Kate's Parisian Escape

Chapter 17

July 12th, 2011

Monte Carlo, Monaco

To: Katherine Perryman <dreamchaser89@gmail.com>

From: Henri De La Fontaine <dangerouslycharming26@gmail.com>

Re: Deuxième Chance

Ma Chère Kate,

My dearest Kate, I know you said you never wanted to hear from me again, but I simply could not leave things as they are now. I truly have seen the error of my ways. I know what a fool I was not to appreciate the wonderful, amazing woman you are. I'm glad you are doing well and have found suitable accommodations, but I hate you think so poorly of me. The behavior I exhibited I assure you was out of character for me. I was torn between you and Elise and surprised by your sudden appearance. You have to admit some warning on your part would have made for a less awkward reunion.

So, darling, I'm writing to tell you I have decided I won't accept your request. I must see you. We must speak in person. And if after you still despise me, then I shall leave you in peace.

Until we meet again,

Henri

At first, Kate was happy to explore new places and be away from the frighteningly creepy voices of Juliette and Adaline Chevalier but after receiving Henri's email on the morning they were to depart for Monaco her good mojo was quickly dashed.

What an arrogant ass! How could she have made it any clearer that she did not want to see him? At least, she'd only mentioned she was staying in the Loire Valley and not the name of the Chateau. Hopefully, he wouldn't find her or if she was lucky, he'd show up when she was out of town.

She didn't mention Henri's email to Jeremy. She knew what he would say. And she didn't want it ruining their mini vacation.

After a quick breakfast of chocolate croissants and yogurt they caught the train to Monte Carlo. It was another beautiful day with blue skies and bright sunshine sparkling on the ocean water.

Once in Monaco they climbed a rather large hill that led them to the Prince's Palace. They arrived just in time to see the changing of the guard. Then Kate wanted to do some shopping and purchased a magnet depicting the Monte Carlo Casino, a blue scarf for her mom, and a cute floral dress for Lizzie.

"This is even more beautiful than Nice!" Kate gushed as they stopped for strawberry crepes at one of the local cafes.

"Monaco definitely has its own charm." Jeremy agreed.

"Let's go to the casino after this." Kate suggested.

"I thought you weren't big on gambling," Jeremy said.

"I'm not but I want lots of pictures to show my family when I get home."

"You mean they won't be impressed by the ones of Rue de Lepic sunbathing in your window?"

Kate laughed. "Somehow I don't think so."

When they arrived at the casino, it was packed, and Kate was dismayed to learn you had to pay to get inside! That certainly isn't how things worked in America. Not that she'd been to many casinos. Her one and only trip to Las Vegas was spent mostly going to shows and clubs; she'd only played a few slot machines of which she lost every time!

Since Kate didn't actually want to do any gambling, she told Jeremy not to bother paying the entrance fee and they left to do some more strolling. Kate was still able to get a lot of wonderful views on her camera.

"I wish we didn't have to leave," Kate sighed as they headed back to the train station holding hands.

"Maybe someday we'll come back."

"I don't know when or if I'll ever be in Europe again," Kate said dejectedly.

Jeremy smiled, "You will as long as you're with me."

"Well that certainly makes you much more desirable," Kate informed him. 

"You mean my good looks and cooking skills weren't enough?" He joked.

Kate laughed. "Non-existent cooking skills you mean."

"You're no better." He reminded her.

"Did I say I was? Do you think your parents will let us take Mrs. Dufour home with us?"

"Doubtful but only another reason to come back."

Kate wondered if she ever would and if things would work out with Jeremy. Once they went back to America, he would start law school and she needed to figure out her next move. Would they be able to keep up the long-distance thing? It was easy to say yes but execution was another thing entirely.

Back in Nice, they stopped for a late dessert and got chocolate mousse as they had previously failed miserably at making it themselves.

"Thanks for a wonderful day." Kate said.

"Ditto." He concurred.

The mousse was delicious, and it really had been a perfect day but just like the two nights prior they slept in the same bed, and nothing happened other than the expected sleeping. Kate really was so happy she just didn't understand why Jeremy didn't want to take things further. Was he not attracted to her? Did he think she wasn't interested? Or worse, what if he couldn't? Like physically couldn't?

Kate sighed as Jeremy held her close that night. She hated to broach the subject with him, but their time was running out. Soon the summer would be over, and she wasn't about to have things end with Jeremy like that had with Henri. Speaking of which she should probably email him back if she didn't want him unexpectedly showing up but if he did, she supposed that was what karma was all about. But in her defense, he had extended an invitation and Kate was vehemently telling him NOT TO COME! Here's hoping the poor slob takes the hint!

To: Henri De La Fontaine <dangerouslycharming26@gmail.com>

From: Katherine Perryman <dreamchaser89@gmail.com>

Re: Deuxième Chance

Henri,

I know you'd like me to give you a second chance and somehow find it in my heart to forgive you but I'm sorry Henri I just can't do that. And I had sincerely hoped to never hear from you again. I could have easily ended up on a return flight home, totally wasting a prime experience for a summer in Europe. Or worse I could have been abducted or robbed. I'm just a sweet girl from Kansas, that translates to easy pickings for some of these slimy French guys! The point is, while I may have caught you off guard you didn't have to act so aloof or unhappy with my showing up on your doorstep. A decent person would have offered accommodations or paid for a night at a hotel while I figured things out. You seemed to care not at all what happened to me. So why should I believe you when you say you are sorry?

As for your coming to discuss this matter in person. Let me be clear. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE YOU! Do not try to find me or contact me again. It will not change things. You will only have wasted yours and my time. It will not end the way you hope, I'm telling you that right now.

Do us both a favor and let's put this behind us. I'm not interested in revisiting the matter anymore and I hope you abide by my wishes.

Kate

P.S. I HATE WINTERMINT GUM!!!