Page 112 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
We take the Metro fromCharles de Gaullestation toSacré Cœurand climb the steps to the massive white cathedral before sitting at the top to take in the views over Paris.
‘Look at that. You can see how all the Paris streets are laid out, and over there, the Eiffel Tower. You get a real sense of the scale of it from here.’
‘I love to look at the rooftops. When I live here, this place it was my favourite place to come and sit and think.’
‘Why did you leave Paris?’
‘My uncle, he follow me here. So, I disappear. He did not know I went to United Kingdom, not until recently. He is a bad person… but I know God, he will protect me and my family.’
‘You must have a strong faith, Ingrida?’
‘Ja. And you?’
‘I guess it is always there in the background, but I do not really think about it much.’
We are quiet as we take in the expanse of Paris in front of us and I decide to risk asking about Neil.
‘How is it being married?’
‘Ja, it is good. And Neil, he is a good man… why you laugh?’
‘His surname – Goodman.’
Ingrida’s face splits into a smile. ‘Ja, it is good name for him. Is very funny. But I am worried he does not want other people to know we are married. This weekend he was to say to Rita and Terry, Maya’s parents but he has not. I call on my phone and Rita think I am still just nanny.’
‘What did Neil say?’
‘He not speak with me yet.’
‘Well, call him.’
‘He say he will call me.’
‘Blow that. If Jay or I want to speak to each other, we call there and then. It does not matter what we are doing, we always prioritise calls to one another. You should get in the habit of doing the same with Neil.’
‘This is good idea. It would be good habit to make, to talk whenever he or I feel this need. I like this.’
‘So, call him…’
‘I will. As soon as we are back in the theatre when we have Wi-Fi. I…’ Ingrida pulls at her tight wedding ring and does not make eye contact. ‘Asha, can I ask you something?’
‘Sure.’
‘You and Jay, do you tell each other everything? I mean, do you have secrets? I mean, from each other?’
‘Absolutely not. It nearly killed me to hold back telling him I am pregnant for just one day. We tell each other everything. How about you and Neil?’
Ingrida shrugs and before I can reach over to touch her arm, she gets to her feet and heads towards the cathedral entrance. I want to ask her more, but the moment is gone.
‘Come and see inside the basilica.’
We enter the church, and all eyes are immediately drawn to the ceiling above the altar. The first sight of the incredible mosaic of the risen Christ takes my breath away.
‘It is beautiful,ja?’ Ingrida whispers. ‘One of the largest ceiling mosaics in the world.’
We walk about the vast interior, our eyes fixed on the mosaic and the central dome as we take in the Roman-Byzantine architecture in complete silence.
The church has a calming effect on us both and before we leave, Ingrida turns to me to say, ‘I will be only minute.’ She kneels before the bronze altar and closes her eyes, and her lips move in silent prayer.
