PARIS 2

Sal receives a call from his broker about some stock he had invested several thousand dollars into. Billy, the broker, informs him that his stock had took off over the last few days and he has a huge chunk of profit that he should take a look at.

Sal thanks him and lets him know he'll be looking at the market right after the call. So he opens his portfolio and to his surprise he has gained upwards to $ 300,000. Sal nearly hits the roof with joy and excitement. He starts to think all the things he could do, including more investing. But the number one thing on his list is to woo his long time crush, Erin. She is a women he had known from his neighborhood for the past three years but never could muster up the nerve to say anything to her.

He decides the next time he sees Erin he will approach, speak and hopefully be asking her out on a date. Little does he know, he will be putting his new found confidence to the test sooner then he thinks.

The next day, Sal heads to the park trail for his early morning run. As he makes his way down the path, he sees a women sitting on the bench ahead. As he gets closer he realizes that it’s Erin. He gasps with surprise and makes an odd noise, so Erin looks up.

Sal is out of breath so as he slows his stride and speaks he stammer a bit. “Hello Erin!”

She laughs a bit and says, “Hey Sal how are ya? You sound a bit winded would you like to sit for a moment?

Sal thinks this is perfect timing, so he excepts her offer to sit. “So what are you reading?” Sal asks.

Erin replies, “Just a book about historical landmarks. I love history and the feeling I get understanding the old ways compared to the new.”

Sal's stammering subsides as he catches his breath, “That's very interesting. I'd definitely like to hear more. Maybe we can go out and you can tell me more of your historical knowledge.”

Erin agrees, she thinks that is a wonderful idea, and proceeds to ask what they will do.

Sal says, “Well, that will be a surprise. Plan to take Friday off from work and let’s plan for dinner that evening.”

“Take the day off for dinner?”

“Trust me, it will be a date to remember” Sal assures her as he hands her his cellphone to enter her number.

Erin replied that it sounds wonderful and she's looking forward to his call.

Sal has his work cut out for him but he has a plan that he thinks will blow Erin's socks off. He knows she likes history so, with his new money, and new found confidence, he books reservations at one of the oldest restaurants in Paris; La Petite Chaise.

Time flies by and Friday comes in a blink of an eye.

Sal dials Erin‘s number and she answers with joy and excitement after the first ring.

“How's it going Sal?”

“Things are great! How's it going on your end, Erin? I hope you are ready for this evening, I have some great plans.”

“I'm doing well. I know it’s a surprise but what should I wear Sal?”

“You should definitely wear a nice dress!”

“Oh, so we’re going some place fancy!”

“Well, you can say that. Send me your address and I'll pick you up at noon.”

Erin replies, “Ok, I'll be waiting with bells on!”

Just as Sal promised, he pulls up in his brand new Tesla at Erin's house at twelve on the dot. He steps out, in his custom tailored suit, and looks towards Erin’s front door. She stands in her doorway looking ravishing in a tight red dress with a plunging neckline showcasing her curvaceous bust. Sal all but drools on himself with vigor and joy. He glides to the other side of the car to open the door for her.

“Why what a gentlemen,” Erin says.

Sal replies, “But of course. I hope your not afraid of flying.”

She smiles, “No, I'm not afraid.”

Sal spares no expense to show her how much he likes her. He drives to a small airfield where a charter plane is waiting. They get out of the car and the pilot welcomes them onto the plane.

Erin smiles and asks, “so where are we going?”

Sal laughs and replies "Off to Paris we go!"

Erin’s eyes fill with joy as she hugs Sal and holds his hand, fingers interlocked as they take off.

The pair indulge in caviar as they travel the vast expanse of the Atlantic.

When the plane lands in Paris, a limo pulls up to ferry them to the historic restaurant.

Erin looks out the window at all the sights and she instinctively recognizes all the old buildings and shops. She even points out part of an area they drove pass that she read about in one of her books.

They arrive and she's delighted to see this rustic, but amazingly well preserved restaurant. They enter and are seated with a full menu of meals, desserts and drinks. The waiter greets Sal and Erin by name and asks what would they like to start off with.

Sal replies “water for now while we look over the menu.” Erin shakes her head in agreeance.

“Sal, this place is amazing! And you knew just what I'd like…I admit I was a bit nervous at first, because I wanted this night to be perfect. And, well, you did just that! I couldn't have asked for a more intimate evening with such a handsome man who actually listens when a girl speaks.”

“Thank you for joining me this evening in Paris” Sal replied. “I think it’s time I ordered us some wine!”

“Just when I thought you were listening to me Sal!” Erin exclaimed.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Well, I told you that I don't drink, but you try and offer me wine. That's not a good look on you.”

In a confused voice, Sal says, “You never told me you don't drink…” at the same time, Sal hears a loud banging noise in the background. He asks Erin, “Can you hear that?”

She says, “Oh, now you’re avoiding the question? You don't remember me telling you that?!”

“No, I'm sure you didn't say anything about not drinking .. I mean… Seriously, you don't hear that? It seems to be getting louder…”

“I should have known you'd just want to get me drunk so you could get into my pants! I must be crazy to fly halfway around the world with a man I barely know! Figures! This is what I get!”

The banging is so loud that Sal has to yell. “YOU HAVE IT ALL WRONG! I’M NOT THAT TYPE OF GUY!”

The front door of the restaurant comes crashing down.

Sal violently wakes up in his rented room to the sound of the landlord pounding on the door, spouting off about unpaid rent. As Sal jumps out of bed, he knocks over a half finished glass of wine. He’s hurriedly trying to wipe up the wine, when he notices his insomnia prescription next to an empty bottle of Merlot…

He then realizes he had started drinking last night after forgetting he had taken the medication. The combination of medication and alcohol causes night terrors…

He sits on the floor and puts his palms to his face realizing that the money, the girl and the date was just a dream.....