Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) Read online

  “Of course I’ll be there,” Naomi beamed. “Nothing can keep me away from witnessing such an epic meeting.”

  “Why? What do you expect to happen?”

  “You’re bringing home a boyfriend. To meet your brother and your… What shall we call Rev? Your ‘otha’ brotha’?”

  Stella rolled her eyes at Naomi’s fake Boston accent and sighed. “Oh, come on! It’s not as if David is meeting my parents and asking for my hand in marriage. Meeting in restaurants and parks is so impersonal, and I live right here. It’s what friends do.”

  “Yeah, keep telling yourself you’re only friends. But I’m happy for you! He seems like a nice guy. At Betty’s, he only had eyes for you. I just want you to be careful. What’re you going to do when he leaves?”

  “I’m trying not to think about it too much. We’re taking it day by day,” Stella muttered.

  But she had a feeling it wouldn’t be easy to let him go. With David she experienced a closeness, a bond, she’d never experienced with any other man.

  The next Wednesday, Stella cleaned the house like a maniac. When Revan was around, he often left T-shirts lying around and coffee mugs or whiskey glasses sitting on the coffee tables. She wanted the house to look inviting and welcoming when David came for his first visit.

  She made a large pan of lasagna with fresh garlic bread and planned to serve it with a tossed salad. It was almost six, and she was in a state of high anticipation.

  When she told Luca about David, he gave her a long look and said, “He must be someone really special. I don’t remember meeting many of your boyfriends.”

  “Well, maybe it’s because you don’t live here anymore,” Stella countered. But she agreed with Luca. David was special.

  And it had been a while since she had a boyfriend. In Boston, she’d been lucky if she found time to have dinner with friends. There was no room for a relationship.

  She checked the time on her phone again. Would David like how she lived? Would he like Luca and Revan—and vice versa? What if they didn’t get along?

  She glanced to where Revan and Luca sat in front of the cold fireplace, each holding a glass of whiskey. Stella couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but she loved the low rumble of their voices and occasional laughter.

  She wiped down the kitchen counter and hummed along to “Don’t Ask Me Why” playing softly in the background.

  “Cinderella, any good reason why we’re being forced to listen to Billy Joel and your lovely humming?” Rev called from his chair.

  “Because I want to know all the songs before David and I go to the concert in Chicago.”

  “Chicago? Why not Baltimore or DC? It would be a little closer to home,” Luca said.

  “David’s going to visit his parents for a few days at the end of August, and he asked me to meet him there.”

  “Wait a minute! We haven’t met the man yet. You’re not going anywhere!” Rev announced and jumped out of his chair, almost sloshing his sacred whiskey.

  “What’s wrong with you guys? Why is everybody acting like I’m a child? I don’t need your permission! And don’t call me Cinderella.” Stella snapped, then added in a more normal voice, “Not in front of David. It’s embarrassing.” She glared at Revan, then focused on Luca. “Are you just going to sit there and say nothing?”

  “I don’t have to say anything. Revan has it under control.” Luca smirked.

  The doorbell rang and kept her from giving her brother an earful. Those two could be such morons. No wonder they’re best friends. And worst of all, they really believed they were in the right. Not happening, busters. I make my own decisions.

  Stella ran and opened the door before either of the jerks got there first.

  David held out a bouquet of yellow roses. “Hello, beautiful lady.”

  She took the flowers and put an arm around his neck to pull him close. His kiss was tender and sweet.

  “Unlock those lips for a second and let a thirsty woman in,” Naomi hollered from the other side of the street.

  David said to Stella, “You look amazing. I love this color on you.” She blushed and vowed to buy more clothes in shades of green.

  “Shutterbug… pour me one of whatever you have,” Naomi called out as soon as she entered the house and hugged Luca and Revan. “And give those two turtledoves a moment to say hello. After all, they haven’t seen each other for a few hours.”

  “How many times have I told you not to call me Shutterbug?” Revan’s grumpy demand came from the bar, where he was fixing Naomi’s drink.

  Stella said, “Maybe I should apologize in advance for this trio of knuckleheads. But…” she waved her hand at them, “contrary to first impressions, they can be nice—if they want to. Why don’t you go talk to the guys? I’ll get a vase for these roses.”

  “Nothing wrong with friendly banter. You should hear me and my sister.”

  He greeted Naomi with a kiss on the cheek, and she grinned at him. “Hello, David, nice seeing you again. I hear you’ve been around.”

  Next, he looked at Luca and said, “You must be Luca. I can see a resemblance to your sister.”

  “I’m not sure why she called me a knucklehead. I haven’t said a word,” Luca replied with a laugh, shaking David’s hand. “Good to meet you.”

  Stella called, “You were doing a great imitation of a knucklehead a few minutes ago.”

  David turned to Rev, who handed Naomi her drink. “And you’re Revan. Pleasure to meet you all.”

  He reached into the paper bag nestled into the crook of his arm. “I don’t know what we’re having for dinner, so I hope this works.” He pulled out two bottles of pinot noir and put them on the mantle. “And some Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon for later.” He handed the bottle directly to Revan. “I hear you’re a whiskey connoisseur.”

  “David, my man, excellent choice!” Revan grinned and shook David’s hand again. “I was in Kentucky last year and visited this distillery. Great place. I have some very fond memories of the day.”

  Naomi looked at him and said, “Did you meet one of your acquaintances there?”

  “Nugget, let me remind you of something. A gentleman never tells.” Rev winked at Naomi, who stormed off into the kitchen, where she asked Stella, “Anything I can help you with?”

  “No, thank you. We’re eating at seven, so I thought maybe we can all sit outside until then.” Stella pushed the vase around the kitchen island until she found the perfect spot. Did he know yellow roses symbolized friendship or a platonic relationship? Was he trying to tell her something?

  When she looked to David, he held a glass of whiskey on the rocks in his hand, and the three men were in a deep discussion about one of Revan’s photos on the wall. He fit right in, and it thrilled her. After pouring herself a glass of red wine, she beckoned Naomi to follow her outside.

  The next hours flew by in harmony. David and Revan exchanged stories about their travels, and when Naomi announced Luca and David’s discussion about politics had taken up enough time, the conversation turned to the subject of book-to-movie or stage adaptations.

  Luca and Revan were good guys, and Stella loved them, so their approval of David was important to her. She knew Naomi liked him, too.

  A few days later, she also introduced him to her parents. They weren’t inclined to be starstruck, but they had both heard of him and knew how successful he was. When Stella listened to them interacting as if they’d known each other for a long time, hearing him tell stories about his family and background, she began to wish David could stay forever.

  It was then when Stella realized she’d fallen in love with David. When she allowed a glimmer of hope to settle into her heart. Perhaps they could have a future.

  They spent as much time together as possible. And, every night, David came over after the show.

  One evening, a week before his time in Philadelphia was over, he pulled her close and walked his fingers up and down h
er naked arm. “I’d like for us to stay in touch.”

  “I’m hoping the same. But what do you suggest?”

  “I’m planning to swing by here whenever I have a few days off between cities, but it’s not always possible. And we have the weekend in Chicago. We’ll go to the concert, I’ll show you where I grew up, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my parents and sister.”

  “You make it sound so…official.” She trailed her hand over his chest and his abs, relishing his reaction to her touch.

  “I enjoyed meeting your parents when they came for a show and we had dinner afterward. And Sabrina has been bugging me to meet you ever since I told her you helped me pick out her birthday gift.” He continued to caress her arm.

  “Okay, now I can’t wait to go to Chicago.” She shivered when his fingers grazed her breasts, and David pulled her closer.

  “We’ve got to make this work, babe. But please, if you ever feel like I’m neglecting you, let me know. Promise to tell me if you think I’m not giving you enough time and attention.” His dark eyes bored into hers. Did she see fear lurking in those depths?

  “I know how demanding your job is. Our relationship is still new, but we agreed to do our best to make it work, even if we can’t be together all the time. So I’m not sure what else you mean.”

  “I… I’ve seen too many long-distance relationships fail. They aren’t easy to maintain when one person is always on the road. But I love you, Stella. You have to believe me!” David’s kiss, full of passion and longing, took Stella’s breath away. They didn’t need to say anything more, instead letting their bodies speak, and she gave a part of her soul to him.

  On their last evening together, they cuddled on the sofa in Stella’s living room. It was getting late, but neither cared. Their last few moments together were more important than anything else.

  David’s reached over to where his jacket hung over the back of the sofa, and took out a special edition of The Phantom of the Opera.

  “When you read this book, it’s like turning back time to when we met. I want you to remember our dreams and let them guide us into our future.”

  Her voice quavered when she said, “I will.”

  Then David pulled out a rectangular box wrapped in silver paper. Stella gasped when she opened it. In it was a gold and silver bracelet with a single star charm.

  “I want to give you the moon and the stars, Stella. You’re my North Star, and wherever I am, I’ll look at the night sky and wish I could be with you. Think of me when you wear this.”

  He sang to her, “Think of me… Remember me…”

  All Stella could do was cling to him while tears spilled down her cheeks.

  CHAPTER 16

  Stella—July 2018

  T

  he bus rumbled over a pothole and jolted Stella. She wiped away a tear. Darn, David… I hate what you did to me!

  She touched the bracelet. For two years he sent her a new charm from every city where he performed. Little silver, gold, or two-tone mementos. Her favorite one had clear crystals arranged in a curve resembling the waning moon, with light blue stars and clear dots filling a dark blue sky.

  His wish had come true… She thought of him whenever she wore the bracelet. And she wore it every day.

  Naomi bumped her shoulder and said in a low voice, “We’re in Rouen. Better wake up.”

  “I’m not sleeping. I’m reflecting.”

  “Ah, Stella code for ‘thinking about David.’ While you’ve been reflecting,” she made air quotes, “I’ve been getting acquainted with our fellow travelers.”

  Now Stella grinned and said, “Which means you’ve made up stories about every one of them.”

  Naomi loved to people-watch, and the histories she invented for them were quite often not too far off. “I’m sure you’ll fill me in later!”

  “Sure will, my friend. You know once a thought’s in my head, it has to come out of my mouth.”

  Their bus pulled into the drop-off area near a large town square. After everybody gathered in a semicircle around her, Caroline said, “We have arrived at the place du Vieux-Marché, the Old Market Square. Our tour begins at the Joan of Arc Church, which is behind us, then we’ll walk toward the Notre-Dame Cathedral, follow rue Saint-Romain, and end our walk at the Plague Cemetery, where François will pick us up again.”

  “A cemetery sounds very romantic,” a man remarked. He was portly and unkempt, with grayish three-day stubble creeping over his double chin and down to his shirt front. Stella guessed him to be around sixty. The way his beady eyes wandered over the female travelers made her feel uncomfortable. Like a predator picking out his next victim. Stella couldn’t wait to hear Naomi’s thoughts about him.

  Caroline nodded and smiled. “You are correct. The plague wasn’t romantic at all. But I’m taking you there because of the buildings and their history. Over the next few days, I will show you romance can be found in unexpected places, which will give your customers something special to remember.”

  She pointed behind her. “Take this square, for instance. This is the Joan of Arc church and was built in the 1970s. What does it look like to you?”

  “An overturned boat,” a young woman said.

  “Yes. The Vikings left their mark all along the coasts of France, and this church honors Normandy’s Nordic roots and heritage. But the roof also symbolizes the flaming pyre on which Joan of Arc died. To me, it’s a good example of the present remembering the past.

  “In a few minutes, we’ll go inside and look at the gorgeous sixteenth-century stained glass windows, which were saved from another church destroyed during World War II.

  “But while we admire this building, keep in mind this spot also has seen more than its share of death. What’s now a lively square with cafés, small stores, and market stands, was Rouen’s place of public executions during the Middle Ages and later.” Caroline walked toward a tall aluminum cross with flower beds surrounding it. “This marks the spot where the guillotine stood during the French Revolution and cut short eight hundred lives.”

  “More uplifting stuff, eh?” remarked the unkempt man. “When are you showing us the best hidden spots to steal a kiss?” he winked at the blonde who’d been sitting with him. Stella overheard her say, “I don’t think so,” while she took a step away from the guy.

  Stella gave Caroline bonus points for staying calm when she said, “We don’t want to take the magic out of discovering these places for yourselves, so I suggest saving juvenile games for after our official program ends each day—if the need is warranted.” The last remark had a bit of a bite to it.

  Naomi whispered to Stella, “What an asshole! I pity the poor woman who’s with him. She doesn’t seem to like him very much. Can’t wait to find out what their story is.”

  Stella whispered back, “What? You haven’t made it up yet?”

  “Oh, I have a few scenarios in mind, but I hope I’m wrong.”

  “We’ll take ten minutes for you to look around on your own or use the public restrooms over there,” Caroline pointed to the other side of the church entrance, “and then let’s meet here again.”

  After visiting the church, the group moved on to follow old cobblestone streets lined on both sides with half-timbered houses.

  Caroline explained, “These colorful houses were built on waterproof stone bases, some with heavily decorated oak jetties. Jettying means that an upper floor extended beyond the dimensions of the floor below. It gave the owners more living space without having to pay more taxes, which were calculated based only on the footprint of the house, not the number of rooms or floors. But having wooden structures standing so close together increased the danger of fires spreading between the buildings, and jettied houses were no longer built after the sixteenth century.”

  They approached a building with a large arch spanning the street and an enormous clock embedded in the middle, its face showing a golden sun and the blue night sky with sta
rs surrounding it.

  “This is the Gros-Horloge, the Great Clock, an astronomical clock dating back to the fourteenth century,” Caroline said. “The clock’s mechanism is from 1389 and the oldest in France.”

  Stella held her bracelet in front of Naomi. “Of course we have to come across a star clock at our first stop.”

  “You’ll always come across something with stars or the moon, and it doesn’t always have a connection to David. Let it go.”

  “Easier said than done,” she muttered.

  Caroline kept the group going, but Stella didn’t listen to her explanations about building styles, or which fire destroyed what and when. It was an inevitable part of history and repeated itself time and again.

  “Is everybody ready for the ossuary of Saint-Maclou, the Plague Cemetery?” Caroline asked and explained while they walked on, “In 1348, the Black Plague killed seventy-five percent of Rouen’s citizens. When the disease returned in the sixteenth century, sixty percent of the parish succumbed. The cemetery of the Church of Saint-Maclou wasn’t big enough, so the bodies were buried in communal graves in this courtyard.”

  They entered an atrium with more half-timbered houses on all four sides. The center of the courtyard was welcoming and cool, with trees and benches where people took shelter from the hot summer sun.

  Caroline gave them time to look around before she said, “Getting back to our purpose, which is finding romantic locations, I agree this isn’t the first place you’d think of. But we are seeing more themed weddings, and I believe some couples won’t be opposed to having their pictures taken in front of a medieval treasure.”

  Making their way out of the former graveyard, Naomi rubbed her arms, “All those carvings of skulls and bones on the buildings gave me the willies. It was spooky. I don’t think I’d like to spend even one minute of my honeymoon there.”

  Stella hooked arms with her. “Where’s your famous adventurous spirit?”