by Katie Dowe
With new determination she sought to learn as much as she could, working any job that would allow her access to the best chefs in the city. She had taken Chef Angela’s lessons to heart, worked hard, and graduated from high school early. Securing herself a slot at one of the best culinary schools in the city had been easy, with her tuition covered, she graduated with honors.
From there she had gone on to work in some of the best restaurants in the city. Never as a head chef but only as an assistant, soaking up as much knowledge as she could. When she had been ready, she had taken a position as head chef in the very restaurant she had fled in tears, all those years ago.
She had only been at the restaurant a year when it had received two Michelin stars. She had been propelled to the top of the restaurant world in the city, gaining the fame she had dreamt of all those years ago.
Now only a year later, she had just been offered a coveted position at La Femme, the hottest restaurant in Paris. It was the chance of a lifetime, the only downside was the move to Paris. She could speak passing French, but leaving her mother would be difficult. They had never been that far apart before and she knew it would be difficult for them both. Regardless of the drawbacks, she was beyond excited about the new job.
*****
In less than three months, Kendra found herself living in Paris, working in the restaurant and making new friends. The language had been a difficulty, but Margot, one of the waitresses at La Femme could speak English about as well as Kendra could speak French. They found that through a combination of both they could communicate fairly well.
Margot had been a life saver, helping Kendra acclimate to her new world. Paris was like no other city. There was always something interesting to do, no matter the time of day. Things moved slower here as well, the Parisians didn’t face the day with the same urgency that American’s did. They enjoyed lingering over their food for lengthy periods of time. This was especially true of breakfast, which quickly became Kendra’s favorite time of the day.
Because she worked at night, Kendra always slept late, then found her way to the corner café where she would enjoy croissants and a rich cappuccino. She would eavesdrop on the other patron’s conversations, practicing her French in her head as she lingered over her breakfast.
One morning, Margot found her there, in her usual spot. Getting a cup of tea, she joined Kendra on the patio.
“Though I might find you here.” Margot greeted her, grabbed a croissant from the basket and sat down.
“It’s the best way to work on my French. I had to witness a break up this morning. That couple that I told you about were here again this morning, fighting as usual. Then, out of the blue the woman threw her hands up in the air and said she was done. She just got up and left, end of story.” Kendra said, glancing over her shoulder.
“It took me 15 minutes to figure out what they were fighting about, today. I would feel guilty about listening in, but they don’t lower their voices, so I guess they don’t mind the whole world knowing their business,” she said.
“Sounds like a good story but I have more important news. I’m going out for drinks after work tonight and I think you should come. It’s something you don’t want to miss. Besides, you don’t get out enough.” Margot said.
Knowing she was right, Kendra said, “Okay, I could stand to get out more. My French has gotten much better, so I might even be able to communicate with people. Where are we going?”
“Only the hottest club in Pairs, Wonderlust. The dance floor overlooks the Seine and only the elite can get in. It’s by invitation only and I’ve got two VIP passes with our names on them.” Margot said, taking the engraved invitations out of her shoulder bag, then waving them triumphantly in Kendra’s face.
“Wow, that’s great. I didn’t know you had those kinds of connections. Where did you get them?” Kendra said.
“This hunk of a guy named Remy, I met him through his sister, Greta. They’re like stupid rich. Heirs to a shipping fortune or something.” Margot said.
“Margot, I’ve never been much for night clubs and partying, I hope I won’t be out of my element.” Kendra said, a frown crossing her face.
“No, you’ll be fine. Besides the great dance floor, there are several bars, if things get too crazy we just try a different one. Remy and Greta are going to meet us out front. They’re members and get special treatment. We’ll have our own table, no probably a room, somewhere super cool.” Grinning from ear to ear, her excitement was contagious, Kendra found herself looking forward to the night.
“You’re right. I need to live a little, but I’m not getting drunk. However, I wouldn’t mind a little romance. ” Kendra said, with a wink.
“Good, bring clothes to change into after work and we’ll leave from there.” Margot said, getting up to leave. “Maybe you’ll meet a handsome stranger who will sweep you off your feet in true Paris style. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a Paris romance.” Returning the wink, she headed off down the street.
*****
Kendra had no idea what to wear to a Paris nightclub, but she figured it couldn’t be that much different than home. She packed her best little black dress, some slinky shoes, and her favorite thong. No panty lines for her tonight. She shoved her makeup and hair accessories into the bag and figured she’d clean up just fine.
As she packed her things, she thought about romance. It had been a while since she had let a man into her life. The last time had been a disaster. Mark had thought that since she was a chef, she would be there each night to feed him a gourmet meal. He had assumed that her career was only a diversion, until she could find a husband. She had been so in love that she hadn’t seen the truth until it was almost too late.
She had awoken one morning, wearing an engagement ring, and listening to Mark once again whine about having to pay a caterer, when his fiancé was a chef. It had been an old complaint, one that resurfaced time and time again. It was then that Kendra had faced the truth about her coming marriage.
Mark wasn’t looking for a wife or a life partner, he was looking for someone to work in his kitchen. She had met Mark six months ago, when she’d been working at a restaurant uptown that had an open kitchen. Mark had sat down at the bar and hadn’t moved the entire night. He had watched her perform her job with precision and skill, and had asked to meet the chef after the dinner rush had finished.
She had been both flattered and intrigued. Thinking he had been attracted to her, she had given him her number. She had never dated anyone like Mark before. He was well educated, an investment banker, with one of the leading firms in the city.
While not wealthy he had been well on his way to a comfortable life. His plans had evidently included a live in maid and cook. It had slowly become apparent that he expected her to make him the top priority in her life, he had even suggested she call in sick to work once to cater a party for him. Her refusal had resulted in the first of his many tirades about her lack of support. Kendra had grown tired of the constant battles and planned to give up her career to be a home maker, all she had asked was six months to finish her current contract.
That last morning, she had gotten up in the middle of his latest rant, packed a bag and never looked back. It had broken her heart. She’d blamed his mother, the fact he was white, and just about anything else she could think of, until she finally had to admit the truth. She had jumped in with both feet, charmed that someone like Mark would be interested, no, in love with her.
It had taken time to heal her heart, as well as for the humiliation to recede. It had only made matters worse that Mark had married only a few short months after she left. In the end she’d promised herself she would tread carefully in the future. Love needed time to grow, Kendra wouldn’t make that mistake again.
But she might just be ready for some romance. She’d never had a fling before and what better place was there, than Paris to live a little.
Chapter 2
After work Kendra and Margot grabbed a ca
b and headed for Wonderlust. It was Kendra’s first taste of Paris night life and she was looking forward to the experience. When they arrived at the club, she could see a line of people waiting to get in. With a sinking heart she thought of waiting in that line.
But instead of dropping them off out in front, Margot directed the cab driver to a back entrance. Flashing her VIP pass at the gate, they were allowed through security and into the back parking lot. She could see a back entrance, dimly lit but heavily guarded.
Standing just to the left of the door, Kendra could see a tall handsome man. Just to his left was a petite blonde, dressed in what she could only assume was the current rage in Paris. The man was as dark as she was fair, they made an intriguing pair. As they got out of the cab, Kendra felt a shiver of desire course through her body when his blue eyes met hers.
Unaccustomed to the sudden flash of desire, she missed a step and nearly fell. Righting herself, embarrassed, she hid her face. Watching her shoes instead of risking another look at the stranger, standing by the door, she tried to head straight to the door. But Margot headed straight for the pair instead.
Kendra tried to hide her mortification as she was introduced to Remy and his sister Greta. Margot gave Remy a big hug and Kendra’s heart sank a little. She knew that Margot was involved with someone, but she hadn’t asked for any details. This must be the significant other that she’d spoke so warmly about. Well, she consoled herself, he was white and younger than she was. It probably wouldn’t work anyway. No matter how progressive the world had become, interracial relationships could still be looked down upon.
“Kendra, I’d like you to meet my friend Remy. He’s currently spending his money and enjoying his freedom before his father reins him in to take over the family business.” Margot said, pushing Kendra up to stand in front of him.
“It’s always nice to meet such a beautiful woman. Margot tells me you are quite the chef and American as well.” He said, kissing her hand.
Feeling that shock of attraction once again, Kendra stumbled for her words. Her French was improving but when she was flustered the words just disappeared. “It's nice to meet you too.” She managed.
“Shall we?” Remy asked, holding the door for them to enter.
The club was everything Kendra had expected, well dressed people, pulsing lights, loud music, and crazy drinks. They were led to a reserved table on a high balcony. The music was more subdued up high, allowing for more conversation. Margot chatted with Remy while Kendra attempted to talk with Greta. It was difficult but her language skills had been improving.
She was able to determine that Margot had met Greta at a retreat in the Swiss Alps. Although wealthy, Greta lived a simple life, making jewelry and selling it online. She had no intention of following in her mother’s footsteps and marrying for convenience and power. She was just getting wound up, Kendra thought, when Remy interrupted the conversation.
“My sister seems to be getting on her high horse, as you American’s would say.” He said, “How about we check out the dance floor? Seems a shame to waste the music.”
Standing he offered her his hand, and led her to the dance floor. The view of the Seine was breathtaking, a slow song had just come on. Remy took her in his arms in a lose embrace, yet she could feel the heat radiating from his body.
Each place that his skin made contact with hers, seemed to come alive, the nerve endings tingling with anticipation, of what she wasn’t sure. Remy pulled her closer as he spun her around, making her head spin. Slightly breathless, she looked up into his eyes and shivered at the desire she found there.
This man was more than she could handle she thought, pulling back slightly. She had made a promise to herself to take things slowly in the future, not to jump in too quickly. Until now, she had kept her relationships light and easy. Sex had been one of the benefits but never had she felt this kind of attraction to a man. Besides, he was involved with Margot, she must have misinterpreted the look in his eyes.
When the song ended, she made a bee line for the table. Flushed she sat down and quickly downed most of her drink, in a few gulps.
Seeing her friend’s distress, Margot said, “I need to visit the powder room, Kendra would you come with me?”
Recognizing an avenue of escape when she was given one, she readily agreed and jumped up from her chair. Remy, who had been watching, clearly amused by Kendra’s distress, helped Margot up before he took his seat at the table.
Once in the bathroom, Margot breathed a sigh of relief. Hoping Margot hadn’t noticed her strong attraction to her boyfriend, she quickly began to repair her makeup.
“So, Remy’s pretty hot, don’t you think?” Margot asked, turning to Kendra and raising her eyebrows.
“Oh, yes he is. He seems like a nice guy. I haven’t talked to him much but he’s a great dancer.” Kendra tried to calm her heart.
“Well, the truth is, he’s not really that nice of a guy. Rumor has it that he’s a bit of a player. Moves from one woman to the next with pretty good regularity. Couple of weeks is the best most can hope for.” Margot said.
“But I thought....” Kendra started to say.
“Course he hasn’t been around much in the last year from what I hear. I haven’t know Greta all that long, but I do know he got his trust fund last year. Rumors are, he’s been traveling the world, sleeping with beautiful women everywhere he goes.”
“Well, then why....” Again, Margot interrupted.
“But that’s just a rumor. He’s been in town for almost three months and I sure haven’t seen him running around with anyone.”
Margot finally stopped to take a breath, giving Kendra a chance to speak, “But I thought you two were together, you said we were meeting your sweetie pie tonight.”
“Oh, Remy’s not my sweetie pie, Greta is. From the moment we met in the Alps, we’ve both known. Well...you know. It’s just right.” Shrugging her shoulders, she turned to the mirror and started fixing her makeup.
Seeing the relief on her friends face, she realized what the problem was. “You're attracted to Remy aren’t you?” She asked, clearly warming to the idea.
“Well, maybe a little. But we’re not at all suited for each other. Besides you said yourself he’s a player. I’m not having anything to do with that.” Kendra said.
“Wait just one minute. Didn’t you tell me you wanted some romance, a Paris fling? Who better than Remy to fulfill that dream. He’s hot, he’s rich, and he’s obviously into you. Go for it, girl, you’ll never get another chance like this one.” Margot said, handing Kendra a condom.
“I may have a Paris romance, but I’m not sleeping with him the first time I meet him. What are you doing with condoms anyway?” Kendra asked, laughing.
“You never know when you might need one to give a friend. Keep it, you might need it in the future.” Throwing her arm around Kendra’s shoulders, she led her out of the bathroom. “Now let’s go find you a Paris romance.”
*****
The rest of the night was fun, Kendra danced with Remy several more times, but only songs that didn’t force her to touch him. She still hadn’t made up her mind about a fling, but admitted that if she was going to have one, she couldn’t ask for a more exciting man to have one with.
She felt fairly sure that by the end of the evening Remy would ask her out. She hadn’t decided how she was going to answer, when the choice was upon her. As he led her to the dance floor for what she thought would be their last dance, he pulled her to a secluded corner instead.
“I really enjoyed meeting you tonight.” Remy said, taking her hands.
“Thank you for dancing with me, I enjoyed it a lot.” She replied.
“I was wondering if maybe we could see each other again. I would like to get to know you better. I’ve spent too much time with women who don’t have half the brains you have.” Remy said.
“Well, I don’t know. I’m really not looking for...” Kendra wasn’t sure what to call
this thing that they were speaking of. Knowing his reputation, she could hardly say relationship.
“No strings, just dinner or something.” He said, looking at her with longing in his blue eyes.
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt. It’s just...” Kendra couldn’t bring herself to say what she was thinking.
Stepping closer, he cupped her face in his hands, sending shivers down her spine. Leaning down he kissed her lightly on the lips. She could feel his breath filling her mouth as he slowly broke the kiss. Wanting more she stood on her toes and kissed him back, this time however, his tongue darted quickly into her mouth for a short exploration.
Breathless, she pulled back, and slipped him her business card. Rattled by the experience she returned to the table, blushing and slightly out of breath. Seeing her friend rattled, Margot just smiled thinking that romance was definitely in Kendra’s future.
Remy too, was enjoying Kendra’s discomfort. It meant that he had gotten to her. From the moment she had gotten out of the cab, Remy had been wanting to kiss that beautiful mouth. He didn’t care that she was African American, obviously from a poor background, and older than he was. He had become infatuated, he had found himself instantly aroused as she walked into the club in front of him.
In some ways this was nothing new, instant attraction to a beautiful woman was part of being a man. But this had gone deeper than just animal attraction. He had to admit that being celibate for the last year might have had something to do with the magnitude of the desire he felt. But still, he mused, never had he been this attracted to a woman.
Her obvious innocence could be seen from a mile away. Her dress, while stunning, was simple and elegant. The only time he had seen her drink more than a sip, had been after that first dance when she had been rattled by the attraction. For the first time since Bridget, he wanted to get to know a woman. Not just in bed, although he hoped that might be in the future, but deeper. Her thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.
