by Avery North
In his old-world gentlemanly style, he took a seat beside her on the couch, saying, "With my son's permission, I am going to sit beside you."
Emma smiled her welcome; this she had not expected. Could he really be so forgiving about what had happened?
He leaned forward, calling to Gilbert, "Get another bottle, Gilbert. We have a lot to celebrate."
Turning to Emma, he added, "There comes a time to move on. In fact, I have waited for it for the past year or so but never said it." Seeing her confused look, he added, “No, I am not bowing out completely, but I am ridding myself of the responsibility of Marrakesh and looking forward to my son's building their own chain of Riads, which may in time incorporate mine."
“And mother, how is she feeling about it now?” Raoul posed the question.
"Better, I think," Renoir answered. "You must understand, cutting, how do you English call it, the apron strings is always more difficult for a mother. And you Raoul were the baby. But she will be fine; she is already deciding what she is going to spend the money on."
"Well done, everyone," Emma thought, realizing the day's work must have been difficult for everyone. Catching Louise's eye across the table, she wondered how she must be feeling. She had said often enough that Gilbert found being answerable to Paris difficult, but Louise was strong and patient, she could cope with it.
Catching Raoul's eye as he pulled the cork on the Champagne bottle, she could see him becoming a different man already. Raising her glass to him, she hoped he would buy that derelict Riad. She could already imagine how it would look with some love lavished on it.
He caught her eye as she rose to leave the lobby, and with an almost imperceptible nod of his head indicated the courtyard. The night was balmy with shafts of moonlight shining on the water. Standing by the pool, she waited until she saw him coming through the archway and smiled an invitation.
“Congratulations, Raoul,” she whispered as he took her in his arms. “This is what you dreamed of, having your own Riad.”
“Yes,” he answered seriously. “I dreamed of that. But I have other dreams too. I dream of you being my girlfriend, of having more than just a holiday romance with you.”
“But…” She looked at him, surprised.
“Stay here. Let’s do this together. And let’s make the Riad our project, not just mine.” He folded her in his arms.
“But, my job, London?”
“Stay here. Try it for a while. See how Louise has done it.”
Looking into his eyes, she could see that he meant this. Could she do it? Would it be possible?
Yes, it would. Looking up at him, her eyes glowing, she answered her own questions.
“Yes, let’s do it.”
Epilogue
Gilbert and Louise were the first to inspect the finished property. Coming in through the open doorway, they were met by the sight of Raoul in rolled-up shirt sleeves and workwear trousers, putting the finishing touches to the paintwork.
“Wow,” Louise exclaimed. “I hadn’t thought this would ever be possible.”
She cast her mind back to the Riad as it had been that day Raoul, with Emma’s encouragement, had bought the derelict building. Even she had been skeptical that Emma’s artistic talents and Raoul’s determination could rescue that relic of times past and restore it to its former glory. But they had done it, and on a tighter budget than she would have imagined possible.
Casting her eyes around what would soon be the lobby, she took in the carefully restored furniture interspersed with Emma’s beloved shabby chic pieces and the traditional wall hangings that were such a feature of Moroccan buildings.
“And Emma? Where is she?” she asked Raoul.
"In the kitchen, checking, we have enough crockery," he answered.
Following his pointing finger, she made her way through a series of paneled halls until she found Emma in her domain unpacking boxes of crockery.
"Emma, you must be so happy with this," Louise exclaimed, giving her friend a hug.
"Yes," Emma smiled. "It's been a tough six months, but we got there. It's all finally coming together." She laughed, "And believe it or not, we are still together?"
“Glad you stayed on?” Louise expected an answer in the affirmative, but she needed to hear it. She had been the one to encourage Emma to take Raoul up on his proposition.
“Absolutely,” Emma sitting back on her heels, surrounded by packing paper thought for a moment. "It was a tough decision, saying goodbye to the streets of London, the magazine, and all that. But it was the right decision."
Rising to her feet, she continued, "Hard to believe a work bonus brought me here and in turn led to my staying here. And soon, the guests will be coming."
“Will you have a party to announce the opening of Riad Raoul.”
“You mean the opening of Riad Raoul and Friend? Certainly, and to announce this,” fumbling in the pocket of her overalls, she produced a ring.
Louise gasped, “Is that what I think it is? An engagement ring?”
“Yes, an engagement ring!”
When Gilbert and Raoul entered the kitchen, Emma and Louise were still locked in an embrace.
Book 5: Another Chance
Blurb
Riad Dubois in Marrakech is run by happy couple Gilbert and Louise and has developed a reputation for inspiring romance. Louise’s friend Helen found love when she first visited, and is now bringing her brother Jeff, wanting to show him the magic she found before.
At the same time, Louise’s old colleague Joshua is visiting with his daughter Sophia, a hardworking nurse who needs some sunshine and rest. A recent illness has Joshua fiercely protective and determined to look after his fragile daughter. Watching the sparks between Jeff and Sophia when they first meet, Louise can’t help but wonder if the Riad will weave its magic once more.
But can Jeff stop being a policeman and relax on his vacation? Can reserved Sophia break out of her shell and allow herself to trust another person? Will love flourish in the heat of Morocco yet again?
Chapter 1
“Helen!” Louise greeted her friend warmly at reception before turning to the well-built man standing beside her. “And this must be Jeff?”
“Yes, my baby brother,” Helen grinned at him.
“Less of the baby, Helen,” Jeff replied as he offered Louise his hand.
Taking his hand, Louise took in the cropped hair, strong build, and erect bearing. Helen had told her he was had recently been promoted to detective and she thought that he certainly looked the part.
“Welcome to Marrakesh, Jeff,” she said, before turning back to Helen. “You remember my old colleague, Joshua? He is arriving today as well to finish a work project. So, we can all have dinner tonight and a chance to catch up.”
“Misogynistic Joshua,” Helen laughed. “That’s what you called him when you worked together.”
“He seems to have changed, mellowed a little,” Louise replied. “Anyhow,” she noticed the keys in their hands, “After you’ve checked out your rooms, come to the courtyard for drinks. I want to hear all about Casablanca and get to know you, Jeff."
Louise was in her usual chair next to the pool when Helen and Jeff eventually arrived in the courtyard. Jeff took in the swimming pool, the flowering plants lining the edges of the courtyard and the sunlight sparkling on the surface of the water.
Lowering himself onto a deckchair, he turned to Louise, “This is wonderful. I’m jealous. First Casablanca and now this. It makes me seriously doubt my decision to be a policeman walking the beat in the rainy UK.”
“Nonsense,” Helen interjected. “You know you love that job. How would you live without the thrill of chasing down criminals?”
“Perhaps, but I am sure there are criminals in Morocco too.” He took an iced coffee from the server, “Of course, Helen wants me to forget about criminals while I am here and concentrate on finding a girlfriend.”
Helen shot him a skeptical glance, “Well, you certainly seem to be r
unning out of choices in London. How long did your last relationship last? A week or two?”
Jeff threw back his head, laughing, revealing perfectly even teeth. “Just because you’re in a serious relationship, Helen, doesn’t mean that I have to be.”
Noticing the muscles bulging under his t-shirt, Louise could easily imagine him being a heartbreaker in the London nightclubs. The same thought seemed to have crossed Helen’s mind as she commented, “Let’s just see if you fall for someone in Marrakesh,” she gave Louise a mischievous grin. “It seems to happen to a lot of people around here.”
He had heard the many stories of people falling hopelessly in love when they visited the Riad. No way was he going to let that happen to him. The busy streets of London and working with his team were all he needed, peppered with the action the nightclubs had to offer, of course.
Joshua arrived in the afternoon. Louise saw his familiar figure in the lobby, accompanied by a slight young woman with long brown hair. Thinking that must be his daughter she hadn’t met before, Louise approached them and gave Joshua a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, and offering her hand to the daughter to shake.
“It’s great to see you again, Joshua,” she said as the porter took their luggage. “And Sophia, is this your first trip to Marrakesh?”
The girl nodded. She had a pale complexion and very dark eyes. Joshua had told Louise that she hadn’t been well and was prone to infections but didn’t stop her continuing to work as a nurse. As they positioned themselves around a table in the lobby and waited for their coffees, Joshua said, “Sophia works so hard, she’s so dedicated. A week of Moroccan sunshine will give her all the vitamin D she needs to get through our winters.” He smiled fondly at his daughter.
Looking at Sophia Louise estimated her to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight. She knew that she still lived at home, and Louise could see she was the apple of her father’s eye.
“Joshua, do you remember my friend Helen? She and her brother are staying here as well. I have arranged for all of us to have dinner together this evening so we can catch up. Would around eight be OK?”
“Sounds great,” Joshua answered, “especially if Gilbert still has some of that amazing wine I tried last time.”
That evening they all met at the table in the quiet corner of the dining room Gilbert had reserved for them. A quick pre-dinner drink in the lounge beforehand had worked as an ice breaker, and the conversation was in full flow as their first course arrived.
“Ah, here is that famous wine of Gilbert’s,” Joshua said with satisfaction as the sommelier arrived.
“Mmm, and it is very good," Jeff said, swirling the wine around his glass and inhaling deeply.
“I didn’t know policemen were into their wines,” Joshua joked.
Noticing the slight frown on Jeff’s forehead, Louise reflected that Jeff didn’t like jokes about his career. But she wasn’t going to worry about that. Tonight would be a long overdue meet up of friends, a chance for all of them to unwind with good food and wine, and, more importantly, good company. It was only at times like these she realized she missed the easy camaraderie of the London office. But Gilbert wouldn’t be in London, she thought, smiling at him as he slipped into his seat. She didn’t think Jeff and Sophia would be either. She had already detected the pair darting surreptitious looks at one another, a slight blush in Sophia’s pale cheeks as Jeff’s eyes met hers. They both looked very glamorous. Jeff was in a silk shirt and linen trousers, Sophia’s long hair was resting on her shoulders, a magnificent gold ring on her index finger and a pretty pink dress complimenting her pale skin.
“So, after this, where does the party go?" Jeff asked as the coffee was served.
His question took everyone else by surprise. Nobody had thought of after-dinner entertainment. Joshua was the first to answer, "For Sophia and me, it has to be an early night I'm afraid. I have to take shots of the Atlas Mountains in the morning.”
“But you’re not working tomorrow, are you Sophia? I gathered you were here on vacation.” Jeff raised an eyebrow, fiddling with the gold chain around his neck. An evening dancing with this attractive woman would be the perfect way to end the evening. He had noticed how her dress swayed when she walked in, and there was a dimple on her cheek that he felt the need to kiss.
“No, I’m not working … " she began, but her father answered for her.
"It's been a long day. We left London early this morning, and I think we are both ready for a rest now.”
Sophia cast him a pained look; she wished he would stop doing this. Ever since she had had that fever, he had fussed about her health, despite the fact she worked in healthcare with more than enough people to advise her. But did she really want to create a scene on their first night here?
Louise was the one to come to her rescue. “Joshua, I certainly couldn’t sleep so early on my first night on vacation. Jeff, you won't find nightclubs on this side of town, but the local square can be very entertaining, and it’s a little bit different.”
“Want to go there?” Jeff directed his question at Sophia.
“Why not?” Sophia had caught the brief nod of encouragement from Louise.
“Well, if you must,” Joshua said sourly.
Jeff watched the sway of her hips as she left to get her wrap. He thought she seemed glad to have a chance to escape. It was probably that more than his company that had made her agree to go out with him. But a few hours in Djemaa El Fna with her should be exciting regardless of her motives.
Chapter 2
She was waiting for him at reception, a colorful wrap thrown over her shoulders and lipstick freshly applied. The dark lustrous eyes that had so captivated him earlier shone as she fell into step beside him.
Looking up, she asked, "Have you been to the square before this?"
“No, have you?”
“No, but my father has shown me some very good photographs of it.”
“Then let’s go see it for ourselves,” he offered her his arm.
Outside, the music and sounds of the market led them in the direction of the square until they joined the milling crowds, and the acrid smoke from braziers filled their nostrils.
“This is magical,” she turned to him, her eyes gleaming. “Almost like being transported back to in time.”
He had to agree, his eyes taking in snake charmers and fortune tellers, and cooks at their braziers sending smoke into the air. But even more magical was being here with this young woman who had been so reserved until now.
Impulsively, he turned to her, “Let’s get a table in a bar, have a drink, watch the world go by.”
Walking slightly ahead, he led her up some steps to a restaurant with a good vantage point over the square.
Once their drinks were in front of them, he looked at her, enjoying how much pleasure she showed as she watched the scenes unfolding in the square beneath them.
“Why have you never come here before?” he asked, surprised that the daughter of a well-traveled photographer was on her first visit to Marrakesh.
“I’ve been too busy − working, going away with friends. You know, the usual,” she shrugged her shoulders, twisting the ring on her finger. “This is your first visit to Morocco too?”
"Yes, the first of many, I hope. It certainly is different from London." Privately he thought it might be just a little too different. Already his trained eye was observing the crowds, automatically looking for wrongdoing, trying to read the expressions of the throng of people in the square.
“Once a policeman, always a policeman,” she thought, watching his darting eyes.
Aloud she asked, “Do you always watch everything so carefully?”
He started. He was doing it again; he had promised himself he would leave his work persona in London while he was on this trip.
“Sorry, it’s my training. Do you ever find yourself behaving like a nurse when you are off-duty?”
“No,” she smiled. “Maybe I lack that level of commitment.”
&nb
sp; “So, now I know some things about you. One, you are quite reserved. Two, you are not totally absorbed in your work. Anything else I should know?” He moved his chair closer to hers, fixing his eyes on her captivating ones.
“Not really. I think that should be enough information for now,” raising her drink to her lips, she blushed slightly.
“Sophia,” he said quietly, placing a finger under her chin. “Don’t go all ice-maiden on me.”
Startled, she pushed his finger away. She had been called ice maiden and snow queen in the past, but she certainly didn’t see why she should have to explain herself to someone she had only just met. Once had been enough making that mistake.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered as he watched her withdraw into herself again. Raising his hand to the server to order more drinks, he decided to take a gamble and probe further. She could only refuse to answer, and he would have to deal with that.
“Sophia, I am sorry if I offended you, but there is something I need to ask you,” he said, speaking softly. “You were so expressive, so alive when we first entered the square. But when I ask you about yourself, you shut me out. Why?”
She blushed as he held her eyes again, forcing her to look at him. Fidgeting with the ring on her finger, she searched for an answer.
“That is just the person I am, OK? I don't like talking about myself; I like to observe." She cast her eyes away from him and back over the activity in the square where the crowd was beginning to thin. This was the most she had said to a man about herself since her life had fallen apart.