Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) Annette Anders (shoe dog free ebook TXT) 📖

“But we’re adding short stops en route to experience the hidden gems, the idyllic corners so often overlooked in the rush from one major tourist spot to the next.”

She paused when the driver said something in French to her, then went on, “Because our focus is on romantic getaways, we will not be spending time visiting the D-Day beaches or World War II memorials. Which doesn’t mean we will ignore history altogether, because the reminders will be right in front of us. If our customers are interested in spending their honeymoon climbing around bunkers or artillery holes, we’re going to make it possible for them, too. The customer is king, and the king rules!”

More laughter followed the worn-out statement, but Stella noticed a few group members nodding. Their businesses only continued to flourish if they were able to satisfy their customers’ whims and needs—or dreams.

“Alors, we’re on our way to our first stop, Rouen. In medieval times, it was one of Europe’s largest and most prosperous cities, and the second-largest city in France after Paris. It was also where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.

“During World War II, about fifty percent of Rouen was destroyed, but most of the historic center survived undamaged, so we’ll be able to stroll through the beautiful old streets on a ninety-minute walking tour.”

Caroline picked up a stack of folders stuffed with brochures. “Here are your tour packages, one for each group. They also include general information about Wi-Fi access at the hotels and on this bus, a link to download our itinerary to your phones, and my personal mobile number. We’re planning to stay together on our excursions, but it doesn’t hurt to have the details saved somewhere.”

She walked through their compact bus and gave each pair of guests a folder. “François has a cooler with bottled water, juice, and some fresh fruit behind his seat, and there is also a box of fresh pastries. Please help yourselves at any time. We will make sure to keep them stocked every day. Today’s lunch will be around one o’clock in Honfleur.”

When Naomi accepted their package, Caroline said, “I have to ask, is your mother’s name Lisa?”

“Yes, do you know her?”

“We met a few years ago on a tour through England and Scotland. We didn’t stay in touch, and I was looking forward to seeing her when I noticed her name on the guest list. As soon as I saw you, you reminded me of her.”

“She had to drop out last minute due to an emergency with my grandmother. I’m sure she would’ve enjoyed seeing you, too!”

“Please give her my regards.”

“I’d be happy to.”

Stella said to Naomi, “I’ll have a look at the folder later. I need to rest a little.”

But instead of closing her eyes, she gazed out the window. The low murmur of voices on their bus and the countryside flying by lulled Stella into a meditative state. Thoughts of David had kept her awake last night—plus checking her cell phone every five minutes.

Why didn’t he acknowledge her text message? How long was he going to be in Paris? What was he doing in Paris? The same questions whirled in an endless merry-go-round in her head.

Stella reached for her bracelet and touched the charms. She hadn’t removed this bracelet for even a moment since he gave it to her with the first charm.

It was her talisman.

She remembered when David gave it to her…three years ago.

CHAPTER 15

Stella—3 years ago

“I

can’t believe you didn’t tell me you and David have been hanging out the past two weeks.” Naomi put down the glass of wine she’d been holding. She dropped her feet on an ottoman and pouted.

“I just did.” Stella leaned back in her chair. Naomi was so nosy, which made it lots of fun to tease her.

“You know what I mean. And I want all the details.”

“Well, at the end of our dinner at Betty’s, when you went to the bathroom, David asked me for my phone number and called me the next day. We met for lunch again and went for a long walk.”

“Okay, the short version will do. Thanks.”

Stella grinned, “Make up your mind, Nam. Anyhow, when David heard I’m working only minutes away from the theater where he performs, he suggested meeting for a sandwich or a hot dog from a food truck during my lunch break.”

“Aw, how sweet.” Naomi rolled her eyes. Then narrowed them at Stella. “And that’s all you’re doing?”

“We sit in a park. We talk. We just like being together, I guess. It feels right.” Was it possible to fall in love with someone after only a few days?

“Hello?? And?? Anything else? Eating a hot dog in the park? I’d have a hard time containing my excitement.”

Stella didn’t want to talk about her feelings for David. Not even with Naomi, who could usually read her like an open book. Stella wanted to savor her happiness and protect their delicate relationship.

“Have you slept with him?”

Leave it to Naomi to get right to the point. “No, but why do you want to know?”

“I don’t want you to make a mistake. Which includes sex with guys from out of town. Remember when you dated what’s-his-name in high school? Who dropped you for the Swedish exchange student?”

“You’re right. Josh was a jerk, but I’m not seventeen anymore. David and I are taking it slow. I’m not about to report about my sex life to you or to anybody else.”

“I tell you about mine.”

“True, but you volunteer the info. I don’t ask for it,” Stella said.

“Has David met Luca and Revan?” Another one of Naomi’s habits; changing the subject when she didn’t like a comment. It could be annoying, but sometimes Stella wished she could do it, too.

“Not yet. But I want to invite him over for dinner when both guys are in town next week. David doesn’t have a show on Wednesday. Can you come? Around six?”

“Of course I’ll be there,”