will never forget his wide-open eyes. My God … No, there was not usual admiration, delight or something like that. Huge confusion, almost fear. I could not resist and asked when we sat back. I asked for an honest answer. Why? He answered honestly, looking into my eyes.
— I thought you are no longer alive. Please, sorry, I…
— You felt like you saw a ghost, yep?
He hesitated, looked away and shrugged. For a moment it seemed that he wanted to get up and leave. I suddenly wanted to put a palm on his hand, calm him down. I see how he felt uneasy here… Of course, I did not do that. He understood that I was waiting. What he said probably should have hurt me deadly. As articles about how I gained two hundred pounds and I do not appear anywhere because I stopped getting into my evening dresses.
— I know nothing about you except the name. I have not seen your movies, never. Well, we were told at school…
I was curious, I leaned forward.
— What were you told?
He suddenly mischievously smiled at the corners of his mouth and squinted. We both felt that the involuntary tension between us was gone. And — I have not experienced any resentment, quite the contrary. It became very good. As it would be banal, a fan who accidentally came to me… A standard delight in the eyes, boring compliments and questions. Would he eventually ask for an autograph? I would not like… Stay yourself, we do not need this tinsel! Do not disappoint me, let it be a little unexpected adventure for both of us, as if we really in one of the old naive movies.
— So what they told you about me? Come across!
Suddenly I spoke to him like a friend. Why not? Will he take a step towards? Involuntarily I glanced at the wall clock, I wanted to know how much was left before my husband returned. I hope the guy did not notice. What am I doing? Not good. He noticed my quick glance. In his eyes I saw a doubt for a moment, and …
— No, not really about you.
I did not manage to hide the disappointment, it came out funny, we laughed again. I am feeling better and happier, I do not understand why… As if the sparkles flickered in the air merrily gleaming.
— What about?
— About how in one movie you sang romances, this movie called…