This romantic tale told from the hero's point of view takes place outside Paris in 1999. Well-known American actor Renine Feraday is hired to play the lead role in a movie about one of well-known American writer Alestra Narcona's books. What Renine doesn't anticipate is falling head over heels in love with Alestra. This tale reflects upon and romanticizes the notion of "expatriates," which was made popular by F.S. Fitzgerald, one of the famous American writers who was among the American expatriates (poets, writers, actors and artists who lived in Paris in the Roaring '20s.

The hum of the numerous languages trickling over the loud speaker at Charles De Gaulle International Airport annoyed him. Even the signs directing him were a blur as well known 21-year-old actor Renine Feraday made his way through customs.After a 16-hour flight from Los Angeles to Paris he suffered from a severe bout of jet lag, which had become a common occurrence. He frequently traveled all over the world to be on location for whatever acting endeavors he happened to be involved in, but jet lag made him feel like he'd been barreled over by a runaway train. There was no reason for his fatigue. During his travels, he rode in the comforts of first class, which offered passengers more than they would find at home or in a five-star hotel. Even with being tucked in with a cozy blanket and soft pillow by a beautiful and friendly stewardess, he had difficulties sleeping during his trips. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't sleep on planes. Surprisingly he didn't doze off while waiting in the long customs line. It amazed him how he found the energy to move when all he wanted to do was crash in a bed and sleep for a week. Somehow he managed to trudge his way to the customs checkpoint.Going through customs was extremely easy. He had been to France so many times the customs agent didn't even ask him questions about the purpose of his visit or length of stay anymore. Instead the agent merely nodded in recognition, stamped his passport and sent him on his way.Following the path, he felt himself packed like herded cattle with the other passengers into the baggage carousel area. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long for his luggage. Usually first class baggage was unloaded first and he always believed in traveling light, so it wasn't long before he spotted his duffelbag making its way around the conveyor belt to where he currently stood.Already dragging, he forced himself to pick up his bag and head toward the heart of the bustling airport where he'd been told someone would be waiting to pick him up.The plastic doors slid open and he looked around at the hustle and bustle of people scurrying around the airport. "Mr. Feraday?" an unfamiliar voice called toward him."Yes," he replied wearily as he gazed at the strange man clad in a polo shirt and jeans.The stranger extended his hand toward him. "I'm Maven Niven the director of the film you'll be starring in." He barely found the energy to politely shake the man's hand. "Yes, I remember.""I'm here to take you to the chateau where you'll be staying while we're making the film." He was too tired to think how or why Maven had came to pick him up when he could have sent a lackey to do the job. Instead he nodded numbly and followed the director out of the airport until they came to a secure airport parking lot where only the incredibly wealthy or famous were allowed to park their cars.Maven approached a black, sporty Volvo and opened the trunk so he could put his bag inside, then both of them got into the car. As the director drove away from the airport, he took a highway that headed out into the French countryside. Trying to make small talk, Maven asked, "I trust your trip here was pleasant?"Overwhelmed by the groggy buzz in his head, he stammered in a aze. "Huh?..Yeah."Maven lightly chucked. "I wouldn't fall asleep if I were you. It just makes it worse.""After the multiple times I've been overseas I thought eventually wouldn't experience jet lag.""I hate to break it to you, but no matter how many times you travel internationally you can't escape experiencing jet lag."To himself, he grumbled. "Great." "I promise once we get to the chateau that you can rest if you want.""Sounds good."The trip to reach their destination didn't take long."We're here," Maven announced as they drove through the black iron gates of the chateau.From what he knew about chateaus they were luxurious retreats used as vacation spots; this place looked like the Von Trapp mansion or a royal palace. The chateau, surrounded by large, beautiful gardens, sent feelings of impressed awe through his tired body.Maven parked his car on the arc of the driveway that gave them a straight path to the front door of the chateau. Unloading himself and his bag from the vehicle, he headed with the director toward the chateau. "Did royalty use to live here?""Probably," Maven laughed softly. "I guess you could say royalty still does live here what with all the stars, politicians and other famous folks that they house here.""Hmmm," he murmured thoughtfully.As they swept through the front door, he half expected to be greeted by a butler or one of the servants that maintained the chateau, but there were none.The inside of the chateau was even more impressive than the outside. There was an ivory chandelier dangled from the ceiling, antique furniture, fine art and floral arrangements were placed in a welcoming design throughout the place and the marble stairway seemed to ascend to Heaven.Before the beauty of the place sank in for him, Maven said. "You'll find rooms at the top of the stairway. Just settle into any one you like. I'll be back at noon tomorrow to take you to set."Leaving the director behind, he wearily made his way up the staircase and turned into the first bedroom at the top of the stairs. The room had a comfy and cozy appeal to it and looked more like a honeymoon suite. But he was too tired to care. He dropped his bag on the floor and then threw himself across the bed. Within minutes he fell into a deep slumber.***He felt the warmth of the sun on his face gently rousting him from his sleep. He stretched as he fully came awake.How long had he slept? What time was it? Maven had mentioned something about picking him up at noon to take him to the set. He glanced around the room hoping to find a clock but didn't find one.Without much regard to his appearance,he searched the chateau for a clock so he could find out the time and stumbled into the kitchen."Good morning," a soft and gentle voice greeted him. He turned swiftly, taken aback by a slim, attractive, long, blonde haired young woman clad in a blue sleeveless flower print summer dress standing in the doorway of the kitchen.He had thought he was alone in the chateau but was glad to discover that wasn't the case. Suddenly as he looked at her, he instantly became concerned with his slovenly appearance. Casually he ran his hand through his brown hair and straightened out his shirt.She smiled at him and then commented politely. "I trust you slept well.""Very," he answered simply and then flashed his own mischievous smile in her direction. "But I'd be doing better if I knew what time it was.""It's 8 a.m.," she informed him as she looked at him in interest. "That's the thing I dislike about jet lag. It has a tendency to throw off everything and especially your sense of time.""That's true ," he nodded, hoping he was hiding how he felt attracted to her. "But I'm glad I have enough time to make myself decent before Maven comes to pick me up.""Ah, the reliable Maven."He looked at her in surprised interest. "You know Maven?""Everyone knows Maven. He's a regular around here."He smiled warmly at her. "And what about you? Are you a regular around here?"Her smile broadened as she swept from the kitchen without answering his questions, leaving him alone with his personal thoughts and interest piqued.***He found Maven waiting for him as he came down the stairway at noon. "Glad to see you joining the land of the living," Maven greeted him with oozing friendliness."Thanks," He grinned.Both of them exited the chateau, jumped into Maven's Volvo and traveled on their way down the highway."I trust you found everything you needed at the chateau.""Yeah, everything was great." He remarked reassuringly then glanced at the director. "I just thought I was the only one staying there.""Is there a problem with that?""No," He said with a casualness that faded as he expressed another pressing concern. "But I was wondering when I was going to see a script."Without any indication of surprise in his voice, Maven said. "I figured you would ask that, but Alestra Narcona is very specific about the filming of her work.""Did you say Alestra Narcona?" Renine asked stunned.Alestra was a well known and loved American fiction writer who had won several awards for her work. Several of her novels had been made into movies. Movies that had received numerous Academy Awards, Oscars and other prestigious motion picture awards over the last few years.He had no clue how his agent had gotten him selected to play a starring role in a film based on one of Alestra's novels, which would not only boost his career, but he had to admit the feat was impressive; he realized the specialness and importance of the film he'd been cast in. He and Maven both had visions of golden humanoid trophies dancing in their minds as they arrived on location. The film was being shot in the picturesque French countryside with a medieval castle situated ontop the mountains.The sight took his breath away and reminded him of a souvenir postcard.Maven handed him a script and instructed. "You'll have to read this quickly because we start shooting shortly."Maven's instructions didn't concern him. Fortunately he had an above average ability for learning lines quickly which enabled him to get into character quickly.He'd just sat down in a all-purpose camping folding chair so he could commit his lines to memory when something distracted him. He glanced over and saw a slim, attractive, long, blonde aired young woman in a sleeveless blue flower print summer dress arrive on the set and did a double take.Isn't that the same girl I saw this morning? Taking his script with him, he slowly approached Maven.He quietly asked the director. "Who's that?"Maven followed his gaze and miled. "That's Alestra Narcona." "That's Alestra Narcona?" He looked at Maven in disbelief. "That's the same girl I saw in the kitchen this morning.""Of course, it is. Miss Narcona is a regular at the chateau."That's interesting. "Would you like to meet her?"An opportunity he definitely wouldn't pass up. "I'd love to."Maven gestured toward Alestra and she gracefully approached the two men. The director gave the author a chaste kiss on the cheek as they exchanged warm affectionate hugs."Alestra, darling, you look well," Maven complimented her with polite flattery and then almost as an after thought turned toward him. "I'd like you to meet the film's starring actor, Renine Feraday."Failing to keep the sweet smile from creeping up around her lips, Alestra said simply, "We've met."He had hoped for a much longer conversation with the young, well-known author, but those wishes were dashed completely when Alestra nonchalantly walked off without so much as another word.Her feigned aloof behavior and the way she seemed to play hard to get filled him with a powerful and burning desire to have a more close, intimate relationship with Alestra. He found women like her attractively appealing as well as intriguing."Is she always like that?" He asked Maven with a note of fascination in his voice."You may find it shocking, but Miss Narcona is really quite shy. It's been noted and said that the shy ones sometimes have a tendency to behave strangely or at least in ways one wouldn't expect from that personality type."He didn't comment but Maven's comment hit a little bit too close to home as far as he was concerned. All of his life he'd been a shy guy; his family, friends and others were surprised that he had become an actor, which was definitely not a profession a shy type would pursue. On the sly he looked over to where Alestra was conversing with the cameramen. As he shyly admired her: Maybe she and I have more in common than I thought. ***It had been unusually longer day than normal by the time Maven called his final "cut" for the day.As he and his fellow cast members left the set, he overheard one actor grumbling under his breath, "If she'd interfered one more time in directorial decisions, I would have killed her." Why were his colleagues perturbed with Alestra's involvement in the film? After all it was her story, her vision, her baby so they'd all better learn to tolerate and expect interference from the young author during the film's shooting.He must remember to take his script with him since he fully intended to devote most of the rest of the evening to memorizing the rest of his lines. With the script in hand, he headed off so he could catch a ride back to chateau with Maven but Alestra blocked his path.Surrounding herself with a casual assurance, she didn't waiver and then issued an ultimatum. "You will be joining me for dinner this evening, Mr. Feraday."Boy, she's bluntly direct! He thought, failing to mask the smile slowly crossing his lips."Don't delude yourself into thinking that this invitation is anymore than what it is, Mr. Feraday," She said with smooth coolness making him feel like she'd doused him with a pail of ice cold water. "My invitation is strictly business and something I do with all new people involved in my films." "I see," He answered. "In that case, I'd be honored to join you for dinner this evening, Miss Narcona."She turned without a word and headed toward her car with him following close behind her.His mouth dropped when she climbed into a black BMW Mercedes. He could only imagine how much such a car would cost - not to mention how much it cost to maintain such a car.He put a quick damper on the surge of envy he felt since he knew he couldn't even afford a car like this on his salary. Only incredibly wealthy people could afford to have a Mercedes. He wondered how a writer like her who couldn't possibly make more than he would managed to afford a Mercedes.Unsure whether he should engage her in a conversation, he looked silently at the beautiful countryside. The scenery found in Europe was peacefully quaint and unlike anything one could see in the states. The enjoyable surroundings explained why so many romanticized about Europe and wanted to live overseas.She pulled her Mercedes up in front of what appeared to look like a farm and announced. "We're here."He refrained from commenting as he exited her car and followed her to the door of the establishment where she stopped short."What's wrong?""I almost forgot. In Europe, it's customary for the man to walk into a restaurant before the woman."He saw by the look in her eyes how much that custom bothered her. Nodding he preceeded into the restaurant.She poked him in the back ordering. "Take us to a table."He headed to a corner table but was stopped short by her whisper. "Not that one. It's reserved for only special guests of the owners of the restaurant. Over there," she pointed toward a table in the back.Not too long after they'd taken their seats a waitress came and gave them menus. Thankfully they were in English so he assumed the woman must have known they were Americans.A short time later the waitress returned and asked in English, laced with a heavy French accent. "Would you like to order?""I'll take the halibut," she said and then quickly handed her menu to the waitress."I'll take the steak, medium," He contributed."Very good, sir." The waitress snatched his menu. "Can I get you both anything to drink?""Rose D' Anjou, 1999," she said without asking him what he wanted to drink."Excellent," The waitress' quick compliment of her choice, which totally ignored him, surprised him. He'd expected things in Europe to be similar to the United States, but it appeared that women were in control here."I'll return when your meals are ready," The waitress said before departing.She noted the puzzled look on his face. "That's how they are here in Europe. It takes awhile to get used to it."Obviously she was used to the way things were in Europe, but he wasn't sure he could or much less wanted to get used to inner workings of European living. He definitely preferred American living to this. During his ponderings about what to make of Europe, a gentleman brought their wine and poured each of them a glass then set the bottle to chill on ice.He casually sipped his wine that was sweet but not overly so. A few drinks caused him to experience warm feelings throughout his body.Finishing off the glass, he poured himself another."I'd be careful of how much you drink, Mr. Feraday," she chided him gently.He knew how to hold his alcohol and probably could drink her under the table, so he found her concern amusing and chuckled lightly. "I can handle myself, Miss Narcona.""I'm sure you can, Mr. Feraday. But I think you should know that the alcohol in Europe is much stronger than what you're used to drinking in the States."He smiled softly continuing to drink his wine with careless disregard just to spite her. While he helped himself to more wine, the waitress brought their meals. Staring oddly at what had been placed before them, he uncontrollably blurted out. "Where in Hell is the salad?" She glared at him sharply and chided him in a low voice. "Do you mind lowering your voice? The French bring the salads last because they believe it cleans your palate.""That's the craziest thing I've ever heard!""I'm sure the Europeans find some of the things we Americans do incredibly crazy." "Whatever," he said dismissively and inhaled more wine.She would have hardly been a woman to deny how handsomely attractive he was; she knew better than to get involved with him despite her feelings to the contrary. Being involved with someone involved in one of her films would be a disastrous wreck. Besides he was no different than any of the rest of them. They came, but they rarely stayed.Perhaps it was a bit selfish of her to expect the men who entered her life to stay in Europe. But Europe had become her home; she had no desire to return to her home country of America ever again.Unaware of the effect the excessive amount of alcohol he'd drank was playing on him, he considered her while she appeared lost in her own reflective thoughts. An undeniable attraction filled with passion and desire washed over him, he felt compelled to flirt, to caress and to kiss her. What he felt wasn't something he usually experienced with women. He had had his share of girlfriends and had even gotten laid a few times. But as far as a serious romantic relationship was concerned he wasn't sure he'd had one. Having such a relationship was difficult for public figures such as him. From his perspective involvement with another celebrity wasn't a wise course to be on since most relationships between famous people didn't work out. He didn't even think having a private life with a romantic relationship was possible for a public figure.Whatever these topsy turvy feelings were he wasn't exactly sure what to make of them. All he knew was the room was spinning, and he had an uncontrollable desire and need to kiss her.He gazed at her sitting there looking so vulnerable, sweet and incredibly beautiful.His usually shy nature became overpowered by the reckless, casual spontaneity currently possessing him, he leaned over and shyly brushed his lips against hers.Half expecting her to put up a fight, a thrill of tingling pleasure and excitement traveled throughout his body as their lips sealed together in a passionate kiss.That thrill continued and grew stronger as he continued to kiss her over and over again.When her tongue slipped inside his mouth it caused him to become more tender. Gently he returned her French kisses with a passion that matched hers.Kissing her was sheer bliss and made him feel complete. He didn't even think about how he was enjoying kissing her a bit too much. He just didn't want the kiss to end.Although she would have liked for their kiss to continue, she knew she had to put a stop to it before things got too out of hand. Gently she pulled herself away from him as he questioningly stared at her with a flood of emotions swimming in his brown eyes."I do believe you are quite drunk, Mr. Feraday," she told him with quiet gentleness. "I think I better take you home."He didn't argue.Signaling for the waitress, she paid the check then helped him out of the restaurant.Their trip back to the chateau was a silent blur that ended with him stumbling up the stairway to his room where he passed out on the bed.***Images of Alestra's sweet lips pressed against his in passionate kisses filled his dreams. He wouldn't have minded staying in that state forever. Except the warm sun falling across his body and warming his face was bringing him out of his pleasant dreams into the consciousness of wakefulness.Groaning softly, he rubbed his fingertips against his temples to lessen the pounding headache he had.Thankfully he only suffered from headaches after drinking binges. He didn't think he had a lot to drink at dinner last night but the pounding in his head convinced him otherwise.Willing himself out of bed, he dragged himself into the bathroom where he took a shower. He let the refreshing water wash away the remnants of his hangover until the lingering memories of the evening before hit him.Given the circumstances he expected to feel a sense of regret and foolishness nagging at him but he didn't. Although he'd enjoyed it, no one aside from him knew he'd kissed Alestra during their dinner together last night. He wondered how he should act around Alestra now that this had happened. The young author probably thought he'd kissed her out of drunken impulse so probably wasn't going to draw any attention to what had happened. So he shouldn't either.Besides he didn't quite know exactly what these feelings he was experiencing were. He was probably making more out of what had happened between him and the young author than it actually was. There could be no possibility of falling in love because love didn't happen that quickly. Kissing Alestra had happened as result of having too much to drink nothing more. That thought made him pause to reflect. If kissing Alestra meant nothing, then why did he feel the exact opposite about the incident? He didn't have time to sort this out right now. He had to a job to do; if he didn't memorize his lines he might not keep that job for very long.***He felt perturbed by how Alestra avoided him during that day's shooting. The way she ignored him pissed him off.During a break in the filming, he glanced over and saw Maven gaily conversing with Alestra. The director and young author were standing close together, touching, smiling and laughing affectionately. He felt a surge of anger rush through him. How dare he stand that close to Alestra? He thought Maven and Alestra were standing closer than they should be. How could she stand to let the director touch her? Watching Maven touch the young author repulsed him. What did Alestra see in the director? Given Maven was an accomplished director with numerous awards and films to his credit but he had to be at least 20 years older than her. Plus, Maven wasn't that good looking. Why was the young author even interested in the director? Maybe Maven was wealthy. That had to be explanation for Alestra's attraction to Maven. Alestra could do much better than Maven. A whole Hell of a lot better. Out of all the men the young writer could have chosen for a relationship she'd picked Maven which was a complete waste. The young writer's involvement with Maven was a damn shame. Alestra deserved better than Maven. He knew she could do better than the director. She could be involved with him. He was jealous of Maven. There was no way in Hell he'd be jealous of the director he convinced himself in quick denial. He found being jealous of Maven slightly amusing, but mostly it made him sick.He suppressed the urge to kick Maven's butt as he watched the director bestow Alestra with a kiss that definitely wasn't chaste. He blew a gasket, holding himself back from ripping the two of them apart, after Alestra's and Maven's kiss lasted longer than he felt it should.OK, I've just about had enough of this! he thought in disgust, then another thought occurred to him as a slow wicked smile crossed his lips. I wonder how Maven would handle some competition for Alestra's affections. A duel like the knights of old for the love of a lady. Man against man. May the best man win. So, there it was. He had decided to throw his hat into the ring. He knew he was up to the contest. However, he didn't think poor Maven stood a chance against him.This was war. A war he fully intended to win.***Shooting continued long into the night, and it wasn't until almost dusk when they'd quit for the day.He hoped to catch a ride back to the chateau with one of his fellow cast members, but Maven signaled toward him as he attempted to leave. He cursed under his breath and made his way toward the director. As he got closer he noticed Alestra hovering nearby Maven like she was his best gal. It took all of his effort to keep himself from displaying his disgust about the two of them being all lovey dovey in front of them. Which wasn't hard at all considering he possessed both excellent and natural acting talents. Coolly with a complete poker face, he regarded Maven and Alestra. She didn't even look at him nor give him the time of day. The way she blew him off pissed him off; he wasn't going to let her know it. If she was going to play that game, then he could too. He joined the conversation between the young author and director already in progress. "...I think things are progressing rather well," Maven smiled meaningfully at Alestra, and he suppressed his desire to roll his eyes and tried not to fidget. "We've all worked hard and I feel all this work and no play is making us all rather dull, so I'm throwing a gala at the chateau this weekend.""That's a great idea, darling," Alestra chimed in excitedly as she warmly embraced Maven, giving him an affectionate peck on the cheek.Maven, who held Alestra close to him, said to him. "What do you think, Renine?""Sounds super," He agreed, struggling to keep the distaste out his voice."Darling, it sounds wonderful, and I'm sure it'll be an affair to remember," she leaned toward Maven and planted a light kiss on his lips then waved flirtatiously at the director as she took her leave of the men.Both he and Maven watched her leave and then the director turned his attention toward him. "I wanted to talk about this gala with you, Renine. Don't take this the wrong way, but it's not like some of the parties you've been to in the States. In Europe, people wear formal attire to galas and for men that's a tuxedo.""A tuxedo?" He thoughtfully murmured. He hadn't worn a tuxedo much. He hadn't gone to his high school prom, so the only time he'd worn a tuxedo had been when he'd been nominated for the Academy Awards, an event he'd only gone to once. The other times he'd been nominated for the Academy Awards or other award events he didn't make an appearance. Seeming to sense his dilemma, Maven patted him on the back. "Not to worry. I know a really good tuxedo salesmen along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and the Rue du la Paix in Paris where I'm sure you'll find something that'll suit you."***The next morning he found himself in a tuxedo shop along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. He'd come alone because he didn't want Maven to know that he was clueless about picking suits. A short, wispy man, wearing an outfit that the artist formerly known as Prince might have worn, rushed forward to with open arms and a rushed greeting ladened with a heavy French accent, "Bon Jour, monsieur, I'm Heintz Fitz-Albert, owner of LeTails, the finest tuxedo store in all Paris. How may I serve you today?"He didn't answer right away because it took him awhile to comprehend what the man said. "I need a suit.""Of course, you need a suit or you wouldn't be here," Heintz laughed then appraised him in a very suggestive manner.He's gay, he thought convinced as the man lovingly locked his arm around his and proudly promenaded him about the store. Stretching his hand expansively about the store, Heintz said. "As you can see, we've many fine suits here but I could help you better if I knew the type of suit you needed.""It's for a gala.""A gala?" Heintz's eyes lit up like an excited child's. "Those are delightfully enjoyable parties. For such a party, you'll want an tuxedo."He almost choked at Heintz's suggestion as he could only imagine how much renting a tuxedo would cost him. Renting a tuxedo wasn't an option, he had to buy one. Heintz noticed his hesitation. "Is there a problem?""No," He lied.Heintz analyzed him critically. "I think we have a tuxedo in your size here. But it's not the size that bothers me it's the color."Oh no, the wrong color! A faux pas! Call the fashion police! Heintz's concern with colors completely convinced him the storeowner was a fruit cake. Heintz noticed the annoyed expression on his face then said reassuringly. "Relax, we'll take good care of you." He barked an order at his lackeys. "Bring me a black tuxedo.""A black tuxedo," He said with impressed interest."Definitely. A black tuxedo is right for a gala. You'll look excellent in a black tuxedo." Heintz gazed appreciatively at him.Clearing his throat, he flashed a wan smile at Heintz. "Sorry, pal, but I'm not interested in your advances. I happen to prefer women.""And so? There's enough to go around, non?""I don't think so," He confidently remarked. "Women are beautiful, wonderful creatures and to be involved with a female is one of the greatest experiences in life. But you don't understand, do you?""Whatever, sir," Heintz sniffed derisively then gestured to the suit one of his associates held. "I suggest you try this on so we can determine whether any alterations will need to be made."Hiding his amusement, he complied and felt very relieved when the suit fit him perfectly since he really didn't want the gays in the store touching him. Wearing his street clothes he rejoined Heintz and his associates in the store. The storeowner barely succeeded in hiding his disappointment that he hadn't modeled the suit for them. With a forced smile, Heintz asked. "The tuxedo suited you and was of the right fit?""Yes, I'll take it.""Excellent, sir! That'll be 4,963 French francs." He swallowed hard, thinking the tuxedo was incredibly expensive. Briefly he wished he could rent the suit instead of having to buy it.With a glance of disdain, Heintz sharply clicked the words of his answer. "Which is $500."Five hundred dollars wasn't so bad. He paid the man and then left the store.Later when he returned to the chateau, he found Maven sipping cognac and smoking cigars as he leisurely lounged behind an oak desk in the study. Hearing the sounds of footsteps in the hall, the director perked up and called out. "Alestra?" No answer. "Renine?" He cursed under his breath and tried to make his exit but Maven came out into the hallway, recognizing him before he could make a clean getaway. "Ah, Renine, a word with you if I may.""Sure," He said simply, hoping he kept the reluctant, hesitant tone absent from his voice.Maven ushered him into the study and gestured for him to make himself comfortable. He took a seat in the plush leather chair in front of the desk as Maven returned to his seat behind it. Maven generously opened a wooden box of cigars for him. "Can I offer you a cigar? Or perhaps something to drink?""I could use a drink," He said casually."Good man," Maven complimented him with a smile, pouring them both a couple snifters of cognac then fidgeted with his lighter and cigar. "Do you mind if I smoke?""Go ahead," He remarked with ease as he thoughtfully sampled his drink.Maven lit up, then puffed away on his cigar like a distinguished and suave gentlemen. As the smoke floated like clouds between them, Maven casually said. "I trust you found a tuxedo for this weekend's gala.""Yes, at LeTails on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore.""A fine establishment," Maven nodded in familiarity, setting aside his cigar and taking some swigs of his drink before continuing. "Let's speak frankly man to man about the gala, Renine." He didn't speak because he was occupied with his drink. "As men, we know that galas are excellent opportunities for us to score with the ladies if you know what I mean."Yes, I know what you mean, you smuck! Momentarily setting down his drink, he casually asked. "And what about Alestra?"Lowering his drink, Maven revealed the smile on his lips. "She and I have an understanding; besides there's enough to go around."You, jerk! Alestra doesn't deserve to be treated like a piece of meat. She deserves to have someone who cares about her.As he raised his snifter to his lips for a luxurious drink, Maven casually informed him. "There's something you should know about Alestra, Renine. She's not without her share of involvements if you catch my drift."Unlike you, gigolo, Alestra isn't a slut! Of that fact, he was certain.Maven didn't seem bothered by his lack of contributions into their conversation. The director poured himself more alcohol. "Would you like another?""Please," He extended his glass as Maven leaned forward to refill it."Alestra won't be the only woman at the gala, Renine. There will be so many woman so little time, ya know?" The director meaningfully winked at him.He calls himself a man? He wondered to himself. He's a slime ball! No wonder women consider us men to be dogs!"I'm sure the gala will be entertaining for you, Renine, since young men such as yourself usually have plenty of women fawning over him," Maven casually commented as he switched from drinking to smoking.What a bastard! Now he really didn't understand what Alestra saw in Maven. He didn't even know why the young writer was involved with a man like the director."Yes, I think the gala will be interestingly entertainment for you," Maven murmured meaningfully wearing a smile behind the billowing smoke that puffed from his mouth.As he sat across from him, all he felt about Maven was utter dislike and disgust.***A beauty sitting in a lace bra and silk panties repetitively stroking the blonde tendrils of her hair with an antique silver brush and her sexy, stylish black dress from Christian Dior were reflected in the vanity mirror before her.Alestra felt thankful that there was no rush for her to get ready for that evening's gala because it gave her time to reflect.Predominate among her meandering thoughts was a ... certain ... young actor. She had to admit she could spend her entire time day dreaming about Renine Feraday. The way she felt about him seemed more like something that occurred in her novels than anything else.Was it possible she might be in love with Renine? She wasn't sure.To have a romantic relationship with Renine would be temporary as well as problematic. She suspected he wouldn't remain in Europe instead he'd return to the United States shortly after the film's shooting had ended. So, was it worth having a temporary involvement with Renine? She didn't know if she could bear the suffering pain and hurt such involvements caused. She didn't like having one-time relationships or being a one night stand. She'd prefer to have a lasting relationship for once. She couldn't pinpoint the explanation for her uncertainty in this matter. Especially since she had had a few sexual ncounters and her share of involvements with men. Still her involvements with men had never been the type relationships which had become a reoccurring theme and element in her fiction. Yet, she admitted to herself that deep down inside she wanted to have a meaningfully romantic relationship like she frequently wrote about with a man.For her, the key question was: Was Renine the man to have such a meaningful romantic relationship with?A deep, powerfully strong desire, longing and need to be romantically and intimately involved with Renine surged through her. Without intending to do so, she knew she was in love with him.To determine his true feelings for her, she had gone to great lengths to convince Renine that she was involved with Maven. Not that she'd ever been involved with the director nor would she.In desperation she'd asked Maven to agree to pretend the two of them were a couple. It grated on her to have to do it; she hadn't had much choice.She had, however, noted that her gambit had been working the way she planned it. Renine had been avoiding her; to her that clearly indicated the young actor was jealous of Maven.She felt slightly bad and guilty for subjecting Renine to this test. If she hadn't been tired of being burnt by the numerous failed fling relationships she'd been in, then testing Renine to discover his true feelings for her wouldn't be necessary.Slowly coming out of her reverie, she rose to don her short sleeved black dress where the hem of the skirt laid just above her knees. This dress accentuated her shapely legs, which she considered to be her best feature.With some effort, she managed to zip up the long zipper in the back of the dress. She returned to the tan cushioned chair in front of her vanity where she slipped sand colored nylons on her long legs and then slipped on her black heels.She glanced at herself in the mirror and situated her hair until it fell down around her shoulders in exactly the way she liked it. Then she applied a small amount of makeup, including black mascara to emphasize her bluish green eyes and red lipstick to emphasize her luscious lips. Although her makeup was simple, it was all she needed to look radiant.Satisfied with her appearance, she planned how she'd make her entrance at the gala.*** After taking a shower, he slipped into his tuxedo. First he put on the long sleeved white shirt, buttoning the buttons down his chest and on the shirt's cuffs before tucking the shirt into the pants. Next he secured a red cumberband around his waist.He looked into the mirror as he fumbled around trying to put the black bowtie around his neck. He cursed under his breath wishing he knew how to tie these damn things. There has to be an easy way to do this! he thought, getting angrier every time he had to re-do the bowtie until he finally decided he gotten it as close to perfect as he could.After slipping into his black socks and shoes, Renine added the final part of the tuxedo by donning the jacket, ran his hand through his short brown hair to smooth it out and then looked at his reflection. He frowned slightly. I look like a geek!He wasn't satisfied with the way he looked, but he never was. With a sigh, he returned to the bedroom preparing to go downstairs to join the gala when he stopped short. He glanced at the red roses arranged in the vase near the bathroom in his room. He took one and broke it off the bud, pinning it to his right jacket lapel.He made his way down the staircase into the chateau's main hallway where a large crowd had begun to converge.The first to welcome him to the gala was Maven, who casually took the him aside to slightly adjust his bowtie. The director patted him warmly on the shoulder then winked. "Looking sharp, chap." "Thanks," He said quietly.He felt slightly nervous. Because of his reserved nature, he tended to avoid social functions like this. Plus, he was also shy so he didn't make many social appearances.Maven noticed how uncomfortable he was in his current social environment so offered a friendly suggestion. "Care for a drink, Renine?"He answered with a simple nod as Maven handed him a drink he'd perpetrated from one of the passing caterers' trays. He took slow, thoughtful sips of the beverage, which he recognized as champagne. Normally he didn't care for champagne, but the alcohol helped him to ease his nervousness and regain his earlier composure.While engaged in his drink, a hush fell over those gathered at the gala. He turned his attention toward the top of the staircase where he saw Alestra clad in a short sleeved,stylish, sexy black dress that came to just above her knees gracefully gliding down the stairs. He admired how angelic and radiantly beautiful she looked.He wasn't alone in admiring Alestra as she made her grand entrance. Even Maven stared entranced by the young author stirring up the jealousy within him. Posed in the hallway among the rest of the crowd, Alestra looked across the room at him with a soft smile. He smiled softly and raised his glass toward her in a complimentary salute. A salute that indicated there was no doubt in his mind that the young writer could turn a man's head or steal a man's heart like she'd done with his.A mass of people flocked around Alestra like a swarm of bees. While managing to converse and pay polite attention to her doting public, the young author kept her eyes locked on him. Her eyes seductively and appreciatively appraised him. To show how much he appreciated and was flattered by her attention, he saluted her again by taking another thoughtful drink of his champagne. Her warm smile encouragingly invited him heightening the temptation and desire he had to be with her. He casually glanced around the room where he spotted Maven surrounded by a gaggle of women fawning all over him while he stood alone in the far corner of the room.Something's wrong with this picture, he thought amused. Maven had predicted he would be the one fawned over by the ladies at the gala and instead he'd found himself to be the wall flower. But that could be quickly remedied. He gathered his confidence, set down his glass, then strided casually toward Alestra.Her eyes danced excitedly and her smile broadened with pleasure that he'd decided to talk with her. As he came closer, she gently teased him. "I was wondering when you were going to come say hello to me, Mr. Feraday."He laughed softly. "It looked liked you could use some company, Miss Narcona, so I came to offer mine."The shy and gentle way he'd said that fueled the emotions she had for him hidden deep in her heart and soul. It also emphasized that the two of them were alone together. An opportunity that neither she nor he wanted to waste. After a brief silence between them, she said, "I've been meaning to tell you how impressed I am with your acting talents, Mr. Feraday."He gazed at her shyly and murmured. "Please call me Renine."A flicker of delight twinkled in her eyes. "Very well, Renine."Liking how she'd said his name, he glanced over at her on the sly and smiled softly. "I guess I'll have to thank my agent for convincing you to select me for a starring role in your film, Miss Narcona.""Come now, Renine, there's no need for you to be formal with me," she chided him gently.His smile broadened. "I guess not.""Let me let you in on a little secret, Renine, your agent had absolutely nothing to do with you landing a starring role in my film. I wanted you to be in the lead role."He didn't know what to say to that. Trying to thank her, he stammered. "I..." She casually waved off his thanks, so he changed the subject. "I've read all your books.""And?""I've enjoyed them. I think you're a very talented writer." She blushed deep red. He teased her gently. "There's no reason for you to be embarrassed about your talent, Alestra, it's a beautiful gift."She blushed, deeply touched by his compliment. "Well, I can't take too much credit for that gift," She remarked modestly. "Being in Europe has been very conducive for my writing.""Really?" He commented looking at her in interest."Yes, I'm what you'd call aexpatriate." She noted the confused expression on his face. "I take it you're not familiar with expatriates."He shook his head. "Not really.""Historically, expatriates refer to a group of American artists, actors, writers and others who lived in Europe in the 1920s-1930s. The most famous expatriate was F. Scott Fitzgerald who wrote 'The Great Gatsby.' Nowadays an expatriate is anyone who lives in Europe." "But you're an American," He pointed out. "Don't you ever go home?""The only time I come to America is to do book signings or publicity appearances my literary agent has set up," she said him as she met his gaze. "But my home is here, Renine."She must have some money if she could afford to live in the chateau and sustain a life in Europe. Knowing what he was thinking she said. "The chateau isn't my home, Renine. A very nice, generous, wealthy patron allows me to use it as a writing retreat whenever I wish."He hated to ask her this but he had to know. "That patron wouldn't be Maven, would it?""Are you kidding?" She laughed. "I don't think Maven makes that much more than you do." He felt only slightly relieved by that knowledge but it still didn't tell him whether she was romantically involved with Maven or not.His situation was very precarious. He had to balance himself between being an actor and the reality of his feelings for her.If she knew his thoughts, she gave no indication of it. She gazed at him shyly. "I'd like it a lot if you continued to share your company with me at dinner, Renine.""I'd like that," He murmured as he shyly adverted his eyes then lent her his left proffered arm. "Shall we?"She gracefully locked her hands around his arm allowing him to lead her into the dining room. When they arrived at the head table, he pulled out her chair for her like the gallant gentleman he was.After he had settled into his seat on her left, she leaned toward him and whispered. "You'll be pleased to know that this dinner will be served American style."He laughed appreciatively at the teasing tone he'd heard in her voice. He told her in a low voice. "Well, you'll be pleased to know that I'm not drunk this time.""Learned your lesson, did you?" He grinned as the caterers brought the guests their meals and offered them something to drink. "Would you like some wine, sir?" He saw her stifle a laugh beneath her hand. He shook his head, laughed then sobered. "No, thanks."She thought it might be interesting to kiss him when he was sober. Actually kissing him sober or not was very appealing. She was having a hard time suppressing her longings, desires and needs to kiss him. She shyly looked over at him admiring how handsome he looked in his tuxedo.His gentle and shy nature pulled her in. He was so irrestibly cute. "Renine?" She murmured his name gently."Yes?" He turned toward her.She leaned toward him and lightly brushed her lips on his."Alestra," he murmured tenderly as she pressed her lips against his.Her sweet lips pressed against his in a passionate kiss filled his senses. Kissing her sent a stirring into the depths of his heart and soul.Their lips were locked together a long time before he gently disengaged. He looked at her with grave concern.After a long silence, he said. "I shouldn't have done that.""It wasn't your fault, Renine. It was mine," She soothingly reassured him. "I wanted to kiss you.""I want to kiss you too," He quietly and shyly confessed. "But you're..."He didn't get to finish that sentence because he found himself kissing her lips. "I..." He murmured helplessly lost in her kisses but forced himself to pull away in order to distance himself from her. She saw the mirad of emotions reflected in his eyes. He looked at her apologetically. "I..Alestra, it's wrong of me to kiss you.""Like Hell it is," She snapped with a noteable twinge of anger in her voice.With understanding, he calmly demanded. "What would Maven say if he saw me kissing you like that, Alestra?"The anger was still present in her voice. "He wouldn't care.""I doubt that," He remarked with a frown. "If I saw my girlfriend kissing another man like we were, I'd want to kill him.""Don't worry, Renine, he won't kill you because...""...Because you and he have an agreement?" He demanded angerily."No," She answered sadly. "Maven doesn't love me. He never did."He felt sorry for her. He looked at her meaningfully. "You deserve better than that, Alestra, you really do. You deserve to have someone who trully cares about and loves you. I truly mean that."Touched by the sweet truth she heard in his words, she said appreciatively. "Thank you, Renine." He extended his hand toward her in a gentlemanly gesture and looked into her eyes invitingly. "Let's get out of here."She accepted his hand; he escorted her from the dining room to the outdoor gardens where guests were dancing beneath the stars. A wide variety of music played that appealed to any taste.He glanced at her shyly. "Would you like to dance?"She smiled softly. "I'd like that."He took her hand and lead her to a spot among the rest of the dancers. At precisely that moment, a slow song began to play.He pulled her gently into his embrace, resting one hand near her shoulders and the other above her waist. He closed his eyes as he felt her arms wrap around his waist.Both of them enjoyed the closeness of the other's body as they swayed in time to the music, letting the words of the song hit them.Halfway into the song, they began caressing each other. He touched her face, shoulders, stroked her back, her waist and her butt. She brushed his face with her hands, caressed his chest and back, his waist and butt.He looked deeply into her eyes and kissed her passionately over and over until the song was over.Breathlessly he pulled away to give them some distance.In that breathing space, she said gently. "You want to sleep with me, don't you, Renine?""I...Alestra..." He fumbled shyly. "I can't sleep with you.""Why not? Renine, I know you want to sleep with me."What she'd said was partially true . He pulled her close to him and whispered meaningfully. "Alestra, I want more than just to sleep with you."What he'd said sounded too good to be true . She hadn't wanted to be a one night stand. But for him she was willing to give him whatever it he needed, wanted and desired even if it was for only one night."Are you sure you don't want to sleep with me, Renine?" "Yes, Alestra, I.." He adverted his eyes shyly. "..I want to make love to you.""Oh, Renine!" He knew very well that he couldn't make love to her, especially if she was involved with Maven. He looked at her with an torn expression on his face. "Alestra, I..." She decided to tell him the truth. "Renine, there's something you have to know. Maven and I aren't really involved nor have we ever been involved.""What?!?" He felt very confused then angry."Renine, I'm sorry," She apologized sadly. "I shouldn't have done what I did to you. But I've been burned in relationships so many times I had to be certain you...""..That I loved you?" He remarked with bitterness and hurt in his voice."Yes," She bowed her head in shame then glanced up at him shyly. "I love you, Renine." He met her gaze. "I love you too, Alestra."Both of them felt the truth and depth of the love they'd expressed for each other flowing between them.Tears welled up in her eyes. He gently pulled her into his arms. He asked in concern. "What's wrong?""I didn't want it to be this way, Renine," She sniffed quietly, wiping away her tears."What way?""Eventually you'll be leave and I wanted our relationship to be more than a one night stand."He indicated his agreement to her comment as he gently pressed his lips against hers over and over. Both of them stood there tenderly making out with other in the darkness."Renine, I want to make love to you.""And I to you," He murmured softly then gazed at her shyly. "I've never made love to a woman before, but I need and want to do it with you, Alestra."She gently took him by the hands and guided him away from the garden into the chateau and up the staircase to a private bedroom.Once inside, she closed and locked the door. Without any hesitation, both tightly embraced, kissed and caressed each other as they made out.He had his hands underneath the hem of her skirt and slid off her nylons. Then he slid his hands inside her panties and caressed the wetness of her womanhood.As she lovingly caressed his erection covered by the pants of his tuxedo, he moaned softly. "Alestra, make love to me."She continued to touch him everywhere, making him want and need her more. He slowly moved his hands up her body taking her dress with them and fondled her taunt breasts.His touch excited and thrilled her, and she moaned. "Renine, make love to me."As they kissed, he reached around her and slowly unzipped her dress, letting it drop to the floor then he gently removed her bra and panties. She slowly undressed him exciting and arousing him more.They kissed each other more passionately and demandingly now that they were naked before each other. He felt her breasts graze his chest, and she felt his erection brush against her legs and womanhood."Alestra," He murmured meaningfully. "I want you. I need you. Please let me show you how much I love you.""I love you, Renine, and I want very much to show you how much I love you too."He laid her down on the bed and brushed her tenderly with his pulsating manhood. She lovingly fondled him feeling the wetness on his manhood. Closing his eyes, he kissed her as he gently eased himself inside of her.He was inexorably gentle with her as they slowly made love. He knew how perfect and right they felt together as they shared an intimate dance where they soared together, becoming one heart and soul. Both of them experienced their esctasy together. Satied and complete they snuggled next to each other, murmuring words of love and kissing, until both fell into peaceful slumbers.***Feeling at peace, she wasn't sure what woke her from her pleasant dreams. She reached out her hand hoping to find him lying beside her but felt nothing.She opened her eyes and saw nothing but an empty space beside her. A wave of sadness crashed over her. What she'd hoped wouldn't happen had. He was gone and he wasn't coming back. Even with that knowledge prevalent in her thoughts, she hadn't regretted having made love to him.She sat up on the bed and attempted to collect the pieces of her clothing and life. "What are you doing?" his familiar voice said quietly.She looked at him. "Renine, I thought you'd gone."He shook his head negatively and then sat down on the bed. She noticed something in his hand. She had a pretty idea what it was but casually asked. "What's that?""This is my airline ticket back to the States," He said holding the ticket between them then he slowly began to tear it up."What are you doing?" She gasped in shock."I've decided to become an expatriate," He said meaningfully then leaned over and kissed her lips passionately.Copyright.2002 Marie Wadsworth