Thursday 21 July 2011

Coming Home


Another contribution to the "Romantic Friday Writers" Challenge, where participants offer up to 400 words on a specific subject.

This week's theme is 'Coming Home' and my excerpt (393 words) is from 'Fragrance of Violets' which will be released by Whiskey Creek Press in February, 2012. 

Abbey has gone to Paris to meet Jack and to tell him she loves him, even though she knows it may be too late for them ever to get past their previous conflicts:

Jack's eyes met hers “Ask me why I’m here in Paris, Abbey.”

“Okay.  Why are you here in Paris?”

“I was about to sign a contract for a year as a staff writer with the Paris city government.”

Abbey didn’t have to think about her response.  “Then I’m going to stay here in Paris with you. If you still want me.”

He stared at her.  “Here?  For a year?  But what about your career?  What about your filming commitments?”

“If it means giving that up, then I’ll do it.  You’re more important to me than any acting role.  I love you and I want to be with you, more than anything else in the world.”

His hold on her hand tightened so much that it hurt, but she didn’t care. 

“Think again about what I just said, Abbey.  I said I was about to sign a contract.  But I was at the airport when Louise called me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was going home.  Back to London, back to Rusthwaite, back to wherever you were.  I’ve tried to live without you but last night I realised that I didn’t want to live without you.  So I refused the contract and I was on my way home.  I was going to win your trust, even if it took me the rest of my life.”

She could hardly believe this was really happening.  “So – so what now, Jack?”

“Tomorrow, my love, we’re going home, back to Rusthwaite.  We have the opening ceremony of the newly refurbished Old School later this week, and next week we have a Drama Festival in Kendal, where your drama group are sure to take all the honours.  And next month you start filming The Rycroft Saga.  Meanwhile –”  He kissed her again, then stood up.   “Don’t go away.”

Abbey watched him walk across to the reception desk and talk to the girl there.  Her heart was so full she thought it would burst, and her longing for him raged inside her. 

He smiled as he came back   “Sorry, I couldn’t get the penthouse suite again.  It’s just an ordinary room but it has a balcony and a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Her eyes met his with a seductive gaze.  “As long as it has a bed, who gives a damn about the view?”

25 comments:

  1. Hi Paula! I'm glad to decided to commit to our group. It is wonderful to have you on board and to read your stories. I loved this excerpt. I'm a sucker for anything with Paris in it, ha ha. Love the twist, the changing expectations of the storyline. Thanks for sharing.

    Denise

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  2. Great post--I can't wait to read this in its entirety when it comes out!! Ahhh, Paris, Love, A view, a romantic lover---what else could you ask for? Wonderful write!

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  3. Paris, one of my favourite cities. A lovely excerpt. I like it.

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  4. Denise - thanks, I'm enjoying the challenge - and I'm a sucker for Paris too!

    Jenn - one day I want to stay at that hotel with the view (on the Avenue de Wagram), as long as I can have a lover like Jack of course!

    Kiru - one of my favouurite cities too, I love it.

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  5. Lovely excerpt and photo. Will definitely read this when it comes out!

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  6. Thanks so much, Tanith. It will be released next February.

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  7. Coincidence or? I just had an email from hotels.com offering cheap deals at hotels in Paris!

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  8. Wow, makes me want to read more!! Great post!

    Kathy
    http://www.thetruckerswife.com/

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  9. Thanks, Kathy - only 5 months until it's released!

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  10. WoW! What a view and what an ending!
    In my humble opinion, sacrifices made in the name of love are always sweeter.

    Great excerpt, Paula!

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  11. Nice.

    And I totally get where they're coming from, but a view of the Eiffel Tower is beautiful!

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  12. Thanks for visiting, Debra - and it's okay, they saw the view of the Eiffel Tower when they were in Paris before. This time they have more important things on their minds ;-)

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  13. Loved the twist with his compromise--very sweet ending.

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  14. Thanks, Marsha, it was good finally getting them back together!

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  15. Love the O'Henry ending here! (I'm such a sucker for a HEA.) L'amour, Paris... you know how to put a smile on a reader's face. His Leading Lady is now heading my Amazon wish list. :-)

    Writing in flow

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  16. Thanks, Beverley - Paris is THE city for lovers!

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  17. Now there's commitment for you!

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  18. Paris, and forgiveness, and reunited love. Very sweet :)

    ......dhole

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  19. Hi,

    Oooh, nice snippet. Love the last line! ;)

    bbest
    F

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  20. I love this, and it's nice to see him giving up his job to follow her for a change :)

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  21. Thanks, JL, Donna, Francine, Sarah - reconciliations are great, aren't they? Especially in Paris - and a room with a view.
    ;-)

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  22. Excellent preview. I want to read more!

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  23. Wow! So many turns, I love this! You can feel the depth of adoration with these two....and Paris, just love Paris!

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  24. Aw! So sweet, and fantastic ending!

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