We Will Always Have Paris

To those who love a second time

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I settled into my seat. Another one of these semi-annual trips to Paris.

"Mr. Bethancourt, may I get you anything while the rest of the passengers are boarding?"

"Thanks! Sparkling water?"

"I'll be right back!"

I hadn't looked at her until she said that. I loved the twinkle in her eye. I also liked watching her walk away!

As I watched her work in the galley my mind was at work. "That's the first time I've looked at a woman that way since... Well, no sense opening that wound!"

In no time she was back. "Here you are, Mr. Bethancourt."

"Please, Tom. In a few days I will hear only Mr. Bethancourt. Tell me your name."

"Megan."

"Have you been to Paris often, Megan?"

"Oh, I fly this route all the time. Especially when I have a multi-day layover. You?"

"On business, a lot. Never as a tourist. At least until this trip. I have three days before my meetings. I don't even know where to start."

"I'll come back after this slows down. We can talk."

I settled in and nursed my drink until Megan returned to collect things. A half hour later we were in the air and the seat belt sign was off.

"Tom, would you like another drink? Any snacks?"

"Would you bring me a Coke, the leaded kind. No ice. Thanks, Megan."

"Sure thing!" There was that sparkle in her eye.

"Here you are, Tom. Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything more."

"How about some tourist tips for the thoroughly unprepared?"

"I can probably help you with that! I'll be back."

I was paying more attention to her now. Blond hair, worn up. I briefly tried to imagine what it would look like loose. Nice legs. Her uniform skirt has a slit in back, revealing a little more. Really nice figure.

"I have a free minute. Your wife isn't coming with you to see Paris?"

I looked up at her smile, but my eyes filled with tears. "No... she... um."

That's as far as I got. Megan put her hand on my shoulder.

"Oh, Tom. I saw your wedding ring. I am so sorry. I feel terrible. How long?"

"Two years. Cancer. She fought it for three. Sorry about the tears. Every time I think I am over it, grief sneaks up unexpectedly."

"It does. It's been four years for me. Also cancer. I only took off my ring last year."

I looked up at Megan, through my tears. She looked the same.

"I'll be back, Tom. I need to freshen up my makeup. Would you like another Coke?"

"Thanks, Megan. Please."

A few minutes later she returned, looking fully composed. "Here's your drink, and an additional napkin."

She handed me the napkin separately but held it in front of my face first. She had written on it. I put it in my pocket.

"Thanks, Megan! You're wonderful!"

A few minutes later I looked at the napkin:

Tom: I have a rare 3-day layover in Paris. If you want a friend and

personal

guide, call me.

She included her cell number.

I glanced up. Megan was watching me from the galley. She smiled. I saw tears again.

I managed a little sleep. When I woke up, there was a blanket over me. I looked up, caught Megan's eye, and she came to me.

"I hope you don't mind. I put a blanket over you as you slept. You looked cold."

"Such amazing personal service Megan!"

She leaned over and whispered, "Not for everyone. Just those I hope to have dinner with."

Without another word, she returned to the galley, busy preparing breakfast. She glanced up and smiled. What a great smile she has!

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"Thanks for traveling with us, Tom."

"Thanks, Megan"

With that, I was off the plane and into the airport I hated most. CDG. Charles de Gaulle. Today it would be fine. I was not trying to run to a connecting flight. Still, to anyone who connects here, it is a nightmare. Poorly designed. Abysmal signage. Lack of line control.

There was a private car waiting for me. "Hi Jean, how is your family?"

I knew Jean well. He is employed by our foundation office here and picks up visiting dignitaries as part of his assignment.

"They are all well. Our youngest just started at the university!"

"Amazing how time flies, isn't it? I'll bet you remember changing her diapers."

"More than once, Tom! You are here a few days early for the annual meetings."

"Jean, I have never been here as a tourist. I hired a new assistant recently. She is one of my best hires ever--next to you, of course. She has taken on more responsibilities and, for the first time in a long time, I feel I can take a few days and play tourist."

"I'm glad. Our city is beautiful."

A tourist! I can't remember the last time. It was undoubtedly with Angie. Probably London. That was five years ago. Just before her cancer.

I looked out the window, thinking about Angie and how she enjoyed that trip. Tears in my eyes again. I shook my head, as if to get rid of those thoughts. They are never far.

"Do you have plans for dinner, Tom? I know Amelie would love to spoil you with her home-cooking!"

"That is nice of you to offer, Jean, but I actually have a friend I am supposed to call to have dinner together tonight."

"Well, Tom, you know how to find me, and we always have an open door for you."

"Thanks, Jean. Really."

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I arrived at the hotel and checked in. My luggage was in my room by the time I arrived. It was my usual room. A corner suite on the top floor, looking out over Place de la Concorde. I had seen at least one tourist place!

I knew my assistant would have forwarded my requests for stocking the mini bar, so I went and got sparkling apple juice. I stood by the window, looking out, but not really looking, if that makes sense. My thoughts were elsewhere.

Megan. I haven't felt ready to even go out with a woman since Angie died. And sex? I was absolutely not ready for that! Although, I wondered how I would know when I was.

Angie and I got married as seniors in college. It wasn't until we were engaged that I told her about our family wealth. And about society's expectations of us. I knew that might scare her away, but she excelled at the social demands.

Megan. I took the napkin out of my shirt pocket and stared at it.

Tom: I have a rare 3-day layover in Paris. If you want a friend and

personal

guide, call me.

She underlined 'personal.' She is also wounded, her husband, also cancer. What did she say? Four years? I hope she is doing better than I!

"I'll wait an hour before I call." Yeah, I said that out loud. In an empty suite.

Thirty minutes later I dialed her number.

"Hi Megan? This is Tom."

"Hi, Tom! I am so happy you called! I hope I didn't come across as too forward or eager. I just thought it might help us both to talk."

"Thank you so much for your note and your offer. May I take you to dinner tonight? My treat? You pick the place. We can do fancy, expensive, neighborhood, chic, your favorite. Whatever you want. I trust you."

"I know just the place. A place where locals eat featuring some of the best food I have ever had. I try to eat there every time I am in Paris."

"That sounds perfect. I love those places as well. What time would be best, do you think?"

"No earlier than 7, for sure. You know how Europe is. Dining starts late, by U.S. standards."

"What time should I pick you up?"

"If it's alright with you, could I come to you? This hotel is full of airline people and they like to gossip. What hotel are you in?"

"The Hotel de Crillon, on Place de la Concorde."

"I'm impressed! I've always wanted to see a room there. Oh! Tom! That sounded bad. I'm so embarrassed! I really am not trying to invite myself up to your room, I'm just curious about the room!"

I was laughing. "Maybe I'll have a chance to tell you about my worst gaffes. I'd be pleased to show you my room, and my room only!"

"Oh, I know my face is 10 shades of red, right now. Please forgive me!"

"Really, Megan. No worries. Of course, if we become friends, I'll have that to tease you about for a long time."

"I'd expect nothing less! Thanks for your understanding. I'll be there at 6:40. We can take a taxi."

"I assume dress is casual."

"Absolutely!"

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Casual. Well, there's casual and there's casual. Knowing Paris, that likely means last year's designer fashions.

I always have to travel with two large cases due to the demands of formal, semi-formal, business, and casual clothing on my typical trip. I was probably looking at a far better selection than Megan.

I decided on a nice pair of tan slacks and a light blue, long-sleeved shirt. I still had a couple of hours, so I set my alarm for 5:30 and tried to get in a few winks.

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To my surprise, I slept until the alarm woke me.

I shaved and showered. A little cologne. I had sent the slacks down to be pressed and they were hanging on the inside of my door. I love the service in this hotel, although it should be great for four grand a night!

I pulled out my phone and stared at it. "Go ahead," I thought. I texted Megan:

Megan: I am looking forward to dinner! Thanks for caring."

I re-read my text. "Caring?" About what? Am I being suggestive? Am I over-thinking this? Yes!

I sent it.

A few seconds later my phone dinged.

Thanks, Tom. I'm excited to have dinner with you, as well! See you soon!"

I will be waiting at the hotel entrance. Maybe I can just hop in and we can take the same cab.

I got a thumbs up emoji as a reply. And a heart!

It promised to be a warm summer evening. No weather in sight for at least a couple of days. I hope the restaurant has sidewalk dining!

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I was standing outside the front entrance of the hotel, watching the cabs as they made the half-circle to the door. As the next cab pulled up, the rear window came down and Megan waved me over.

"Get in this side," she yelled.

I opened the door as she moved over. Partway. Clever girl. Now sitting right next to me.

She spoke to the driver. In French. I don't speak more than a few words, but that sounded authentic.

"You speak French."

"I lived here for a year. I took a year off school and immersed myself in the language and culture. That's why I fly this route. That and the language. Especially on return flights."

"So when you offered to be my guide, I had no idea of your qualifications! I mean other than your stunning good looks! Megan, you packed that outfit in one of those little bags flight attendant's use?"

"It doesn't take up much space, and I like to dress up at least one night while in Paris. Thanks for the compliment, Tom. Really, I appreciate it."

She was wearing a short black skirt, paired with an elegant white blouse, the top two buttons undone. I snuck another peak when she looked out the left window. Nipples. She was braless! I hope she doesn't think... "

Her head turned back. I think she saw me looking. She looked down at her blouse.

"I'm sorry. I probably should have worn a bra. It's just after all that time before the airport and on the flight, my girls need a break. I'm really not trying to seduce you. My guess is you aren't ready for that yet."

"Based on your experience?"

"Yup. I just started dating again last year. I still haven't slept with anyone. It's hard to get over the loss of a spouse after 12 years together. My first time out, I felt like I was cheating! How silly is that?"

"Funny. That's how I feel tonight."

"First date? How long were you married?"

"We were married 22 years before Angie died. This is my first date in over 24 years with another woman."

"Well, I'm sincerely honored. It isn't easy, is it?"

"No, it isn't, but let's not make tonight about sadness! How about an evening dedicated to a new friendship and planning to see Paris together!"

"I love it. I'm willing to spend the next two full days with you. Show you everything. I mean, everything in Paris."

She blushed.

"That's another I can tease you with!"

I held her hand. She leaned her head on my shoulder.

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When the cab stopped, I got out first and helped (watched) Megan get out. Her hair was now down. Her legs were even more stunning than I saw on the plane. She was holding my hand.

She spoke with the staff at the restaurant. It seems she reserved a table out in front, on the sidewalk area.

She sat next to me, instead of across the table. "I'll sit here so I can help you with the menu. No English menu here!"

"That's a good sign!"

We ordered. I followed her suggestion.

"While we wait for the food, let's talk about what you want to see."

"This is where I confess, I have done absolutely no reading. I haven't looked at a travel guide or anything. It might be better if you put together an itinerary and dragged me along."

"I doubt I will need to drag you! Are you a runner?"

"I run almost every day. One or two marathons a year. I have a son who lives in Colorado Springs who often runs the marathons with me."

"I thought you looked fit. I like that! How many children?"

"Two, one of each. My daughter lives in Denver. I live in Dallas, by the way. Do you have children?"

"No. We learned Michael was shooting blanks. Never had the chance to be a mother."

A tear formed. She wiped it away.

"It's hard to talk about anything without risking pain, isn't it, Megan?"

"It seems that way sometimes."

"I'm sorry. You obviously wanted children. Sometimes life gets in the way of dreams."

"Thanks, it does. Back to seeing Paris. How about if we spend a little time tonight putting together a plan for the two days?"

"Perfect!"

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Dinner was delicious! I love the sidewalk cafes in Europe.

As we ate, we talked and laughed. Megan was so much fun to talk to. When she found something particularly funny, she put her hand on my shoulder as she laughed.

All too soon, we finished eating. I had an idea.

"Megan, at the risk of sounding too forward, which is not my intent, I have a two-bedroom suite. I was thinking it might be easier... "

"That's a great idea! Let's go to my hotel and I'll check out and move into that second bedroom. That way I not only get to see a room in that hotel, but can brag about staying in a suite there! We can also plan our time better this way."

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Once we got settled in my suite, we spent some time talking about what Megan wanted to show me the next day.

Afterwards we sat together on the sofa.

"I appreciate you taking time to show me Paris. I couldn't have found a more qualified person, and certainly not one with your looks!"

"That's nice of you to say. I think we are going to have a lot of fun the next two days!"

"I think so, too. Megan, can I ask a personal question? Feel free to tell me it's none of my business. Do you still want children?"

"That's a good question. I did. I suppose I still do, but I know the clock is ticking, I turn 37 in a few months. I have to be realistic about my chances."

"I just wondered. Angie and I found having children was one of the most rewarding--and at times exasperating--experiences in life. I hope you get that chance."

"Thanks. I guess if I'm being completely honest, I hope I do, too."

Since we were both jet-lagged, at 10:30 we decided to call it a day.

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I woke up thirsty. I glanced at the alarm clock on my nightstand. 1:30 am! I got out of bed and turned on the light in the room, then opened the door to go to the kitchen area and the mini bar. The light from my room illuminated a figure sitting on the sofa, facing me. Megan's face was streaked with tears.

"Megan! What's wrong?"

She wiped away tears and just looked at me.

"Let me guess, the loneliness you thought was behind you paid a return visit."

She just nodded. Still wiping away tears.

I sat next to her and put my arm around her. She leaned against me. Still crying.

"Megan, I think you're right that neither of us is ready for sex with anyone yet. Some wounds take time. but I have no idea how I'll know when that time comes.

"Why were you out here?"

Megan just looked at me and started crying more. "I'm so sorry... I'm embarrassed. I thought maybe I'd... Oh, never mind!"

I suddenly realized why she left her bedroom. I stood and pulled her to her feet.

"We both still feel the loneliness that follows the death of a spouse. Megan, put your arms around my neck."

I scooped her up and carried her to my bedroom. I put her down on the bed, leaving enough room for me.

"We may not be ready for sex, but we can certainly battle loneliness together! Would it help to sleep in my arms tonight?"

She nodded. I closed the door and turned out the lights. I slipped into bed next to her and put my arm around her. She put her head on my shoulder, then turned her head and kissed me on the cheek.

"Thanks, Tom. I wanted to come in here and do this, but I was too scared to ask."

"Please be open with me. I'm capable of saying how I feel and doing it nicely. I'm going to turn off the alarm. Our schedule be damned! Both of us need rest. Good night, Megan."

I kissed her on her forehead. She hugged me tightly.

"'Night Tom."

We both fell asleep quickly. She has a cute snore. I am sure my snoring would never be called "cute."

I woke up a few hours later. Our sleeping arrangement had shifted. I was now spooning her and, of course, I had a serious erection! Her ass was pressed tightly against my hard cock.

Just as I processed that thought, she wiggled her butt a little to wedge my cock into her ass crack!

I laughed. So did she.

"Sorry, Tom. I think I took advantage of your automatic reaction. My only defense is how good it felt. I haven't experienced that in over four years."

I was laughing. "No worries! You know how guys are wired. I'm glad you got a little enjoyment out of it."

She turned over and kissed me on the cheek. We were looking into each other's eyes and slowly moved our heads closer to kiss. It was a tentative first kiss, and we were both satisfied leaving it that way. For now.

Although we started that day later than we had planned, we had a great time. I realized partway through the day I was less focused on what I was seeing than enjoying being with Megan. I was not so much a tourist seeing Paris, but a tourist seeing Megan.

We had a small lunch as we sat in a sidewalk café. I had to have an authentic French onion soup. Amazing!

I learned Megan was based in Atlanta and owned a home she and Michael bought about 15 years ago. I asked her about her flight scheduling and how that worked.

"I'd like to spend more time together. I hope you feel the same. Perhaps when you know your schedule, you could let me know and I might fly where you have a layover."

"I'd love that, but I've got another suggestion. Three-day layovers are rare, but I'm often home for almost a week at a time. Michael and I bought that home thinking we would have children, so there are two bedrooms I don't use. I finally furnished them, in case family or friends want to come. Would you consider being my guest? Of course, you would need to promise not to sit in the dark crying!"

"I promise! I would love to be your guest, Megan. I'm a fairly direct person, so let me do that now. I like you. You are the first woman I have dated--and that's how I am characterizing our time here--since Angie died. More than that, you are a beautiful woman I'll go out of my way to spend time with.

"Since Angie died, I've thrown myself into a lot of business travel. Mostly to keep busy. Now I have an assistant and a couple other key people who can take work off my plate. I have time to spend with you, if that's what you want as well."