Dreams

Chapter 5

Forrester's boutique was busy today. George had headed to London for the weekend for a gallery opening, and Forrester was short handed. Since George always helped out on Saturdays, Meredith had stepped up, offering to help out as long as she didn't have to attempt to speak French. Forrester had agreed. Locals and tourists alike passed through the doors, sifting through the bags in an attempt to find the perfect one. More often than not, Forrester was able to talk them into a sale. Meredith was amazed by how good he was at, not just designing, but selling his bags.

The shop closed at one for lunch; it was not to be opened again until four. Forrester invited Meredith to a relaxing lunch sitting on the fountain in Place de la Concorde. He ordered Lewis to pick them up lunch from the boulangerie (bread shop) across the street. They took Forrester's Microcar. Meredith had seen so many of the compact cars around the city, parked in alleyways and on sidewalks, but she had yet to be in one. Meredith enjoyed riding in the small car - it made the buildings and scenery around seem so much bigger.

Place de la Concorde was beautiful; the large, ornate fountain almost washed out the noise of the cars circling. People strolled all along the walkways, enjoying the breezy day. Forrester and Meredith walked to the edge of the fountain, both sitting down. He unpacked their meal of warm sandwiches, soft brie, and fresh fruit and two bottles of sparkling water.

"Tell me..." Forrester said after taking a sip of his water. Meredith smiled at his movements. They were slow, precise, and very feminine. He was very fashionable in his deep plum colored button up and slate gray pants. "How is the novel coming? Is it a best seller yet, or are you still having trouble?"

Meredith smiled wide, her mind immediately turning to Derek. She hadn't thought of him in a while, being so busy with the day's activities and wrapped up in conversation with Forrester. But now, her mind had flooded with everything that reminded her of him, and she couldn't get rid of her silly grin.

"You found some inspiration," he mused.

"I did," she responded with confidence.

Forrester moved closer to her, an excited grin on his face. "Oh what is his name? Is he adorable? Did you too sleep together?" He questioned a mile a minute.

"Who said anything about a guy?"

He rolled his eyes. "Please, it's always about a guy. Now, spill."

Meredith sighed. "Fine, his name is Derek. He is...well, gorgeous. And no, we did not sleep together." She paused, smiling.

"But you want to."

She looked over at him, a smirk on her face.

"I knew it."

"I just met him. We've only been on one...no two dates. And nothing happened." Meredith sighed. "Well we did kiss on top of the Eiffel Tower, and then in front of my door, but that's it. He's...nice."

"Nice? A man that kisses you on top of the Eiffel Tower is not nice. He is perfect! Why aren't you with him today? He could be knocking your socks off right now."

Meredith rolled her eyes. "I don't want him to knock my socks off."

"Sure you don't."

"I barely know Derek. He is a really great guy; he's interesting and listens to me. And he is a great kisser, but I want to take this slow. I don't want to just jump in bed with the guy. He will get the wrong idea."

"Honey, please. You don't have time to take this slow. You are only here for a little over five weeks."

Meredith stared at Forrester for a moment, and then turned her attention to the busy street. He was right. She was only going to be there for five weeks, and then she had to return back to the states, back home. She sighed out of sadness, realizing in only a few short days of being in this other country, she felt more at home than when she was back in Seattle.