Was She a Hooer Coming Toward Me?

To those who feel abandoned and lonely.

------[]----[]------

My lunch at a Parisian café was memorable, and not only in the manner I hoped.

A friend told me about this place, not far from Sacré-Cœur, but far enough not to be filled with tourists. His favorite neighborhood café, he said.

I sat at a table outside and was not in a hurry. I know retired people who hurry from one thing to another, but isn't that one of the reasons to retire?

I was looking at the menu, but noticed a woman not far away--an attractive woman--who was looking at me. My first impression was hooker. I'd been approached like that before. Nicely dressed American + Alone = Target.

I glanced back in time to see her stand up and walk in my direction. I looked back at my menu.

"May I sit here with you?"

"The one over there didn't work for you? Look, I'm really not interested in a date or whatever lines you girls are using these days."

She was looking at me with her mouth open, then she shook her head and laughed.

"I apologize. I obviously came across wrong, but I can understand how that may have sounded. I'm just another tourist."

"I'm so sorry! I know you might take this wrong, but it was your beauty that made me think your profession was one of the old ones."

"I'm too beautiful for anything else? Is that what I'm hearing?"

"I knew that comment could be trouble. How about if I start over? Would you like to share the table for lunch?"

"I'd like that."

I stood and held the chair for her to sit.

"Have you ordered?"

"Yes. This café makes a great French onion soup. That's what I come here for."

"Then I'll have the same, when my server comes. My name is Nelson, from Idaho originally, but I spent most of my life in Portland."

"I'm Monique. I was born here, but when I was 5, my parents moved to New York. They wanted to learn English, so I only learned a little French."

Her server spotted her and brought her soup. Monique then spoke fluent French to her and explained I wanted the same thing.

"I thought you said you didn't speak French."

"No, I only learned a little from my parents. I studied in college and lived here for a while, but I still speak with an American accent. ... How long will you be here in Paris, Nelson?"

"Until I decide to go somewhere else. How about you?"

"I have a ticket to Ireland--Shannon--three days from now. If I don't change it."

"Where are you staying?"

"In a hotel near Place de la Concorde."

"So am I--at the Sofitel."

"I'm at the Maison Delano. We're only a couple of streets apart."

My soup arrived. She watched me taste it. "Your verdict?"

"Marvelous. Maybe the best French onion I've had."

"It

is

the best I've had. That's why I keep coming back."

We chatted as we ate. We were both laughing a lot. We also discovered a lot in common.

"Monique, why did you come over to sit with me?"

"I thought you were handsome, someone I'd like to get to know. I already know I look like a hooker, so that's your interest level."

She laughed as she said it.

"I can see you aren't going to let go of that. What can I do to be forgiven?"

"You can ask me to dinner tonight at Epicure. Do you have a suit?"

"Monique, will you join me for dinner tonight at Epicure? How do I make a reservation?"

"I think we can do that online."

She found it quickly on her phone and we agreed on 8 pm. I would get a cab, come and pick her up and then continue to the restaurant.

We also exchanged phone numbers, and decided to share a cab to our hotels, first to hers and then to mine so I could pay.

She held my hand in the taxi.

------[]----[]------

That evening I texted her when the taxi picked me up, when we pulled up to her hotel, I got out and waved to her, and was stunned at her beauty. She was wearing a little black dress that was cut very low in front and very high above her knees. I still had no idea how old she was, but that vision had a pronounced effect on me.

I opened the door of the taxi and helped her in and then ran around to the other side and got in.

"Nelson, you look even more handsome tonight."

She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

"Well, I hardly know what to say about how beautiful you are tonight. A lot of people will watch you at the restaurant."

"I only care about you watching."

Once we were seated, Monique ordered sole and I ordered lamb. Each of our dishes were over a hundred euros, plus the dessert we shared that was 49 euros. I could afford it, and I was willing to spend the money on Monique, but the flavors of the food alone warranted the price. It was fabulous.

"Have you been here before?"

"No, but I've heard so much about it. I hope you don't mind that I invited myself to dinner."

"I asked how I could be forgiven and you said this."

"Nelson, why are you single?"

"I was married for 21 years, then my wife decided she didn't love me anymore. That was 25 years ago, but the funny thing was, I was in the first years of a startup company. Twenty years later, I sold it to Google for a sum I'm not allowed to disclose, but it was between 8 and 9 figures. She was pissed when she heard."

"Serves her right for bailing on you."

"What's your story?"

"I was married at 18, and 29 years later my husband decided to trade me in on another 18 year-old. He was a successful plastic surgeon--the LA type, for huge dollars--so I collected about $12 million and he's paying me $10,000 a month in alimony."

"Did he marry the babe?"

"Yeah, and then divorced her a year later and begged me to take him back."

"Were you at all tempted?"

"Not in the slightest. Trade me in for an airhead 18 year old with fake boobs, there's no coming back from that."

"Were her fake boobs his handiwork?"

"Just the way he wanted them. Mine, on the other hand, were made by God."

"I can see God does nice work. It still hurts though, doesn't it?"

Her eyes filled with tears and she looked away while she wiped away the tears.

"It does. I feel like I should be over it, but it still hurts."

"It's been 25 years for me and it still hurts."

"Do you have children, Nelson?"

"I have a son and a daughter, ages 45 and 42. Both married happily. I have five grandchildren, and my first great-grandchild is in the oven,"

"Would you mind me asking your age?"

"I'm 68. How about you?"

"I guess since I asked, I have to tell. I'm 52."

"That surprises me. I thought you were no more than 45."

"I'll accept the compliment. I have three children, ages 33, 30 and 28, all married. I have 6 grandchildren."

"Grandchildren are fun, aren't they?"

"I love them."

"Monique, where do we go from here? I don't mean physically where, but I'd like to spend more time with you."

"I'd like that, too."

"This is the first time I've been in Paris as a tourist. Would you be upset if I saw Paris with you?"

"I'd love to show you my favorite city in the world. I hope I don't bore you."

"That sounds unlikely. What time shall we meet in the morning?"

"I'll take a cab to your hotel and get there about 8. Let's have breakfast together in your hotel restaurant and we can plan out our day."

"I'm looking forward to it, and not just seeing Paris, but spending more time with you."

Monique leaned toward me and we kissed. It was long enough to promise of more to come, but too short to fully satisfy either of us.

------[]----[]------

After breakfast the next morning, we headed out. Monique had picked up Metro passes for us, so she showed me how to get around. We did a bunch of touristy things, including a visit to Shakespeare and Company. It was late afternoon, with the sun going down, when we rode the elevator to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower.

As we stood there looking out over Paris, I stood behind Monique and put my arms around her. When we reached the ground level, we stood and kissed.

"Nelson, I've never asked your last name."

"Meade. Nelson Thomas Meade."

"Monique Patterson, born Dubois."

"Well, Miss Monique Dubois, I have a proposal for you. Feel free to slap me if it's out of line. When I checked into my hotel, the only room available was a suite with two queen beds. If you want, you could check out of your hotel and use that extra bed."

"I'm trying to decide whether I'll sound like a hooker if I accept, but I like that idea. We get to spend more time together as well. Let's go to my hotel and I can pack."

------[]----[]------

That night we sat on the sofa and talked.

"You said you were headed for Ireland, flying into Shannon. What are your plans there?"

"I don't really know. I've never been there. Have you?"

"Quite a bit. I know County Clare very well, as well as County Kerry. I've also spent time in Tipperary and Wicklow. Oh, and Kilkenny, my favorite city in Ireland."

"You sound like you love Ireland."

"I do. I've made many trips there. Mostly business at first, but then I started taking extra days and vacationing there as well."

"Nelson, after another day of showing you Paris, would you fly with me and show me Ireland?"

"I'd love that, but we need to rent a car, and maybe tonight we can work out where we're going. How long do you have?"

"I've got as long as I want. Promise me something?"

"Ok, what am I promising?"

"If you're tired of traveling together, tell me? Be honest."

"Good advice. Goes both ways, ok?"

She kissed me on the cheek and squeezed my hand.

That night I told her about places I recommended, starting in County Clare, then we could take the ferry across the Shannon River to County Kerry and drive to Dingle. Along the way we'd plan a little more.

I emailed my favorite B&B in County Clare and got a confirmation. Then I did the same for Dingle. Both of the rooms I reserved could be set up as two twin beds.

I suddenly realized I needed a flight and a rental car. I couldn't get on the same flight as Monique, but I found one that left a little earlier and got in ahead of hers. Then I reserved a rental car. I love driving in Ireland, and getting used to right-hand drive isn't hard.

Monique and I got ready for bed and talked about the next day until she fell asleep.

------[]----[]------

The next day we visited the Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle, then Notre-Dame Cathedral. We both wanted a last bowl of French onion soup, so we went back to the café where we met.

"Should I sit at another table first and do my hooker approach?"

"I thought you were going to let that go."

"It's too much fun to let go."

"Ok, go over there and make your approach."

She was laughing, but got her act together and played her role flawlessly.

"Would you like some company tonight?"

"Oh, I'd like to, but I'm waiting for this gorgeous babe I just met. Maybe next time."

She kissed me, and not on my cheek. We were both breathing hard after the kiss, and looking into each other's eyes.

We held hands as we walked to the Metro. When we got to our room, we started packing. Monique was quiet.

"Is there something on your mind?"

"Yeah, but I'm embarrassed."

"Come sit down with me. Talk to me."

"I'm so excited to see Ireland with you,"

"Ummm, that's the embarrassing thing?"

She was laughing, and leaned on my shoulder.

"No, I'm happy we're not saying goodbye. I just wanted to ask ... well, would you be upset if I asked to sleep next to you tonight?"

"I think it would be nice. Look, Monique, I have a crap load of money, but money is no cure for loneliness. I've been lonely for 25 years. It'll feel nice to have your warm body next to me."

Monique was crying. I didn't see that coming.

"What's wrong?"

"I've been lonely for 5 years, and it hurts. I'm like you, though. I have more money than I know what to do with, but you're right. Money doesn't cure loneliness."

I held her in my arms. "Come sleep next to me. We both need that."

We got in bed and I put my arm around Monique. She turned toward me and put her arm across me.

"I want to tell you something, and I don't want you to think I'm saying the opposite, so hear me out. I've been divorced for 25 years. In all that time, I haven't had sex. I've certainly had opportunities, perhaps especially since I sold my business. I want you to know I won't use our closeness here to have sex with you."

Monique squeezed me with her arm and kissed my cheek.

"Thanks for that. I trust you."

It was wonderful to sleep together that night. I got up a couple of times to go to the bathroom--after all, I'm male and 68--both times, when I got back to the bed, Monique mumbled something about missing me and moved back into my embrace.

The next morning, we had breakfast downstairs and then came back to finish packing and leave for the airport.

When I walked off the plane, I found the gate where her flight would arrive and waited for her. When she saw me, she ran into my arms.

"Did you think I was going to ditch you?"

"No, I 'm just happy being with you."

We claimed our luggage and picked up our rental car. We put our luggage in the trunk and Monique walked over to the right side of the car.

"Are you driving?"

Monique looked at the car and laughed.

"I'm going to make this easy for you. I'll always open the car door for you, so follow my lead."

"You continue to amaze me, Nelson."

"By remembering which side of the car is mine?"

"Opening my door. My asshole ex never once did that for me."

"My mother taught me right."

------[]----[]------

We were staying at the Wild Honey Inn, just outside Lisdoonvarna. It's an elegant hotel/B&B with beautiful views over the Irish countryside. Before going there, however, I took her to the Cliffs of Moher.

"Do you have a sweater or sweatshirt? It's usually windy here and I'm afraid you'll be cold."

"Can you get my case out of the trunk?"

She found a sweatshirt and put it on.

We paid for our entry tickets and walked out to the first viewpoint. It was a clear day, but cold in the wind. There were whitecaps on the sea. As we walked north, toward O'Brien's Tower, we could see the Aran Islands.

After about 45 minutes out there, I could see Monique was cold, so we headed for the visitors center, which is built into the side of a hill. We found excellent hot chocolate there and warmed up. It was mid-afternoon, so we were torn between lunch or waiting for dinner.

"Is dinner at a good place tonight?"

"It's a typical Irish pub, but the food is truly exceptional."

"How about if we each get something like one of those big cookies--or even split one?"

From there, we drove to Lisdoonvarna and checked in. When we walked into the room, Monique took one look and turned to hug me.

"This is such a romantic place! I love it. I see there's only one bed, so we know where we'll be sleeping tonight."

"I assumed we would choose to be in the same bed anyway."

"I know I only want to be next to you, especially if the night is cold."

"Then I'm hoping for a bitter cold night."

We kissed and it was hot and long.

"How far is the pub?"

"300 meters."

"Good. I want you to keep kissing me."

About 7, we drove the short distance to The Roadside Inn, where we each ordered a bowl of the soup of the day and then shared a fish and chips order that was delicious. We also tried a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile that was as good as any I've ever had in France. I finished off with a Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey that was very smooth.

------[]----[]------

The next morning, Monique learned about a Full Irish Breakfast. I love it, because it generally consists of bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and a black pudding. Pudding is a seemingly random word, because it's a sausage.

Monique loved the breakfast as well. She drank tea, but I have never been a fan, so I contented myself with orange juice.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"I always do when I snuggle next to you. I noticed you were up a couple of times."

"Yeah, old man syndrome. Never pass up a bathroom. Up two or three times to pee. Did I wake you?"

"Only when I realized your arm wasn't around me and I was cold. As soon as you returned I was out again. ... What are you taking me to see today?"

"Well, today we're going to drive two of my favorite roads. First northeast out of Lisdoonvarna, then down Corkscrew Hill with its great view of the Burren."

I handed her my phone with a Wikipedia article about the Burren, including my favorite quote from a soldier in the 1600s: "a country where there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one nor earth enough to bury one."

"We're going to drive over part of the Burren, because it's littered with prehistoric ruins. We'll make a couple of stops at special things there, and then drive a little farther south to a castle I love, but not many people find."

"I'm loving the beautiful, rugged land here."

"It gets to you, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, but so do you."

------[]----[]------

We had a fun day in the Burren. The road up there is narrow and winding, but the star attraction makes it worthwhile. The Poulnabrone Dolmen is amazing to see and even more difficult to imagine standing there for 5,000 years.

We visited O'Dea Castle and climbed the stairs to the roof for a view over the surrounding countryside. I took Monique in my arms and kissed her.

"It's been a long time since I last fell in love, but I remember it felt like this."

She put her head on my chest.

"I love you, Nelson. I'm equally surprised, but so happy."

"Are we still in the middle of one long first date, or does each day count separately?"

"I think each one counts as another date, but why does it matter?"

"I was just wondering whether you had a personal rule against sex on the first date."

"I do, but I think this is at least our fifth date. Maybe sixth."

"Would you be offended if I wanted to make love to you tonight?"

She kissed me until breathing again became necessary.

"Does that answer your question?"

"It seemed like a good hint."

"Well, maybe this will help."

She took my hand and placed it on her breast.

"In some ways, I feel as though I'm still 18."

"Hard?"

"Painfully."

"I'm tired of sightseeing for today. Let's go back to the B&B and get more comfortable."

------[]----[]------

Making love with Monique was one of the most romantic experiences of my life. We undressed each other, a process of discovery and appreciation. She held me in her hand and I kissed her breasts.

When we got in bed we kissed and fondled until I entered her, sliding slowly to her depths. She climaxed with a soft moan and rolled her head back. I was thrusting slowly, loving the feeling of my hardness caressed by her soft flesh.

I pulled out and turned her over, then entered her again, doggy style. Soon she was panting, urging me on.

"Faster, Nelson. Please."

My thrusts were faster and deeper and she was moaning with each thrust. I soon felt my climax building.

"I'm so close."

"Inside me!"

I exploded and the throbbing continued for a long time as I pushed as deep into her as I could get.

I remained on her back until I softened and slipped out, then rolled off her and pulled her to me.

I looked into her eyes and they were filled with tears.

"Are those happy tears?"

"Joyful. That was wonderful. I love you."

"I love you, too. I hope you understand, the reason I haven't had sex in years is I haven't fallen in love until now."

"I wasn't convinced I would ever love again. I was wrong."

We snuggled for a few minutes, before Monique discovered something.