Even the normally quiet Thelma was hugging Vince affectionately as they both surveyed their handiwork.
“Well done, you guys,” Francine enthused. “You too Karen, darling. You look like a million dollars!”
Karen smiled, now convinced that this brave young woman from Texas had what it took. “Well done, Francine,” she smoothed her hands sexily down her hips. “This is a knockout!”
Francine smiled and gave her a hug. ‘He’d better like this one!’ she told herself as she started to carefully unpin the creation from around Karen’s perfect curves.
Later, with phones ringing all around her and with a checklist that seemed to be getting longer rather than shorter, Francine looked up in surprise to hear an unfamiliar voice. “Hi, Francine, did we catch you at a bad time?”
Francine looked up to see Henrietta Stroud of the Dallas Morning News, arriving ready for their scheduled interview. She was a thin-featured, dark-haired wisp of a woman with piercing black eyes. Alongside her, with long, blonde, unwashed hair was her photographer.
“Oh, hi, Henrietta. My God, is it that time already?”
“Afraid so. Can you spare us a few minutes?”
“Sure. Can you just give me a second to set some things in motion and I’ll be right with you. Why don’t we set up in the office in the corner, it’s quieter there. These phones have been ringing off the wall since we got back from New York.”
Henrietta looked suitable impressed. “No problem. Come on, Toby, bring your gear.” they made their way to the corner office as Francine headed over to a smiling Vince.
“Now, what the heck am I supposed to do with these people?” she whispered.
He patted her arm consolingly. “Just answer the questions, Princess, but feel free to lay on the BS a bit.”
She seemed tense. “Man, this was all I needed with all the work we’ve got to do!”
“Now, remember what I said, no publicity is bad publicity and when these turkeys wouldn’t give us the time of day, you’d have spent hours with them. Now’s your chance, sell the heck out of New York and Francine Dubois then kick them out!”
She smiled. “Okay. Have you started the final sewing on the red dress?”
“Just minutes ago. Now, off you go, shine for the nice newspaper lady. Go on, go, go!”
“All right.” she took a deep breath, checked herself quickly in the mirror, since there were going to be photographs and headed for the corner office.
And so, an hour later, Francine shook hands with Henrietta as the latter headed off with the story and photo shots to prepare for the next issue of the Fashion Page.
“Goodbye, Henrietta, thanks for stopping by. You too, Toby.”
“Thank you, Francine,” Henrietta gushed. “We should be in print by tomorrow and don’t forget I want the scoop when you get back from Monte Carlo?”
Francine smiled. “Sure, just as long as you don’t destroy me tomorrow!”
Henrietta smiled. “Are you kidding? When was the last time we had a Dallas designer rubbing shoulders with the big dogs. Don’t worry, love, it’ll be okay.”
Francine heaved an inner sigh of relief. “In that case, I’ll see you when I get back, bye.”
Henrietta waved as she walked through the door. “Knock ‘em dead on the Riviera, kid!”
“I’ll try.” Francine somehow felt so much more confident now that she had the red dress complete.
Just as she picked up her ever-present clipboard, the phone beside her rang yet again. She picked it up. “Classique Fashions?”
Once again that familiar voice came on the line, a voice that got her immediate attention.
“Hi, Francine, this is Gerard.”
“Yes, I know,” she replied. “Believe it or not, I’m getting used to the voice.”
He laughed. “Thought I wouldn’t get through, your phone has been so busy.”
She couldn’t resist her quick response. “Yes, that’s what happens when the orders start rolling in. So, what can I do for you, Gerard?”
“Nothing really. I just wanted to let you know that I’m flying out tomorrow on American into London and then on to Monte Carlo.”
“Nice of you to let me know,” she teased. “Is that so I can make sure I’m on a different flight?”
He paused a moment. “No, actually, Jeri won’t be joining me for a couple of days, so if you need any help with your bags, I’d be happy to assist.”
Suddenly, she felt bad about her sarcastic remarks. “Thanks, that’s very kind of you, but hang on a second, let me check our tickets,” she rummaged in her purse until she found the ticket. “Let me see, yes, we’re on American as well into London and then Air France into Monte Carlo.”
“I see, what’s that last flight number?”
“769.”
“Me too. Perhaps we’ll meet at the airport, then?”
“Perhaps! And by the way, how’s your mother doing?”
“They say she’s doing better and she told me that I had better not miss this trip, I was worried about leaving her.”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine, at least she’s in good hands.”
“That’s true, and by the way, thanks for visiting her, Francine, she really appreciated it and so do I.”
“No problem, she’s a nice lady.”
She put the phone down and stared at the receiver, a curious look in her eye. ‘Now, what was that all about?’ she mused. ‘If I didn’t know better, that almost sounded like he wanted to spend time with me on this trip!’
She shook her head curiously as the phone rang yet again. This time it was another familiar male voice.
“Hi, Baby.” it was Roger.
“Hi.”
“Busy?”
“What do you think?”
“Oh, yeah. Monte Carlo, how’s it going?”
“Well, I think we’re going to make it. What’s going on at your end?”
“Just got back from Memphis and I’m due some leave so I’m trying to wangle an assignment in Europe so I can catch your show.”
“How sweet!”
“So, when do you arrive there?”
“This Saturday, the 28th. We’re staying at Hotel Du Nord, Do you know it?”
“No, but I’ll find it if I can con them into a trip. What are you doing tonight?”
“Working, working, working!”
“All work and no play…” he began.
“Yeah, yeah,” she replied. “Tell you what, I’ll stop by later if it’s not too late.”
He suddenly sounded slightly evasive. “Well, I did have a charity function to go to first. Give me a call on my mobile if you can make it, okay?”
“Sure, no problem. Bye.”
“Bye.”
She put the phone down. Typical Roger, not exactly the type to stay home waiting for a call. She then sat looking out of the window, a pensive look in her eye. In quick succession, she had spoken with her boyfriend and her new ‘almost-friend’. As she analyzed her feelings, she now saw clearly that the first phone call had done so much more for her emotional sensitivity than the last one. Strange!
With Roger giving her the option of calling him if she could make it later, she opted for a good night’s sleep instead, knowing that in all probability she would not sleep on the flight into London and beyond.
CHAPTER 24
As the 767 finally soared into the Texas sunset the following day on its way to Europe, Francine had said goodbye to Roger who had been tied up on a new assignment for the station for most of the day, but promising to try and make it to Monte Carlo in time for her Show.
Francine and Vince in the economy section and looked at each other, a tired smile on their faces. Vince was the first to speak.
“Did you ever think we wouldn’t make it, boss?”
“Only every single day. I’m bushed! How about you?”
“Likewise,” he yawned. “Guess I’ll try and grab a nap before dinner.”
“Go for it,” she replied, insti
nctively looking over her shoulder for a sign of Gerard but he was nowhere to be seen. The flight was only half full in the coach section and she quietly told herself. ‘Are you nuts? He’ll be in first class!’
She sat back as Vince, who was sitting by the window, fixed his pillow and closed his eyes. He was asleep almost instantly.
Francine looked at him in envy. Some people could sleep on planes, some couldn’t. Unfortunately, she was one of the latter group. Not sure what drove her, she got up quietly as soon as the seat belt signs were turned off and walked up front, through business class and into first class.
Even if he were there, she was not sure what she would say, but somehow her legs propelled her forward in search of the handsome entrepreneur. As she walked through the curtain into first class, she could see one of the stewardesses laughing in conversation about four rows ahead. The first class section was almost empty and she could instinctively tell, just by looking at the smile on the face of the stewardess, that she must be talking to Gerard.
As she got closer, her guess was confirmed. She was about to quickly retrace her steps when he caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye and turned to greet her.
“Hi, Francine!” he smiled, that 100 watt smile almost unbuckling her knee joints. He waved her forward to the empty seat next to him, much to the hardly disguised annoyance of the stewardess. “Come on over, sit down for a second. What would you like to drink?”
She found herself drawn to that disarming smile. “Well, just for a minute, then.”
“What would you like?”
“Perrier water will be fine.” she replied.
He looked at the stewardess with the unspoken command as she smiled back at him, recovering her composure. “Perrier water it is.”
Francine sat down tentatively and he shook her hand, that electric touch almost stopping her heart. He grinned again. “I didn’t see you get on board?”
She nodded towards the rear of the plane. “Not quite selling enough yet to warrant first class status.”
He fixed her with that serious, warm look as her breath seemed to be disappearing from her lungs. “Just a matter of time. Congratulations on the write up in the Times.”
“Thank you.”
“Yes, Chris Matlin can be tough, but you seemed to have charmed him.”
She smiled. “I wouldn’t exactly say I charmed him, but you’re right, I do need to thank him when we get to Monte Carlo.”
She suddenly realized that as they had been looking at each other, he was still holding her hand, almost absent-mindedly. She removed it quickly.
“And where are you staying in Monte Carlo?” he asked. “Don’t tell me it’s the Hotel Du Nord?”
“The very one!” she smiled accusingly. “Now, this has got to stop.”
He tried to look innocent. “What has got to stop?”
“Following me around!”
He touched her arm. “Well, you know how you need someone to look out for you from time to time.”
She smiled. “Yes, but my Ex won’t be along on this trip!”
“I’m not thinking of your Ex,” he replied. “You know what these Riviera gigolos are like, especially when a lovely lady is involved.”
Her heart almost skipped a beat. ‘Lovely lady’! That was the second time that even a hint of his sexual attraction towards her had crept into their conversation. Regaining her composure, she managed to keep her voice under control. “So, you’re my unpaid protector, are you?”
This time, the impact of that fabulous smile almost knocked her socks off. “Let me put it this way,” he began. “I’m getting used to being around you, Francine, and seeing the scrapes you can get into, I guess the occasional need to look out for your interests could indeed arise.”
She didn’t know where the words came from, but before she could stop them they were out as she fixed him with a much bolder look than she could really justify, taking into account her current heart rate. “Let me ask you something, Gerard?”
“Of course, fire away?”
“Are we flirting, or what?”
Those warm green eyes opposite darkened momentarily before brightening again. Was it surprise or guilt that caused it, but it happened so quickly that Francine didn’t even notice it. “I don’t know, Francine, are we?” he replied.
The words of her father instantly echoed in her mind. He had always told her. ‘If in doubt, always answer a question with a question.’ and here was Gerard doing that exact same thing to her. She could feel the color rising in her cheeks as she struggled to find a reply.
Of course she was enjoying flirting with the handsome man next to her, but what if he didn’t even see it that way. He already had a girlfriend. What to say, how to answer? After what seemed hours of deliberation, that in fact only took a couple of seconds, she answered coolly. “Well, let me put it this way, Gerard, figuring out you and your sense of humor is almost like flirting, at least it’s never dull!”
He smiled. “I agree. You know, Francine, you really are a unique person. Not a bit like the typical women I meet every day.”
‘Oh, great! Now he thinks I’m weird!’ she mused. “Unique in what way?”
He thought for a moment. “Well, you seem to adapt well to people. Take me for instance. I’m sure you could have strangled me back in Dallas for my insensitive remarks, yet now we seem to be at least on friendly terms.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“And you know, I can’t remember meeting a more challenging woman!”
‘Great, now I’m challenging!’ she held her voice under control. “Challenging?”
“Yes, each time we speak, although the conversation is always stimulating, I’m never sure what will come out next?”
She smiled. “Good!”
“And I’ve never met anyone with better exit lines than you!”
“You noticed?”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Big time!”
She suddenly felt a little sorry for her previous abruptness. “You’re right, I guess I have been a bit abrupt in the past.”
“Heck no! I probably deserved every word of it!” he then reached over and unexpectedly squeezed her arm. “Come to think of it, I guess we are flirting a little at that!”
She started to panic as she pulled her arm away, just as the Stewardess brought her drink. “Yes, well that’s more than I can handle right now,” she stammered. “I just stopped by to say hello, but if you see any dragons lurking around, feel free to draw your sword. Goodnight, Gerard!”
As she started to walk away, he added smilingly. “See what I mean, killer exit lines!”
She smiled over her shoulder. “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” before walking through the curtain and back to her seat, next to the snoring Vince.
Sitting back in her seat, she suddenly realized how fast her heart was beating. She had forgotten that flirting could be so exhilarating and she was under no misapprehension that what had just happened back there was without a doubt the early stages of big time flirting, at least as far as she was concerned.
She closed her eyes, amazed to find herself wondering what it would have been like if Gerard had suddenly grabbed her and kissed her. But then, as in her past reveries, the lovely face of Jeri suddenly loomed large and ominous, bringing her back to reality.
Should she even be considering flirting with a man who so openly flaunted his girlfriend in front of her and the rest of the World, everywhere he went, and even worse, a girlfriend that she couldn’t help liking!
One thing was for certain, when she reached Monte Carlo, she must not lose her focus on the job at hand, yet sitting up there in first class, was the biggest distraction she could ever imagine. Little did she know how big!
CHAPTER 25
Francine wasn’t sure what had gone wrong or how it had happened, but the Customs Officer was definitely not a happy camper.
“You must pay duty on the merchandise, Mademoiselle!” he insisted.
The man was a little, greasy-haired control freak. Why was it that customs authorities around the World always seemed to appoint such obnoxious officials? He shook his head in disagreement.
She looked at Vince for help, but he shrugged his shoulders, not absolutely sure what their rights were. Behind them a familiar voice interrupted.
“Perhaps I can be of assistance?”
Francine spun round to see Gerard standing there flashing that familiar smile. Here he was again, how did the man do it?
“I’m not sure. This guy says we have to pay duty on the fashions but we’re not bringing them into the country for good.
Gerard smiled. “Correct, Let me try.”
“Be my guest.”
He then spoke to the man from a few minutes in fluent French and after a lot of gesticulating the man produced a form that Francine signed before the man impatiently waved Francine and Vince on through.
On the inside of the terminal after clearing customs, Francine and Vince looked at each other and heaved a sigh of relief.
“Well, thank goodness that’s all over,” Francine sighed. “It’s a good job Gerard showed up.”
Vince was watching her closely, a smile on his face. “Yes, and my, does he have the hots for you, Princess!”
Francine turned on him, a look of feigned astonishment on her face. “Now don’t start that again, Vince.”
He smiled. “Start what?”
By the time they sorted out their bags and ordered a limo to get them and their precious cargo to the hotel, Gerard was nowhere to be seen. Francine sat back in the limo to enjoy the ride and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking as they took the coast road. Even in the fall, the Riviera was still a blaze of color with rich green vegetation and brilliantly colored flowers everywhere. The warm salt breeze of the Mediterranean drifted in through the open window like a soothing balm as both Francine and Vince smiled at each other, like two knights having finally found the Holy Grail.
Vince squeezed her arm. “We finally made it, Princess!”
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