Page 30 of Menotte avec toi

“Not with the world around me,” I explained as we walked the short distance to the bakery. “But when it came to love and relationships and putting myself out there to meet people, well, let’s just say that it had grown easy for me to come up with excuses not to bother.”

“Then it’s a good thing you changed your mind, or we’d both be missing out.”

Our faces in the bakery window reflected the joy I felt inside. I rarely walked around smiling, but as we stepped through the doors and up to the display case, I was beaming ear to ear, so much so that my cheeks hurt. There were still a few open tables and plenty of time to enjoy our treats right there when they were at their freshest.

As we sat across from one another with a mixed berry torte and a four-layer hunk of strawberry shortcake between us, it was hard to pay attention to the dessert when I got to stare into her beautiful eyes.

The taste of that first bite, after she’d lifted it to my lips, was pure and utter heaven. Creamy with plump, bursting pieces of fruit. Her eyes promised wicked, wonderful things when she leaned over to kiss a bit of custard from the corner of my lips,and in that moment I couldn’t wait to experience each and every one.

Chapter Thirteen

Harper

It was the simplest of pleasures with Sonnet that meant so much, such as our walk last night. Every date with her had been nothing short of amazing, and the stroll through the park and dancing under the moonlight was…heavenly. It wasn’t about money with her, it was time together, enjoying one another’s company. She didn’t want flashy jewels and expensive meals, she just wanted someone to love her for who she was, and I was thrilled to be that and so much more to her.

With her artwork installed, the last of the remodeling was officially complete, and I couldn’t wait for our members to see it. Their kind words would surely boost Sonnet’s self-esteem, and I insisted she be here for the unveiling Saturday night. Purposely I chose that day, as it was our busiest. For now, the artwork inside the club was covered in black linens the only paintings visible were the ones for sale in the lobby.

While I understood why Sonnet defended her uncle’s unconventional methods of raising her, the challenges it brought forth in the form of her lack of self-confidence angered me. But was my anger misplaced? Was Sonnet just too kind and possibly naïve?

The jury, AKA myself, would decide once I met the man.

“The artwork is incredible,” Simon said as he stepped inside my office and took a seat. “Your girl is talented.”

“That she is. Did you see the pieces in the lobby she has for sale?” I shook my head, recalling the finished canvases in her storage closet. “That’s only a fraction of what she has done and gathering dust.”

“I’ve got my eye on a couple for my place. I swear, Sonnet could make a dilapidated farmhouse appear sensual.”

The laughter flowed so freely I surprised not only Simon, but myself. “You have no idea. I wonder what she’d turn a bowl of fruit into.”

“Harper, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you this happy. You deserve love, so don’t let your stubborn pride get in the way and ruin it for you.”

“Here! Here!” Patrice shouted from her desk.

“Hey, this is a no-heckling zone!” I shouted back though my words held no malice. Clear as day, even with the wall between us, I knew Patrice’s middle finger waved wildly at me. “Don’t make me cut that finger off, woman!” Her evil cackle filled the air, solidifying my assumption.

“The young, full of life, ready to take on the world Harper that I met in college is back. I couldn’t be happier for you, my friend. Being in love is a wonderful look on you.” Simon sighed. “I wonder if my true love is waiting somewhere out there for me.”

“They are, Simon, I can feel it. When you find them, don’t let go. Give it all you’ve got and live it up. Oh, speaking of which, I’d like to plan a vacation with my Kitten.”

“Vacation sounds wonderful. Where are you off to?”

“Not a clue, waiting for Sonnet to give me some ideas. Simon,” I sat back and waited for his eyes to meet mine. “We’ve worked ourselves into a lonely existence, and now it’s our turn to live and love and enjoy the fruits, or in our cases, wealth of our labors. We sacrificed much to buildMenotté,and now it’s time to entrust those we’ve endlessly trained to run it in our absence. Life is far too short to be filled with what-ifs or regrets.”

“Too true, and it’s been forever since I’ve visited my family in France.” He got that faraway look in his eyes. “Maybe when you get back I’ll plan a trip.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. Your parents would be thrilled to see you. Now, I have made a change in the consignment portion of the contract with Harper. I forewent our cut of the deal in exchange for ten percent being paid directly to Patrice.”

“You did what?” Patrice’s shrill voice came through loud and clear before her body appeared in the doorway. “Why in the world would you do that?”

“Because you’re handling the transactions, and you’ll be properly compensated for it.” That I’d not budge on. “End of discussion.” This time the finger was visible, as was her smile which accompanied it.

“That could equate to thousands, Harper. My time isn’t worth that much.”

“Your time is worth far more than that,” Simon corrected her. “Use it to take your family on vacation, splurge on the kids. The long hours you work taking care of us can never be fully compensated.”

Patrice hugged Simon as best she could with him currently sitting. “Wait, he gets a hug, and I get the finger. What gives?”

Around the desk she came and plopped down in my lap, peppering my face with kisses.

---