In less than two days, it had already become a phenomenon. Several journalists tried to contact the teenage boy who had started the movement, along with his father. And it wouldn’t end there. The movement grew so big that the insurance company had no choice but to reinstate Patrick … and to fire Desjoyaux, of course. So the world of social media has an upside. There were consequences, however: the story’s fame meant Patrick could never be free of it. For years, whenever he went to visit a client, they would always ask him with a little smile: ‘And our curtains? What do you think?’

91

Although she had agreed to take part in the meeting, Lola refused to meet my eye. She didn’t seem as hostile as before, however. Her anger was fading. She admitted that it wasn’t my fault Clément had dumped her. Plus, her doubts had been justified. He’d immediately started seeing another girl. Lola had sent me on a mission to pin down the slipperiest teenage boy imaginable. Not only had the story not proved very exciting, but it saddened me that this was Lola’s only connection with my book. She would remain my great regret. But maybe one day I would return to write another book about the Martins, and then she would be my priority. What would become of her? The future is an unwritten book.

92

It was time to bring things to an end. Of course I could have continued following the Martin family, but I don’t like books over 300 pages long. That was sufficient reason to pause our relationship. We said our goodbyes quite warmly, and in the end they all thanked me. Out on the landing, I turned back. I wanted to immortalise this moment with a photograph. They kindly indulged my last wish. As the four of them sat on the living-room sofa, trying to smile naturally, I looked at my heroes.

THE MARTINS

EPILOGUE

1

I tried to take a nap that afternoon so I’d be rested for the evening, but I couldn’t fall asleep. I was too excited. I was about to see Marie again, and in the ideal setting too. The private view for her new art exhibition brought us back full circle to our first meeting. And you know I like my books to be round.

2

I’d attempted to find out more information on her new exhibition, but there was nothing online. For years, we had shared everything; she followed the progress of my novels, and I watched enthusiastically as her projects developed. I liked the idea that we were living parallel creative lives, without occupying the same artistic terrain. She worked with images and I worked with words. There was something complementary about this, a synergy. I admired her capacity to reinvent herself, to constantly seek out new ideas. I really missed her vivaciousness.

The invitation to her private view was a very positive sign. She’d told me: ‘It would be lovely if you could be there.’ It was such an important event for her; despite the separation, there are moments when you can’t live without each other.