Page 2 of Never Have We Ever
The fact that André Dubois was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen didn’t mean anything. Nope. Not at all.
It’s the main reason I’m foolishly agreeing to do this.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” Her English was as technically correct as his, but her Austrian accent made her think she sounded like a goat braying across the English Channel. Unfortunately,English was the only language they could communicate in. Valeska had already begun more intensive French lessons, but she didn’t have a knack for picking up languages. She also did not expect André to put much effort into learning German. So, English it was for now.
They fell silent while Valeska draped her napkin across her lap. One of her black curls brushed against her finger. Strange. Shecould’ve sworn the curls were tighter when she stepped out of the salon that morning. Were they already falling out? Curls didn’t come naturally to her, but they were certainly more flattering than her straight hair.
So much for looking picture perfect for her future husband.
“Bit silly, isn’t it?”
She looked up from her curl. “Excuse me?”
André acted as if he had something to apologizefor. “This situation.” His accent slipped. In time, Valeska would learn that every time he acquired that ponderous look on his long face, his French accent was about to overtake his English. She would always look forward to it. “It’s silly. Our parents say we should marry because it is good for us. We say it’s okay. Here we are.”
Valeska chuckled. “Guess it is a bit silly.” Why was she the onefeeling embarrassed now? Wouldn’t it make him silly as well?
Oh, no.
Did this mean he wanted to renege on their engagement already? Not that it was formally written down yet. Nobody had witnessed them both agreeing to marry one another. They could walk away right now and the only people bothered would be their mothers.
“We don’t know each other. I haven’t met you before today. Yet you sayyou will marry me?” André leaned back in his seat, a devilish grin on his face.Why not torture me some more, Mr. Dubois?“It’s interesting.”
“To be fair, I am under the impression that you have agreed as well.”
“I have. Do you have a reason for us to drop the engagement now? Before my mother finishes planning our engagement party, anyway.”
Valeska was taken aback. She hadn’t expected theirlunch to start this way. Personal questions, sure, but jumping right into,“Why are we doing this?”How was she supposed to respond? “Perhaps if we know each other long enough, I will come up with a reason.”
André laughed. “I like your wit, Ms. Reiter.”
“Please. It is Valeska.”
“Valeska.” Her name sounded so coarse on his French lips. The look he gave her also implied he wasn’t used to sayingsuch a German-sounding name. Brunhild would be more poetic than Valeska. “Yes. Of course. It’s a beautiful name, so I should say it.”
Okay, now he was only saying things to make her happy. Or maybe that was Valeska’s self-doubt manifesting once more.
“So why do you want to marry me, Valeska? Please be honest. Even if it’s to say you want my family’s money.”
Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
He remained unfazed. “Just to better understand this silly situation, Valeska. What is your main reason for marrying me? That is the first thing we should know about each other. Do you not agree?”
The questions clocked her one after another. Valeska suddenly wished that her mother would return and save her from this unjust barrage. To be put on the spot like this…! Good Lord. “I guess… it feelslike the right thing to do for my family. I do not have other marriage prospects, and I want to secure my future with someone agreeable.”
André tapped his finger against his chin. A few golden hairs sprouted from his Mediterranean tan. “So you do not have a boyfriend?”
“No. That surprises you?”
“You are very beautiful. It is absurd that I might be the only man in your life right now.Incroyable.”
Valeska didn’t know how to take that. “Does this mean you have a girlfriend?”
“Currently, yes, but it is not serious. I was going to make a decision about her based on what you say today.”
“Mein Gott…” What the hell was this really about? “You are so direct, André. I’m afraid I was not expecting it.”
He laughed again. “Please, I am a tease. I enjoy the humor. Maybe that is the worst pointabout marrying me. I might tease you every day.”
