Inches by which the Eiffel Tower shrinks each winter: 6

To Alex, it felt like a sure thing. They had been seeing each other for a couple of months. They both liked acid jazz and sushi in mega doses. She liked his friends. He approved of her parents. A weekend getaway seemed natural. Paris was expensive, but not bad.

The hotel had an outside pool, heated. They were alone. This close to Christmas, very few people were using the pool. She looked spectacular in a bikini, snow frosting her hair. A king-sized bed, chocolate on the pillow, awaited their return. Alex chased her into the women’s changing room, both of them shrieking as the icy air hit their bodies.

“Jesus, its cold” he said.

“Quick,” she said. “Change and get upstairs.” Alex stripped off his trunks. A glance down and she excused herself—then and for the rest of the trip.

Later he read that the Eiffel Tower shrinks six inches during winter.