Free Trouble finding Blondie by Mimi Marten Page A

grow up.” She was pretending to be mad, but couldn’t hold it for long, started to laugh and gave him a big hug.
    “So the guy with the fastest car and a title to prove it comes last to the party? Classic.”
    “It’s all about the entrance, my love. Where is this man of yours? I found out yesterday, and I have been heartbroken ever since.” He was making sad faces, and Simona was laughing more and more.
    Andre was smiling, talking, but his mind was somewhere else...
    What a day! First I get killed by a number, and then I’m told my son’s name is Andree! What else is going to happen tonight? How much more can I take? Is this my 4th glass of champagne? I should have some food...
    Everybody finally sat down at the table. The host was still not there, but Madame Bonnet was told that she should go ahead with the dinner. He was going to arrive shortly.
    Simona was checking on Andre’s mood. He was talking to Jacques, smiling.
    Then the door opened, and Philippe walked in. Simona jumped out of her seat, rushing to the door. She had not seen him since before she left for Maui. He was as exited as she was. He opened his arms, she kissed him on his mouth, and he lifted her up. They forgot about the people in the room, fully present in each other’s energy and engaged in that moment. It wasn’t an unusual scene for the group, but it was slightly different with Andre in the room. Everybody was curious about how he was going to react.  
    They were both laughing, talking over each other in French and English, until they realized that the whole room was silent, staring at them.
    Philippe didn’t panic at all.
    “Nice. So nobody waits for the host anymore? You started without me? All of you, get the hell out of my house!”
    That took the edge off, and everybody started to laugh. People started to talk, and the room became noisy again.
    Except for Andre. He was staring at Philippe who still held his arm around Simona’s waist. Jacques was standing next to him, feeling his adrenaline barometer rising. He took the champagne glass out of his hand and tried to get his focus away.
    “Listen, let’s have a real drink outside. Something different than this Goddamn champagne.”
    Andre didn’t hear a word. He couldn’t get his eyes off the ‘couple’.
    Simona’s face was lit up, talking excitedly to Philippe who was giving her hugs.
    “Ok, that’s it! I think it’s time to elaborate on your statement, Mr. Bouchard.”
    The room fell silent, and all eyes were on Andre.
    “Could you refresh my memory, please? What statement are you referring to?” Philippe was in his element, clearly enjoying it. Simona knew him well and pinched him on his waist. He looked at her and smiled, as if to say ‘com’on let me have some fun.’ She gave him a look back…’you are terrible, stop torturing him.”
    “What kind of a relationship is INTIMATE??!!! Look, I know I’m a guest at your house, but the woman on your arm is mine. And she is the woman I love. We are on even ground now, you wanted to have a fair fight. Well, here it is. What the hell does ‘intimate relationship’ mean, and what are your intentions?”
    Philippe didn’t let go of Simona. Simona tried to pull away to defuse the situation, but he wouldn’t let her.
    “Well, Andre… I love this woman, and this is the most intimate relationship I ever had.”
    “Philippe!” Simona was rolling her eyes. This was becoming a real drama.
    “What? It’s true,” Philippe was protesting with an innocent expression.
    “Well, Philippe, it’s too bad, but I’m not going anywhere and I really don’t care. Until she tells me she doesn’t love me anymore, I’m not giving up.”
    “Wow, and you said this man didn’t fight for you? Hmmm, he seems to be fighting now.”
    “There is a baby up there. He is mine. And I sure as hell am not letting anybody take him away.”
    “Yes, he is yours. I’m sure Simona wouldn’t ever deny you any visitation rights.”
    What did