In Over Her Head by Elsie Russell - Parnasse.com

TRAP
Wrapped in the crane wedding kimono Ula watched them cross
the Pont du Carrousel. What an odd couple. His step adjusted perfectly
to hers as she forged ahead in hiking stride, ready to face the music.
Ula slid in her nabi socks across the newly ebonized floor her to
the buzzer. Renovations were still in progress, the furniture still under
plastic, the new sofa in its crate.
She buzzed them in before he could even hit the bell, as was
their way. She waited until they were on the landing before opening the
door.
He smiled. Smiled at her! She threw her arms around him and
pulled him in, kissed him on the lips. Penny stood in the door, staring
at her feet, her cheeks fiery red from the cold and from shock.
"Well, come in, don't just stand there."
"It is not finished?" Sandro asked.
"God no, what a nightmare, you would not believe!"
"You lost weight since Rome, but you look better. This is my
favorite kimono, but you never wear it!" he said, fingering the sleeve's
shimmering cranes.
"It's for special occasions. Can I get you a drink to warm up?"
"I'll have the usual, Penny is on the wagon, she, em, sleeps
better that way."
He eyed the open booze cabinet warily.
"Where's Inez?"
"She's been a little under the weather, she's sleeping now, but
she got stuff at Buci this morning."
Ula brought him his drink. His hands were shaking.
"Penny, what would you like, hot tea?"
"Hell, gimme whatever he's having."
"Black Label?"
"Yeah. Oh, I forgot, it's my birthday."
"Merde," Sandro said.
"I thought it was twenty one, not eighteen, Penny," Ula said.
"Not here."
Ula poured her a smidgen.
"No! I said gimme what he's having, the same amount, too!
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