by Taisha Demay
One Night With You
April in Paris
Taisha Demay
Dedication
This story is dedicated to my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am.
Acknowledgments
To my editor, thanks so much.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
About the Author
Chapter 1
“You’re breaking up with me?” April Hill stared in shock at the man seated across from her in Sensei's, a popular restaurant and sushi bar, feeling like such an idiot for expecting a marriage proposal. She’d been dating Paul Billings, an investment banker, for over two years. The two of them met during the town’s annual spring fest, hitting it off immediately.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying.”
“Yes, the hell it is,” she insisted. “Unless I’m mistaken, which I’m not, you just told me you just got a promotion and are transferring to the Seattle office, which means, we’re breaking up.”
Paul, a medium build dark-skinned man with onyx eyes, wide nose and full lips, glanced around nervously, realizing they were starting to draw attention and focused on her again. “Would you lower your voice, please? People are starting to stare.”
April sucked her teeth, ignoring his concern. “I don’t give a damn, let them. I can’t believe you brought me here just to spring this on me.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s over between us,” he reasoned.
She frowned. “Are you suggesting we have a long-distance relationship?”
“That’s not a bad idea.” He shrugged, picking up his glass of water, taking a sip. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s a terrible idea. What made you believe I’d even agree to something like that?”
“How would you know, unless we tried?”
She couldn’t believe he would even suggest such a thing. “Well. I’m not.”
“April, don’t you think you’re being unreasonable?”
“No, I do not. For you to even think of it shows you never even knew me.”
“Plenty of people are doing it, and they work out just fine.”
“I’m not one of those people. You’re an even bigger asshole for thinking I would.”
Sucking her teeth, April slid the chair away from the table, standing. Grabbing her purse she pushed the straps up her shoulders.
Paul frowned. “What are you doing? Our food should be here any minute.”
“You have it; I’ve lost my appetite. Goodbye, Paul; have a nice life.” Turning, she walked away, wishing this night had never happened.
“He broke up with you?” Donna Bailey, her friend, and business partner asked when April arrived for work and explained what happened the previous night at the restaurant with Paul.
Their shop, One Stitch at a Time was located in a strip mall, where they offered sewing services to the community. They did everything from simple repairs to creating outfits for special occasions.
Donna was a tall, full-figured woman with ebony complexion, large, brown eyes and curly, corkscrew shoulder-length chestnut-colored hair with auburn highlights. The two of them met while attending a small business seminar held at the community college.
“No, I actually did the breaking up,” April informed her while placing her purse in the bottom drawer of the desk. “Would you believe he wanted us to have a long-distance relationship?”
“Those never work.”
“That’s what I said,” April agreed.
“Tell me what happened next?”
“I told him to have a nice life, and then, I left.”
“I can’t say I blame you. What you ever saw in that guy, I’ll never understand. It wasn’t like he had a great personality. Sure, he was good looking, just boring as hell.”
April sighed. “In his defense, he was smart, had a great job and a sense of humor.”
Donna snorted. “Please, he was duller than a butter knife. Remember when Tim and I invited the two of you over? The only thing he wanted to talk about was ‘market fluctuation and venture capitalism.’ I say good riddance, you’re better off if you ask me.”
Her friend's words sawed through her like a dull blade. April knew Donna hadn’t meant to be cruel; she was just worried about her, or maybe it was pity? Whatever it was, there was no way she was going to admit defeat. “It’s over now. There’s no need to continue to rehash the gory details; I’m ready to move on.”
“As you should be,” Donna replied.
Settling down at the machine, April began working on a client’s order. “Isn’t Mrs. Crump picking up her order today?”
“Yeah, we’ll be lucky if that old biddy doesn’t come up with an excuse why she can’t pay. Either that, or she’ll try substituting a pie for cash.”
“That’s how it is when you live in a small town. Cut her some slack, she’s on a budget.”
Donna made a dismissive sound. “Do the electric and water companies cut us any slack when the payments are due? No, they don’t. So, why should we do it when our customers try to get away with not paying?”
“Fine,” April sighed. “I promise to be a little tougher on the ‘non-paying.’ There, are you happy?” Switching the material around, her foot pressed the switch and continued her task.
When the bell rang out front, Donna went to wait on the customer. While she was gone, April began rationalizing about ending things with Paul, and it possibly being a rash decision. Then again in retrospect, it was the right thing to do. Besides, they would have eventually gone their separate ways sooner or later.
“If you don’t have any plans later, you should come over. We’ll make it a girl’s night,” Donna suggested the moment she returned.
“Nah, I’m going to have to take a raincheck. I think I’m just gonna go home and soak in a nice warm bath. I want to pour myself a glass of wine, pop some popcorn and sit and listen to the Doctor Julia show.”
Her friend made a face. “Why in the world do you even want to listen to that woman? She isn’t even a real doctor.”
“Because I enjoy it. Anyway, she gives good advice sometimes. It’s my thing; so, leave it alone. Do I say anything about your home shopping show fixation?”
“It’s much better than that Charlatan you listen to.”
“Perhaps, but unlike you, mine doesn’t involve spending money.”
“Whatever,” Donna muttered.
After their long day, April and Donna locked up and went home for the evening. Once she’d had her soothing, lavender-scented bath, she settled down on the couch with a bowl of freshly-popped popcorn seasoned with hot sauce on the table with a glass of wine. Grabbing the remote, April turned on the stereo, preparing to listen to tonight’s show.
Her apartment was a two-bedroom, she’d lucked out and found the first week she’d returned to West Lake after spending several years living in Manhattan, working for a local fashion house. It was simply furnished with second-hand furniture and antiques she’d found at estate and garage sales.
Paul kept insisting that since she was a prominent business owner she should consider moving to someplace upscale. He said that impressions meant everything. But, the truth was, she didn’t care what anyone thought and would live where she liked. The moment the show started, April dismissed her thoughts and listened.
“You’re listening to WLKR West Lakes’ own talk radio. I’m Doctor Julia and our topic today is ‘Following Your Dreams.’ Listeners, when i
s the right and wrong time? We’ll take our first call after a message from our sponsor.”
Grabbing a handful of popcorn, she put some in her mouth before washing it down with a healthy gulp of wine. Once the show resumed, she sat up to listen.
“We’re back. Our topic tonight is ‘Following Your Dreams.’ Our first call is from Helen in Patchogue. What’s on your mind?”
“Well...” Helen hesitated. “Honestly, I've been wanting to go to college, but I haven’t been able to.”
“Why is that?” Julia inquired.
“It’s because I got pregnant during my senior year of high school and got married a few months after graduation. Following my dreams was no longer a priority once I became a mother; it kind of took a back seat.”
“I see. Helen, let me ask you this; what’s stopping you now?”
“Uh...I just don’t have time. I’m a stay-at-home mom, and there aren't enough hours in the day.”
“Uh-huh. Have you looked into online classes? They’re pretty flexible; I’m sure you can work something out,” Julia pointed out.
“No, I haven’t.”
“And, why haven’t you?” There was a small change in inflection in the soft voice.
Helen sighed. “As I said, I just don’t have the time.”
“Then, maybe you should make the time. Either you want to do this or you don’t. Which is it?” Julia asked irritably.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt to look into them.”
“Well folks, I believe we have a breakthrough.” The sarcastic tone in the host's voice was lost on the caller, but April knew it. The caller was too dense to pick up on it.
“Thank you for calling, Helen. Please keep us posted on how it’s going.”
“I will. Thank you, Doctor Julia.”
“You’re quite welcome,” the host replied. “Listeners, before we go to break. Let me say this, there is no excuse for not pursuing your dreams, bliss or passion. If there’s a will, there’s a way. You’re listening to WLKR, West Lakes’ own talk radio and I’m Doctor Julia.”
While waiting for the show to return, April thought about her own journey in pursuing her dreams and how she had to look for an investor after being turned down for a small business loan. Luckily, through Paul, she’d found one. Now that One Stitch at a Time was finally a success after months of hard work, they were able to consider the prospect of expansion.
Her aunt Patricia, who had raised her when a seven-year-old April lost her parents in a head-on collision, encouraged her to follow her dreams. Too bad her aunt had suffered a heart attack and passed away before witnessing her niece fulfill it. She was sad her beloved aunt was no longer around to consult and spend time with.
“Let’s take another call. Sonia, from Newark, what’s your comment or question?”
“I just want to say, I agree with what you told the other caller. There’s no reason why anyone should put off pursuing their dreams just because they have a family. I’ve got a husband and five children and still managed to earn my Master’s in business recently.”
“Congratulations! That’s awesome,” Julia enthused.
“Thanks. It wasn’t easy.”
“Something worth having never is. You see, listeners; there’s no reason for not doing it. The options are there; you just have to figure out what works best for you. Before we take our final call, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the contest the station is having starting this coming Monday. It’s an all-expense-paid round trip to Paris, France, the city of love. To win, all you have to do is answer five questions correctly about that week’s show on Friday. It’s that simple; this contest is sponsored by La Fleur Florists, the one you trust to show how much you care. Tune in to play.”
“Yeah right, sure he did,” April snorted, glancing over at the apology flowers sticking out of the trash, her ex had sent her recently. “Like he actually cared about anyone besides himself. That would require having feelings.”
Picking up the remote, she pressed the button to lower the volume the moment an advertisement came on from the investment firm Paul worked for. Once it ended, she raised it again.
“Todd from Bricktown, what’s your question or comment?”
“The stuff you’re spouting is some old, freeze-dried bullshit!” The last word was censored.
“Tell me something, Todd; why would you say something like that?”
“The last caller claimed she’d earned her Master’s degree in business, even though she has a husband and five children.”
“Do you not think that’s possible?”
“Hell naw! Not unless you’ve got a full time or live-in help. Nowadays, it takes two paychecks to keep things going; you know what I’m saying?”
“Yes. But, how do you know she didn’t earn that degree by taking online classes?”
“Even if she had, it ain’t happening, especially not with a job, a husband and five kids. Who does she think we are, boo-boo the fool?”
The caller laughed, foolishly encouraged by the show’s sound effects egging him on further. April shook her head.
What a clueless clown.
“Let me ask you this, Todd. What makes you believe those things aren’t possible to accomplish, especially with universities offering flexible online classes?”
“Either she's a superwoman, or she's lying her ass off.” There was another beep. “Ain’t no way.”
“Well, listeners, you heard it here first, our caller truly believes it couldn’t be accomplished.”
“Cause, it can’t,” Todd replied.
“Either you’re living in the fifties where a woman’s place is in the home, or you’re as clueless as you sound. Todd, I’ve got news for you, it is possible, and has been done by countless men and women while juggling their everyday lives.”
April continued to listen while the host chastised the caller who soon backpedaled and recanted his statement, apologizing.
“That’s it for tonight’s show. Now, it’s time for the Tom Hoffman show. Until tomorrow, let your dreams be yours!”
“Wow! A trip to Paris, huh?” Donna said the next morning when April mentioned the contest. “Does this mean if you win, you’re going to see that guy you told me you met last year?”
An image of Jean-Luc Reneau, the man she’d had a brief encounter with last year, flashed in her mind. The two of them meeting when she stopped by his bakery Les Douceurs Les Plus Douces—The Sweetest Treats.
“Probably not. There’s no reason to see him. Anyway, who says I’ll win?”
“We’re speaking hypothetically,” Donna clarified, before continuing. “From everything you told me about him, if I were you, I’d make time.”
April made a face. “It was just a tryst, nothing more. Besides, he’s more than likely forgotten about me.” Noticing her friend’s expression, she frowned. “What? It’s true. Besides, I’d only be borrowing trouble.”
Donna pursed her lips. “I know you don’t honestly believe that. If you do, then you’re either frigid or immune to a sexy man’s advances.”
Her mouth gaped. “I am not frigid!”
“No, but you act like it.”
April made a dismissive sound in her throat.
“Answer me this, how many relationships have you had that involved sex? I bet you can count them on one hand. I know you, April, you aren’t promiscuous. The thing with what’s his name is over. Why not pick up where the two of you left off? There’s nothing in the way of what you and that guy shared.”
“How do you know he hasn’t moved on or even gotten married?”
Donna cast her a look of doubt. “Somehow, I have a feeling that hasn’t happened. You want to know what else I think?”
“Not really, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway,” April muttered.
“You’re scared that if you do take a chance, fall in love and decide to relocate to Paris, things aren’t going to work out the way you hoped.”
She knew her friend was right but wasn�
�t going to admit it. “You know what? You watch too many chick flicks.”
Donna chuckled. “You say that because you know it’s the truth.”
April snorted. “Whatever, and I’m going to let you hold on to your delusions if it helps you to sleep at night.”
“Look, April, the only thing I’m saying is if you win this contest, and you happen to see him while you’re there, I think you should at least give it a chance.”
She sighed. “I tell you what, I’ll think about it.”
Chapter 2
A Month Later
“I still can’t believe I won,” April said, tossing toiletries inside a tote bag while talking with Donna on the phone.
“I said you would. Now, you can reunite with that sexy Frenchman.”
April groaned. “Would you please give it a rest! How many times do I have to tell you I don’t plan on seeing him?”
“Who do you think you’re fooling? Certainly not me? You know good and well that you are,” Donna pointed out.
“Just drop it, okay? It’s not going to happen.”
“Yeah right,” her friend replied, unconvinced.
“It’s 11:30 A.M. I’ve got two hours before my flight leaves,” she told her, putting the last of the items inside the suitcase and zipping it shut.
“Have fun, and I’ll hold down the fort while you’re away. Don’t forget to bring me back a souvenir.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t forget. Goodbye, I’ll see you when I get back.”
Ending the call, April grabbed her suitcase and brought it out into the living room, sitting by the door, then went to retrieve the rest.
Paris, France