Free The Cherry Blossoms by Denise Irwin

fait il a à vous dire ?”
    She took Grant’s arm.  “Michal asked if I’d like to join him for a drink.”
    “Did you tell him yes?”
    “I told him I had been asked to join someone else for a drink.  If I’ve put in enough face time at this shindig, I’d like to go for that drink.”
    “Daniella, please tell me you told him that I was the person who offered that drink.”
    “I didn’t tell him who I was having a drink with or where.  I do not believe my choices are his business.”
    Grant mumbled, “Cela peut aller mal.”
    “Grant, I assure you, it will not go bad.  Do you mind driving since you know where we’re going?”
    “I would not mind at all.”
    “Well then let’s get out of here”
     
    During the drive to the pub, Daniella asked, “Will your new friend be there?”
    “Oui, il se joindra nous.”
    “I’m looking forward to meeting him.   Just so that I don’t feel stupid, have you told me his name?”
    Grant looked at Daniella and giggled, “No, I have not told you his name.  His name is Gaspard Chauffée.”
    Daniella said his name three times, letting the sound roll off her tongue.  She didn’t want to embarrass Grant by pronouncing his friend’s name incorrectly.
    To practice the pronunciation, she asked Grant, “Where does Gaspard work?”
    Grant giggled, “Promise you will not laugh.”
    “Why would I laugh?”
    “Tout d'abord vous devez promettre ne pas à rire.  Then I shall tell you.”
    “Okay, then I’ll promise that I won’t laugh.”
    “Gaspard is a writer.  He works from his home.”
    “Why would you think I’d laugh at that?”
    “Daniella, he writes those mushy romance novels women like.”
    She doubled over with laughter.
    “Tout d'abord vous devez promettre ne pas à rire.”
    “I’m so sorry I laughed when I actually think that’s wonderful.  It just took me off guard.”
    “Gaspard tried to write gay romance novels, but the market was small, so he now writes for women.”
    Daniella laughed as she told him, “I love it.”
    “He loves it too.  He told me he makes a lot of money.”
    Grant pulled to the curb, “We have arrived.  I will take your leave while I park the car.”
     
    Daniella stood on the sidewalk in front of the Bigler Café.  It was a beautiful April night where the air was fresh and clean.  Many of the shops had flower pots full of fragrant flowers along the walkway. She watched as couples strolled along the sidewalk. 
    When Grant found her, he told her, “Daniella, you already look happier to me.  Come take my arm and let me escort you into the Café to meet Gaspard.”
    She took his arm as Daniella told him, “ Grant, il serait Mon plaisir.”
    Grant chuckled, “ Mademoiselle, I see you have been practicing your French.”
    “I’ve picked up a little here and there.”
    Grant held the café door open for Daniella.  Once inside, he spotted Gaspard at a small table.  “I see that Gaspard has secured a table, so we will not have to stand at the bar.”
    When they reached the table, Gaspard stood to pull a chair out for Daniella, as she took her seat, she thanked him, “Merci beaucoup.”
    Grant made the introductions, “ Gaspard, c'est Mon ami, Daniella. Daniella, this is my friend, Gaspard.”
    Gaspard took her hand to raise it to his lips, “C'est un plaisir de rencontrer vous mademoiselle Daniella.  Grant m'a dit beaucoup de choses merveilleuses à votre sujet.”
    Smiling, Daniella looked at Grant, “Help me, buddy.”
    “Gaspard just said that the pleasure is all his.  He also said that I have said great things about you and he is glad to finally meet you.”
    “You told him nice things about me?”
    Grant chuckled, “Would you like a glass of wine?”
    Daniella laughed, “You avoided my question.  Yes, I would love a glass of wine.”
    When Grant went to the bar to order the wine, Daniella and Gaspard smiled at one another.  Gaspard broke the silence and asked, “Mademoiselle, vous parlez