Secret Summer

Begin of a Romance

1997, Glum Diana looked at herself in the mirror, slowly slipping back into old patterns that had haunted her since her marriage to Charles. She hoped she looked perfect for Dodi; they had their first date together today and their first ever since the divorce with Charles. Diana didn't want to scare him off with her problems because she liked him too much and also had the silent hope that Dodi felt the same way and that he was at least a little nervous.

Sighing, she thanked her chauffeur while he courteously held the car door open for her and helped her get out. "Good luck," he murmured with an inconspicuous crossed thumb, which made Diana smile and was led to him by Dodi's assistant. Dodi approached her with a bright smile and gently kissed her cheek in turn, impressed that she looked beautiful and making Diana blush when Dodi complimented her looks. "Thank you, Dodi. Those words mean a lot to me," she admitted quietly, silently happy about his praise. For the first time, satisfied with herself, Diana followed Dodi, much more relaxed than before, into his apartment and his living room.

Diana had to start laughing when Dodi's giant Schnauzer ran excitedly to her and, in his joy, almost knocked her over, and Dodi quickly grabbed his collar. "Are you all right?" Dodi asked, worried, and Diana nodded, laughing. "Don't worry, nothing happened."

Dodi smiled sheepishly. "That's Romeo. He's probably just as happy to see you here as I am."

Diana blushed slightly at Dodi's words and carefully stroked Romeo's head. "It's a very appropriate name." She praised Romeo and Dodi with a genuine smile, which Dodi returned and nodded in agreement. "Yes, it is."

Diana watched with a playful grin as Dodi's assistant led the dog away and Dodi led her into a luxurious dining room. Dodi obligingly put a chair in place for her, and Diana shyly thanked him.

"I hope the food is to your liking. Remember, if there's something you don't like or don't want to eat, just let me know; the last thing I want is for you to be uncomfortable with me, Diana."

Diana looked slightly embarrassed at the empty plate in front of her, making an unsuccessful attempt to suppress a smile. She knew that Dodi was indirectly addressing her bulimia. Something no one has ever openly offered before, so that she can choose what she likes or leave out without feeling guilty about being seen as rude. "Thanks, Dodi; you have no idea how much those words mean to me."

Diana watched curiously as the staff set the table for them, thanked them politely, and tasted it with hesitation. "It is very good." She praised her, and Dodi nodded with a relieved smile while he watched Diana stop halfway through the main course. She hesitantly apologized to him, and Dodi shook his head.

"You never have to apologize if you don't pack something, Diana. Would you like to try another dessert? We could share if you'd like."

Diana nodded radiantly; she had always loved desserts but knew that one whole thing was too much for her and gratefully accepted Dodi's offer to share it.

They both ate a piece of chocolate cake with a liquid, and while they both ate, Dodi asked carefully. "How do you like the idea of taking a vacation with me? The boys could come too, and it would be a good way for you three to be able to switch off from everyday life. I have very good security, and you would be safe and also without paparazzi."

Diana was surprised by this proposal to go on vacation with him and her boys. There is a good chance that they will get to know each other and hopefully like each other, so the boys can form their own opinions about Dodi. Accept him, as maybe her future husband and Dodi would accept her boys.

Diana knew that many would find an already divorced woman with two children very off-putting.

Dodi observed Diana's silence with caution. "Diana?"

"I approve of the holiday. I think it would do us good to get to know each other better and see if things would work out between us."

Dodi smiled relievedly and squeezed Diana's tender hand encouragingly. "St Tropez?" He offered kindly, and Diana nodded with a beam of approval and returned Dodi's handshake tenderly.

"St Tropez." Diana said approvingly with great enthusiasm that she would finally be able to escape her stressful everyday life together with her boy and with the man she had fallen in love with.