We'll Always Have Paris

We’ll Always Have Paris

It was one week before Christmas in Paris. Snow lightly falling from the sky with the speed and essence of a snow globe, skies light grey with a hint of baby blue peeking through. Alexander is in the city on business for his vineyard he owns in Tuscany, he’s there to meet with the French grape proprietors to bring to Tuscany for his own vineyard. He’s been meeting the wine maker from the legendary Château Pétrus, the creators of arguably the most wonderful Merlot the world has ever been graced by. His meetings have gone exceptional so far, business will boom, and the two Wine makers will create a powerful conglomeration of European wines. Walking the streets of Paris Alexander can’t help to admire the history, culture, and sensual love naturally in the air of the city. He’s been single several years now focusing on his grapes and vines; lost in a life of simplicity, sophistication, success and emptiness. Alexander is a natural hopeless romantic at heart who loves love and appreciates having someone around to take care of, cook for, and admire. The dating scene hasn’t been kind to him but in all honesty the man named, Alexander, hasn’t been so great at putting himself out there to begin with. He hurts from a past love that betrayed him and doesn’t remember how to trust. Paris brings him an empty hope to love again.

Maria is in the French city of love a week before Christmas the same time as Alexander, but for a different reason. She too aches from past loves that have hurt her, so far she hasn’t been able to meet her special someone. She has come to Paris to experience culture and a new world on her winter break from college. A Maria study dance in Arizona and is inspired by her passion on a daily basis. Her medium length black hair is flowing under a beautiful fedora cap in the same wind that brushes Alexanders face. Her boots walk the same path as he just did to the same wine restaurant for an evening alone. Maria hopes to find happiness and solidarity in the emptiness she experiences; she feels the same sensual atmosphere as Alexander and keeps it in the back of her mind while she fights against the light chilly breeze. The smell of pastries and coq au vin fill her nose and wet her palette. She walks into the wine bar unaware of who she is about to meet.

Alexander is sitting at the bar enjoying a glass of Château Pétrus 2004 Pomerol, courtesy of the winemakers themselves. He contemplates love, life, and his future as the aromas of vanilla vole and black cherries enhance his sophisticated thoughts. Maria walks in and sits beside him trying to warm up, they exchange small introductions about the open seat next to him. They smile and feel a small soothing connection that’s familiar to both of them, but at the same time ever so forgetful for its been so long. Maria asks what a good glass of Merlot is to order, overhearing, Alexander offers some of this delightful wine to Maria. She cracks a joke and they both laugh, suddenly they’re past the small talk and only know eachothers first names. Topic after topic pass on by during conversation, no questions about each other are asked, a rule made by them both knowing they’ll be leaving the city the next day to their own lives again.

Charcuterie is shared between the two as the night mozies on, Merlot keeps pouring, laughs keep being laughed, the sexual and mental tension builds and builds. Their hands wander under the bar, lips bite flirtaciously, they’re both wondering what will happen next. Alexander and Maria leave the bar for a romantic walk to the Eiffel tower. More Merlot is being drunk by them as they reminisce on forgotten loves, friends, and memories. They make their way to Alexander’s hotel room for the evening. Both full of immense sexual tension they’re going to explode with passion. Touching and kissing each other while holding back not trying to take it too far and ruin the moment. Some more Château Pétrus is poured. Thinking love will be made, they’re at a surprise when the alarm clock his 7 am and the night has passed. The two lovers never made love physically but reached a level of mental connection they never deemed possible. They fell in love with each other’s minds and personalities. Who they are as people.

Their love of one another will forever be in bloom. The connection they formed will never be topped. They look at the moon thinking of each other. Saving a bottle of Château Pétrus 2004 Pomerol for if they ever meet again. The two forever and ever will remember that evening. Maria will always be invited to Tuscany for Alexander’s vineyard, but will probably meet someone before that occurs. Alexander remains a hopeless romantic waiting for his one true love Maria to arrive at his vineyard…. She never does. He makes a famous Tuscan Merlot, honoring Maria and that night with the one simple phrase he uttered to her before the last parted that morning, “We’ll Always Have Paris”

-Christian R.