by Tricia Goyer
Ava forced a laugh and shrugged. “Change of plans. It happened last minute. My mom broke her leg last week. I took her place.” She looked past Dennis to Grand-Paul, who quickly focused his gaze back on the map. “Maybe the news didn’t make it to your grandfather.” Even as she said the words, she knew they likely weren’t true.
“I’m sorry for your mom. I hope you still like the trip.” He forced a small smile, but it was still beautiful to her. More beautiful than the Paris skyline beyond.
“I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you’re here.” She tilted her head up to meet his gaze.
Dennis’s eyes were darker than she remembered. They were blue, but a dark blue like the color the ocean had been when they’d been flying over it just before dusk.
She removed her hand from his and let it fall to her side. “It’s been so long.”
“Yes, well, that’s the way you wanted things.” He glanced over his shoulder toward a bus rumbling by.
Ava opened her mouth. She didn’t know what to say. He was acting as if their big fight had been last week, not all those years ago.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Dennis stepped forward, moving to the cart with their suitcases. In one fluid motion, he tipped the attendant and then took the cart around to the back of the car. She should have been thankful for his help, but instead she was concerned. He seemed to be helping her so he could get her to the hotel and drop her off. His lifted chin and stiffened shoulders made that clear.
“Grandpa, let me help you.” She turned back to him, telling herself he was what she was here for. Let Dennis give her the brush-off. She didn’t need any more complications on this trip anyway. Taking care of her grandfather and getting videos to Todd would be consuming enough.
Still, deep down in a hidden part of her heart, she felt a small loss. Even if nothing was to come of it, she at least wanted Dennis to be excited to see her again. Even though their relationship hadn’t ended well, there’d been a lot of happy memories. Was he forgetting all those?
Her grandfather reached the car door.
“Is that you, old man?” the voice from the backseat called.
Ava looked again to the hunched figure in the backseat. Grand-Paul waved and smiled.
“Grand-Paul!” Ava waved back.
“Who’s calling who old?” Grandpa Jack chuckled. “Your birthday’s before mine.” His laughter lightened Ava’s heart.
Grandpa Jack extended his hand, and Ava thought it was to shake Grand-Paul’s hand. Instead Grand-Paul grasped it and used it to help pull himself out of the backseat. The two men stood there, gazing into each other’s eyes, and what seemed like a hundred memories passed between them. Then, with a quivering chin, Grand-Paul opened his arms and pulled Grandpa Jack into an embrace, saying something that Ava couldn’t make out over the noise of the airport.
With a firm hand, Grand-Paul patted Grandpa Jack’s back and then sat down again, sliding across the seat to the other side. Ava approached and helped Grandpa Jack into the backseat next to his friend. She chuckled as they both began talking about their trip. She wondered which one was supposed to be listening.
Dennis slammed the trunk shut. His shoulders were wider than she remembered. His cotton shirt stretched across his muscular back as he lifted the suitcases and placed them in the trunk. He looked strong. Handsomely strong.
“Have you been here long? Or did you just arrive too?” She tried to make her tone friendly, hoping he realized they could still be friends despite what had happened.
“I had some meetings in Versailles, so I rented this car. Grand-Paul told me your grandpa and mom were coming in today, and we thought it would be a nice surprise to pick them up.”
“Thank you. I was going to get a taxi, but this is better.”
“You’re darned right it’s better,” Grand-Paul called through the open door. “Do you know how much those guys charge?” She approached the elderly man through the open side door. She leaned down and gave Paul a big hug. “It’s been too long, old man. You look great, by the way.”
He shrugged. “Not as sharp as the first time I was in these parts, but not so bad, considering the wear and tear.”
“You look like a spring rooster,” Grandpa Jack chimed in.
“A rooster with graying feathers.”
Then Dennis—a very grown-up version of the boy she had once known—opened the passenger door for her. His eyes stayed on her as she got in, and she wondered again what he was thinking.
Ava tried to hide her own trembling as Dennis climbed into the driver’s seat and started the car. He looked in the rearview mirror.
A smile brightened his handsome face. A true smile. Obviously Dennis was happy about seeing her grandfather. “Mr. Andrews, how’s one of my favorite heroes? It’s been far too long since I shook your hand.”
“Dennis, my hand shakes on its own these days.” Grandpa lifted his hand and overemphasized its natural quiver.
More than anything, Ava wanted to ask about Dennis’s life. For all she knew, he could be married with a few kids at home. She hadn’t heard anything for the last five years at least—and then she’d only heard that he was in India somewhere working on homes for the poor. Handsome and a humanitarian. Someone would have snagged him up long ago. Then again, there was his attitude…
Ava glanced at his left hand on the steering wheel. He wasn’t wearing a wedding band, but she knew that didn’t mean he didn’t have a wife, or kids, or a girlfriend somewhere.
Dennis spotted her looking at his hand. He lifted it. “Nope, not married. You?”
Heat rose to Ava’s face. She laughed, trying to make light of her obvious curiosity.
“Nope, single as ever.” Then she let out a sigh. “It’s nice we got that out of the way.”
Ava buckled her seatbelt and did her best to push the rest of her questions into the hidden recesses where she’d been carrying her memories of Dennis for nearly fifteen years.
It had been a summer romance, nothing more. They were young. They were stupid. And when she’d tried to be realistic, it had ruined everything.
Silence filled the vehicle, and it was only then that Ava realized the old guys in back had stopped talking.
Dennis realized it too. He pointed to the skyline ahead. “Quite a thing, isn’t it?”
“I’ve always wanted to see it,” she said, knowing full well that Dennis knew. If she’d told him once about her dreams of traveling in Europe, she’d told him a hundred times.
After awhile, they pulled onto a narrow street. Tall buildings lined both sides of the curvy, cobblestone road. Blocks and blocks of buildings that looked as they must have five hundred years ago. The ground level consisted of small shops. Apartments were layered above them with black wrought-iron balconies graced with flower boxes. On the narrow sidewalks, men and women strolled along at an easy gait, and on one bench a young couple shared an intimate kiss.
Heat rose to Ava’s cheeks.
“Thanks again for the ride.” Ava didn’t know what else to say. Dennis’s arm rested on the armrest between their seats, brushing her elbow. Needles danced up and down her arm, and she told her body to stop responding like that. The old guys in the back again launched into conversation about the trip, the flight, and the weather. Ava looked at Dennis’s profile, wondering what she should say.
It’s been so long.
You’re as gorgeous as I remember.
What if…
She didn’t have to worry about making small talk. Even as he drove, Dennis kept glancing into the rearview mirror, joining in with the conversation in the backseat, chuckling after each comment. Acting as if she wasn’t even in the car.
Their car merged into traffic and then stopped at a light. Ava turned her head just slightly, noticing Dennis’s eyes on her. “So, do you have big plans for tonight?”
“Just making sure my grandpa gets settled in, and then I’m meeting my old roommate for dinner. I might have told you about Tana—way
back when. We’ve been friends forever it seems.”
Dennis nodded, and she wished she’d seen a hint of disappointment over the fact she had plans. More than that, she wished she wasn’t suddenly so concerned about what Dennis thought.
O Lord, I need help here. I can’t let my emotions get wrapped up in this. She hadn’t prayed much lately, but the thought was there before she knew what to do with it.
His arm brushed against hers as he changed the flow of the vent, and she tried to ignore the quiver in her stomach. Ava instead focused on the strange world outside the car window. There were shiny cars everywhere, but different models than she saw in Seattle, mostly smaller. Big, white, historical-looking buildings lined the spotless streets, and ornate fixtures covered them like decorations on a wedding cake—not that she should be thinking of wedding cake either.
Ava stared at the people sauntering down the sidewalks. The women dressed far differently from those in the Northwest. Classier. One lady strolled along wearing a large hat, elegant coat, and high heels—with a saucy sway of her hips. The woman turned her face to their passing car. Her skin was wrinkled and hung under her chin. She had to be eighty, at least. Maybe she remembered these veterans rolling through town many years before? Ava almost wished she could have stopped and asked.
Another lady walked a poodle on a shimmery silver leash. Even the dogs here were high class.
Finally, Dennis parked in front of a swanky-looking hotel. Down the street she spotted the Plaza de Concorde, and in the distance, the Eiffel Tower.
She was here, just like she’d always imagined, and Dennis was here with her. Being with him reminded her of what she’d walked away from.
It also churned up painful memories that had nothing to do with Dennis—of being the one left behind.
She thought again of Jay’s text. Maybe he was serious. Maybe he really did want to make things right. Seeing Dennis again reminded her that breakups not dealt with properly would just lead to more hurt. She was reassured that it would be better to at least smooth things over with Jay before fifteen years passed.
It’s not like I’m going to get back together with him, Ava told herself. But Jay seemed to be open to the idea—unlike the handsome man who seemed intent on staring straight ahead. Not glancing at the hotel they’d just parked in front of, lest he glimpse her in his peripheral vision. Trying to ignore her and the fact they were together once again.
Chapter Six
Ava glanced up at the hotel, which was just one section of a block-long building. Rows of windows and small balconies looked down onto the sidewalk, the street, and the lush park on the other side. A blue and white canopy fluttered softly in the breeze, shading the doorway. Ava climbed from the car and was met by a squeal. Before she knew it, arms wrapped around her, and she recognized Tana’s signature fragrance that smelled like a rose garden after a misty rain. Ava didn’t remember the name, but it was a scent she’d never forget. It had been all over Tana’s schoolbooks, her clothes, and in her car during the two years of college that they’d roomed together. It seemed Tana hadn’t lightened up on the stuff.
Around them, well-dressed Parisians cast glances but continued their pace. Peering over Tana’s shoulder, she took in the street. It was lined with small shops on the ground floor and apartments on top. A bell from a bicycle jingled. The smell of fresh-baked bread mixed with Tana’s perfume, and Ava guessed there was a bakery nearby.
Ava squeezed Tana tighter, trying to convince herself it was really her—that she was really here. “I thought you weren’t going to come by until tonight. Didn’t you have to work today?”
Ava took a step back and eyed Tana, realizing that France had been good to her—a sophisticated elegance had replaced the grunge look from years prior.
Tana waved a hand. “I called in sick. I couldn’t wait to see you. Oh, and Grandpa. Where is he?”
Ava turned and helped Grandpa Jack out of the car. “Grandpa, do you remember Tana?” She felt bad for leaving him there while she hugged her friend. She felt worse realizing how embarrassing it must be for him to receive help just to climb out of the backseat of a car. She had to remember to help Grandpa first. Dennis was on the other side of the car, helping his grandfather out too.
Grandpa Jack neared Tana, eyeing her. Then he tapped his chin. “Well, I recognize those eyes, but what happened to the purple and orange streaks in your hair?” He held tight to Ava’s arm, trying to get his balance.
Tana shook her dark locks. “Actually, I think I was blond at that last Thanksgiving our senior year of college, remember? It was blond until I jumped into a hot tub at a New Year’s Party and the highlights turned the most horrible shade of green. I cringe just thinking of it.” She laughed, and again her laughter caused more of the locals to turn and look. Despite the number of people on the street, the atmosphere was quiet, subdued. They obviously didn’t appreciate loud Americans.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, ladies, but this is a no parking zone.” It was Dennis’s voice. He touched Ava’s arm, getting her attention. Grand-Paul was at her side and his face was pale.
“If you help me get your things from the car, Ava, I can lead the guys inside. There are a few steps they might need help with. Then I can park. ”
Her skin burned from his touch, and Ava mouthed “thank you” just as he turned away. She saw something in his eyes, something deeper, pained. Something that had nothing to do with their grandfathers. Could Dennis’s heart really be broken after all these years? They’d had that perfect summer, but they’d been so young. When they parted, Ava had hoped for a while that he’d contact her and try to reconcile. When he didn’t, she assumed he’d found someone else. But what if he hadn’t? Could he still care for her? If he did, he had a funny way of showing it. I’m just imagining things, aren’t I? She tried to catch his gaze again, but he ducked his head into the trunk as he reached to retrieve her bag. Ava turned away, focusing again on the Parisian street, reminding herself she was really here.
There was a bakery next to a flower stand. Taking a deeper breath, the air smelled of flowers and…Frenchness, which was the only description that came to mind. It was May, so she expected the air to be light and fresh, but it was more than that. It was as if scents from the sunshine, flower boxes, cafés along the boulevard, and the park across the street melded into something enchanting.
Ava grabbed her purse from the front seat, and then she moved around to the trunk where Dennis was unloading her things.
“Didn’t you get the message from the tour handbook? One suitcase per person?” He placed their suitcases and all her recording equipment on the sidewalk.
“Excuse me?”
“This is a lot of stuff. I can tell you don’t travel much.” Dennis pulled her grandfather’s suitcase out and placed it next to hers.
“No, I really haven’t had the chance. I—” She tried to think of a good excuse. Nothing came to her. The truth was she’d been waiting until after she got married. She’d wanted someone to share this with, but how could Dennis understand that or anything else about her for that matter? He was a stranger to her now.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” he said, his gaze softening slightly. “But you’re going to have a hard time getting around with all that stuff and help your grandpa too.” He let out a heavy sigh. “If you want I can come back—”
“No!” Ava jutted out her chin and began gathering up her things. “I can get everything. I’m fine.”
Without another word, he turned away and guided Grand-Paul into the hotel lobby, a firm grasp on his grandfather’s elbow. Paul seemed even more unsteady on his feet than Grandpa Jack. Thinner, weaker than she remembered. Her grandfather followed—more steady now than at the airport—and insisted on pulling his own rolling suitcase. Ava was glad to see that his legs were getting unkinked.
Ava and Tana gathered up her things, and Ava took a step, following the men. Tana’s grasp on her wrist stopped her. “Who’s he?” she whispered in Ava’s e
ar.
“That’s Dennis, Paul’s grandson,” Ava whispered back, trying to sound unimpressed. Tana’s eyes widened in acknowledgment, and it was then Ava remembered there was one person she’d told about Dennis. That was one thing about being former roommates. There wasn’t any need for explanation when it came to old flames.
Tana’s eyes widened. “That’s him? That’s the guy?” She elbowed Ava. “If he’s here, what do you need me for?”
Ava didn’t want to admit it, but when she had first seen Dennis, she almost wished she were going out to dinner with him tonight, but now she was less impressed. He had rushed in like Prince Charming, saving her from the evil taxi fares, and then pointed out that she’d packed too many glass slippers.
Then again, maybe he wouldn’t have wanted to take her out even if he’d had the chance. She thought of the pain in his eyes. Surely he’s not still hurt by something that happened so long ago.
She looked at her friend. Dinner with Tana would be more fun anyway. She’d have fun with Tana. It was Paris after all. Then, she’d have a whole week with Dennis to try to get to the bottom of his attitude. Maybe they could sit together on one of the bus rides and catch up. Or maybe he’d be civil but keep his distance. She hoped that wouldn’t be the case. Just the thought of being near him and not talking and laughing like they used to caused her heart to ache.
Ava hadn’t made it five feet into the lobby when she noticed that a cluster of gray-haired men had stopped Grandpa Jack and circled around. She approached, and Tana paused at her side, her arms full of equipment.
“Jack, there you are.” The elderly men’s voice quivered with excitement, and Ava noticed tears springing to her grandpa’s light blue eyes beneath the Eleventh Armored Division cap he had pulled low over his bushy gray eyebrows.
“How was your trip?” another elderly man asked.
“Is this your granddaughter?” a third asked.
