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were filled. It was one of the most unusual parties Isabelle had ever been to, but it was wonderful!  She was kept busy chatting to all their friends, many of whom wanted to practise their smattering of English on the girls.  All wanted to know about London and the different traditions they had heard about.  Every now and then Isabelle would glimpse Etienne looking at her and smile shyly at him.  Whilst Jean-Luc was the life and soul of the party, Etienne seemed to be on the fringes, a quieter participant happy to observe others.
    The music changed to quainter French music which was softer and more romantic.  Isabelle was sitting in the armchair, sipping her wine and observing everyone at the party.  Suddenly she became aware of a dark head leaning over her.  She looked up to see Etienne’s face close to hers, his eyes searching hers.  In very careful English, he asked softly, “Will you dance with me please?”
    “Of course, I mean, bien sur!” whispered Isabelle.  Gently Etienne took the wineglass from her hand and set it on the table, then reached back to take her hand.  He pulled her into his arms and together they swayed to the music.  It felt so right being in his arms, thought Isabelle, melting against him.  She had danced with men before but this felt different, it felt good.
    “Bravo, Etienne!” called Jean-Luc and a couple others cheered and clapped. 
    Etienne just smiled back and didn’t let go of Isabelle who was feeling quite embarrassed and trying to bury her face in his shirt.
    “So, Isabelle,” he asked reverting to French.  “You have a boyfriend at home?”
    “No,” she sighed.  “Well, at least, I did, but I don’t any more.”
    “Why not?”
    “He finished with me,” she admitted sheepishly.  “We had only been going out a few months and he decided to move on to someone else.  Not a problem really, I think I’m better off without him!”
    “He was very stupid,” whispered Etienne.  “But I am pleased for me.”
    Isabelle felt ridiculously happy at his words. She wasn’t sure if she should let him know that she knew about his girlfriend.  He might think it odd if she didn’t ask though.
    “And you?” she questioned softly.
    There was a long pause before he answered quietly.  “No, I am alone.  I had a girlfriend, a very special girl.  Sadly she died in an accident two years ago.  Now I am alone,” he explained simply and honestly.
    “I’m sorry.”  She didn’t really know what else to say.
    Etienne nodded.  “Thank you.  And now I have found you.”  He pulled her closer to him, discouraging any further talking.
      It felt so right to be in his arms.  The music finished and still they stood together until another tune began, a gentle French ballad.
    “This music is beautiful,” said Isabelle, listening intently to the lyrics and trying to translate them.  “What is it called?”
    “It’s called ‘comme un arbre dans la ville’, it’s quite an old song by Maxime le forestier.  It tells the story of someone feeling out of place as they are growing up, like a tree growing in concrete between buildings instead of in the open.  It is pretty, no?”
    Isabelle agreed.  “What sort of music do you like?”
    “I like all music.  Probably this type of French folk music is my favourite.  The lyrics mean something.  I also like 10cc and reggae too.  And you, Isabelle, what do you like?”
    “Roxy Music is my favourite.  I like Blondie, Police and some country music.  I also like Shakin’ Stevens.”
    “I like Roxy Music and Shakin’ Stevens is good to dance too.”
    He pulled her closer and together they danced in a comfortable silence.
    Another track started up, this one a little more animated and they moved into a different type of dancing.  He didn’t seem willing to let her go and Isabelle was perfectly happy about that!  She was oblivious to everyone else at the party.  The sounds of the others had faded away.
    Others were up