"It seems you are always saving me from some predicament," I say while taking my soap from him with a sheepish smile.

"So it would appear," he answers with a bemused smile.

"I'm sorry about that...is your head ok?"

"I'll probably need stitches but it's fine."

He laughs when he sees my face, the sound echoing throughout the cave-like room. "That was a joke. I'm Colin, by the way, Colin McNeil."

"Lara Sloan," I respond, shaking his outstretched hand. Why does that name sound familiar?  "What a coincidence to run into you again!"

"Maybe it's fate." He smiles down at me and I feel myself blushing. "Listen, I'm almost done filming for the day and I feel like I need to take advantage of what the universe has dropped in my lap. Can I buy you a drink or a coffee, say in an hour?"

I'm surprised at the sudden invitation, but pleasantly surprised. "Sure, why not?"

We stare at each other for a moment and then he laughs. "You'd better hand me your phone or we'll have to rely on fate again."

Laughing, I grab my phone out of my purse and get his number.

"See you soon Lara," he says with a smile, then disappears the same way he came.

I shake my head in bewilderment, what are the chances?

A couple more wrong turns later and I eventually find the correct way back and reunite with Juliette and the tour.

"Lara! I was so worried!" Juliette latches onto me when she sees me.

"I'm sorry for leaving you. I got lost and then I ran into a movie set...and then I met someone again...well it's a long story but he wants to buy me a drink in an hour."

Juliette's eyebrows shoot up. "Ooh la la you have been busy!"

I laugh. "You don't mind?"

"No. I will find something to occupy my time while you carry on your love affair," she says with a wink.

Rolling my eyes, I try to hide the blush I can feel across my cheeks. "It's just a drink, Juliette. But thank you, I promise it won't be too long."

Juliette shrugs. "It is no problem. It is your last week in France. It is.... time to live it up, yes?"

I agree, "Yes that's right! Time to live it up!"

Everyone on the tour turns around and shushes us.

Close to two hours later, after finishing our tour of the Abbey, I find myself nervously waiting for Colin where we agreed to meet – a little corner pub on the main street of the town. Finding the inside seating of the pub to be too dark for such a beautiful day, I found an outdoor seating area out the back entrance.

This is perfect, I think, looking out over the city's wall to the water below. Not only does this spot have a great view, but it's empty and private. Taking a sip of the wine I ordered, I check my reflection in my makeup compact for the hundredth time. Even though this might not technically be a date, my stomach is in nervous knots.

Colin appears suddenly and sits down across from me with a smile. "Sorry, it took longer than I thought to wrap for the day."

"Hey, no problem. It's a beautiful day and I've been enjoying myself. I got the chance to tour the rest of the Abbey in the meantime."

"It's incredible isn't it?"

I nod in agreement. "Unbelievably beautiful, the very top of the Abbey, umm the cloister I think they call it, is amazing. I could've stayed up there all day."

He nods in agreement. "I see you've ordered already. I'm supposed to buy you a drink, remember?"

"Next one then," I answer with a smile.

"Deal. I'm going to grab a beer; can I buy you another glass?"

I look at my almost empty wine glass and do a quick calculation of my nerves on a scale of 1 to 10. "Yeah that would be great, thank you! It's the sauvignon blanc."

"Be right back," Colin says as he ducks inside.

I shoot Juliette a quick text to check in. *He just showed. We won't take long I promise. Let me know when you need to go.*

Juliette texts back right away. *It is ok. Text me when you are done. Have fun!* She ends with a winky face.

I smile and text her a thumbs-up emoji. Draining the last bit of wine, I don't have to wait long before Colin returns and places our drinks on the table.

"I'm really glad you agreed to meet up with me. I know it was a bit forward," he says, peering at me over his beer.

I shrug. "Well technically we've met before, so I don't think it was."

"True," he says with a smile.

"So, considering I saw you in monk's garb earlier, I assume you're an actor? Is it a religious film?"

"No, I'm an actual Franciscan friar."

He says it with a straight face, so I can't tell if he's joking or not. But the twinkle in his eye eventually gives him away.

"I'm kidding! Yes, I'm an actor, a bit more well-known in British TV and movies. And no not a religious film per se. I play a monk during the time of King Arthur. When I ran into you before, we had just wrapped filming in Merlin's forest here in Bretagne – which is why I was in Lannion that day."

I nod, I could listen to him talk all day with that accent of his.

"You're American? I have yet to traverse the seas to capture the hearts of Americans," he says with his dimpled grin.

"No Hollywood for you?" I ask, honestly curious.

He laughs good-naturedly. "Probably not but I wouldn't say no if they came knocking."

"Well, what have you been in? I am known to watch a bit of BBC drama from time to time."

"My most well-known work is the Dowager Princess."

"Oh!" A light bulb goes off. I knew he looked familiar but meeting him in a different setting I hadn't made the connection. "I loved that miniseries! You played Lord William."

He tips an invisible hat. "At your service Madame."

"You had a mustache I think? That's why I couldn't place you."

"I'm not going to lie, I miss the stache."

"Honestly, you look more handsome without it," I blurt out. Embarrassed, I take a long sip of my wine before meeting Colin's smiling gaze.

"So enough about me, what brings you to France? You know that day I ran into you I could've sworn you were a local. You look very French."

"My grandmother was French, so I am on my mother's side. I'm staying at the cottage my grandmother left me. It's in Locquirec, which is close to Lannion."

He nods, leaning back in his chair. "So you're here for good or..."

"This is my last week, unfortunately. I have to get back home to settle some business. Reality calls."

"I had better work fast to get in your good graces before you leave then. Or else you might slip through my fingers again." His bright blues eyes lock onto mine and I can't help but smile.

"You're doing a pretty good job so far," I say shyly.

"Good. Because I have a confession to make. Ever since running into you the other day I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

"Oh really?" Is all I can manage, hoping the blush I suddenly feel isn't that visible.

He smiles unabashed, not needing to say more. That look he's giving me is doing all the talking.

Has the day grown hotter all of a sudden? I suddenly wonder as I fight the urge to fan myself.

"So how is your painting going?" he asks after a moment.

I hesitate, surprised he remembered. "Uh, it's going good, and I'm enjoying it. The last time I tried to paint I wasn't in the best headspace and couldn't focus. So, this time around I'm happy with what I've done."

"That's great. I've always wished I were more gifted in the artistic endeavors."

"Well I can't imagine acting, just the thought of it makes me lightheaded."

"Honestly, everyone gets nervous so that's not unusual. I used to do stage before transitioning to movies and I'd throw up before each performance."

I wrinkle my nose.

"Ha, sorry! Too much information," he acknowledges. "So, what do you do besides paint?"

I knew this question was coming but I still hesitate on how to answer. Clearing my throat, I decided to be honest. "That's a tricky one. I..uh well, I just got fired from my own company by my ex...so...yeah that's my life right now. Directionless I guess."

"Wow, that's....that's not easy. So, you being in France has been a needed break I take it."

I nod my head. "Yeah it has been, and I'm not sure I want to leave. I know I can't escape or skip out on life entirely, but it's been nice to hit the pause button." I clear my throat and let out a mirthless laugh. "Sorry, now it's my turn to apologize for TMI."

Colin reaches over the table and places his hand over mine. "I'm sorry that happened. Don't apologize for sharing."

I smile at him, taken aback by the gesture. He removes his hand and finishes his beer.

Glancing down at my phone I notice the time. "Colin as much as I don't want to, I really should get going. I have a friend waiting for me."

He nods in agreement. "Understandable, and you've got a way to go if you're driving home today."

Walking through the pub, he holds the door open for me as we make our way back onto the crowded street. He pulls me out of the way of a crowd of oncoming tourists and lets his hand linger around my waist for a moment.

"Till we meet again Lara." He leans in and gives me a chaste kiss on the cheek.

"Till next time," I agree.

Then he's walking backward, waving and smiling, before turning and disappearing in the crowd.

To echo Juliette, Ooh la la! I think with a wry smile.

Heading back towards the entrance to the town, I send Juliette a text that I'm on my way. She joins me at the gate a few minutes later.

When she sees me, she loops her arm around mine and exclaims, "Ok Lara spill!"

I look at her surprised. "Hey! I thought you didn't know what that meant."

She shrugs with a smile. "I pick up your American lingo."

I laugh good-naturedly. "I'll fill you in on the car ride home, we have two hours after all."

~*~

It's late by the time we arrive back in Locquirec. Juliette drops me off at my driveway, and we promise to get together as much as possible this week.

On the way to my front door, I almost stumble over something in the dark. Using the light from my phone I see it's a massive bouquet. Switching on the light, I bring the flowers inside, needing two hands to lift the large vase. What in the world? I think, placing it on the kitchen counter. I rotate the vase back and forth, admiring the bright and cheerful spring flowers. They smell heavenly too.

It's then I realize the most prominent flowers are the many large sunflowers throughout. A lump forms in my throat. Sunflowers were Dad's favorite. And today is April 1st. Maybe they're from Jade? I search for a note and find one buried, but am surprised to see who it's from.

Sloan – 

These are for you in remembrance of your Dad. And my way of apologizing for being so MIA. Let's talk soon.

I'm dumbfounded. I wasn't expecting that. I grab my phone to send a quick text to Jake. *Just got the flowers. Thank you. Means a lot!*

I watch three dots appear right away...

*How are you holding up?* He responds.

I take a moment, considering what I want to say. *Ok. This month always hits hard as you know. But I'm enjoying my time here. I'm ok. Just ok.*

I watch the screen, but no text appears right away.

My stomach gurgles, reminding me I haven't had dinner yet since Juliette and I drove straight home after Mont Saint-Michel. I throw together a plate of cheese and crackers, pour myself a glass of wine, and then sit down to read Lady of the Lake. It isn't the easiest read, but if Mémé read it, I want to finish it.

My phone pings and I pick it up to see a text back from Jake. *I'm glad to hear that. I miss you.*

My stomach flips at the words on the screen. Biting my lip, my fingers hover with uncertainty before I type out a couple of different versions of what I want to say. Erasing each one, I wonder at my nervousness. It's just Jake, I admonish myself. Just be normal.

Taking a deep breath, I decide to be honest and text back, *I miss you too.*