Aroma

By Jon Paul Olivier

The night a couple gets engaged is a magical time. It's something they remember and share with family and friends. For Lisa and Mark, their special evening turned out very differently. A random accident with a bottle of wine turned their lives upside down. In a moment, their future together went from certain to unlikely. The next few months became a struggle for Lisa to relearn who she was, and - more importantly - who Mark was. Will Mark get her back or lose her forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jon Paul Olivier
• Release date: Jul 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310759741

Jon Paul Olivier

Jon Paul Olivier lives in south Louisiana with his wife and two children. He was blessed with opportunities to travel starting at a very young age. He has watched others struggling to fit in as well as been that person trying to fit in. Along the way, he has looked for the little details, the things in the background, that make stories real. In time, encouraged to write down the stories he told, he started writing tales inspired by his travels and by the people he met along the way. He is grateful that his family puts up with the hours he spends writing. Away from work and writing, he is an avid runner and enjoys mountain climbing. Connect with him online: Twitter: http://twitter.com/jonpaulolivier Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jon.p.olivier

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Aroma

By Jon Paul Olivier

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 Jon Paul Olivier

Cover photographs Copyright 2016 by Jon Paul Olivier

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction, in whole or in part in any form. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental or used with permission.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

About the Author

Jon Paul Olivier also wrote To Be Ordinary, Locks of Her Hair, Billy and Pancho and Tablet Topics, which are all available at Smashwords.com.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including information storage and/or retrieval systems, or dissemination of any electronic version, without the prior written consent of the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review, and except where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental or used with permission.

Preface

The night a couple gets engaged is supposed to be a magical time. It’s the beginning of the journey leading to their wedding day. Sometimes that journey can be a rocky one.

Acknowledgements

I received help from friends without whom I could not have completed the book.

Editorial assistance was provided by Karen Vice and Rhonda Bergeron who tirelessly read so many of my manuscripts before they’re ready for release. As always, proofreading was provided by Terry Steyaert. His skills keep me from many embarrassing mistakes. Mike and Noel D’Amico brought the hospital to life for me. I ate many meals at Monjuni’s while I studied the layout of the restaurant. Thanks to the manager, Sandra, who was very helpful and also inspired the name for the lady who runs the place. Jane Lirette planted the idea in my head for the olive oil and balsam.

I enjoyed working with all of you, and I thank you for the inspiration and assistance.

Aroma

By Jon Paul Olivier

Chapter 1

A bottle of red wine sat on a black plastic tray, carried by a waiter. The grapes were grown in Italy, the wine shipped across an ocean to arrive in the capital city of Louisiana. There the bottle waited to play its part in destiny.

Joey, Mama Sandra called through the white lattice from the kitchen. Joey whirled around, almost causing the bottle to topple. Mama Sandra rolled her eyes, unsure about the new waiter she had hired two days ago. When you’re finished with the wine for table seven, come and get the bread basket for table three.

Joey nodded and turned, eager to work hard and impress his new boss. He turned a little too quickly. Liquid swirled and the center of gravity passed outside the base of the bottle. The immutable laws of physics dictated what happened next. The bottle teetered. Joey felt it and tried to compensate, but too late. The bottle fell over, rolling off the tray and onto the floor. With a crash, shards of glass and splatters of red wine spread across the floor. The bottle had made the voyage in vain. Or had it?

Mama Sandra held her tongue. There would be time to chew Joey out later, when he was back in the kitchen. She waved to the busboy and told him to get a broom and dustpan for the glass, and then a mop to clean up the wine. She called to Joey, I’ll get another bottle. Come get the bread basket.

The busboy swept up the broken glass. There was no way to do it soundlessly. Wine spread as he swept. He had to bend over to get the glass that was under the little table, and around the chairs at the nearby tables. When he had picked up all the glass, he went back to the kitchen to get the mop and bucket.

A car pulled into the parking lot of Monjuni’s. Lisa turned to Mark. Why didn’t you just tell me this is where you were taking me to dinner? Why the big secret? We always come here.

Because it’s our favorite place, Mark said.

Yeah, she said with a grin. I love the Aurora sauce.

Mark was trying not to smile too hard. He knew what was about to happen but she didn’t. He had called the restaurant a week ago, spoken to Mama Sandra herself and made the arrangements. He told her what was special about tonight. She said she’d hold a table for him. She’d make everything perfect for her two favorite customers.

Mark parked the car. He had wanted to open Lisa’s door, but she didn’t give him the chance. She didn’t know what Mark was up to, but she was always eager to eat at Monjuni’s, always anxious to start on the basket of toasted bread and sauce. Lisa loved eating there, and loved having dinner with Mark.

Mark was able to open the door to the restaurant for her. They walked into the bar, turning left towards the hostess stand. When Mama Sandra saw them walking in, she hurried out to greet them. She passed the busboy pushing the mop bucket. Not now. Everything has to be perfect for them tonight. Mop that up later.

But someone might slip, he said. Mama Sandra waved him back to the kitchen.

Mark may have been able to conceal his smile, but Mama Sandra didn’t even try. Lisa didn’t suspect anything because Mama Sandra always seemed to smile.

Ah, my two favorite customers! she called out in greeting.

Hi, Mama Sandra, Lisa said happily.

I have a special table for you two. This way, she said as she led them. Watch your step. We just had a spill and it hasn’t been cleaned up yet. She showed them to the little table for two. It was on the path between the kitchen and the rest of the tables, but it was darker there and maybe a little more private.

Lisa sat across from Mark, all smiles because she was with him, and because she was at her favorite restaurant. She reached across the table to hold both of his hands in hers. Mark smiled with her, thinking how she’d be smiling even more soon.

He was planning to wait until just before dessert because he thought she’d be too excited to eat her meal if he gave it to her first. He had everything planned, but things don’t always go according to plan. She was so happy, and he wanted to add to that. Giving her joy was his happiest task in life. She lived as if she had the same philosophy. They had fallen in love before finishing school. Now that she had graduated, it was time to take the next step. He wasn’t afraid that she’d say no. He just wanted to stop hiding it from her. The waiter took their drink order and had just left when he pulled his hands free from hers and reached into his pocket.

What’s the special occasion tonight? Lisa asked, having no idea what was coming.

From where he was sitting, Mark could see to the left into the kitchen. He could see Mama Sandra watching from the door. He didn’t mind her watching. She was like family.

Mama Sandra knew all of her regular customers. Many of them started coming there much as Mark and Lisa did. Nervous college students on a first date, Mark and Lisa showed up one night a few years ago. They kept coming together, never breaking up as the college years passed. Even when Mark graduated and started on his MBA, they kept coming.  Mama Sandra felt sure Mark’s choice of graduate school had something to do with Lisa still having some time to go on her undergraduate degree. They had stayed in town after graduation, though they came more frequently now that they were working full time and could afford it. Blue jeans and t-shirts had given way to sport coats and dresses. She felt like she had watched them grow up. She had certainly seen them grow in love, and she wasn’t all that surprised when Mark called. She expected it, and she was right. Tonight was the night.

Mark reached into his pocket. He had taken the ring out of the box so she wouldn’t notice the telltale lump. He fished out the ring but held it under the table for a few more moments. She’d remember this for the rest of her life. He wanted it to be special. Dropping to one knee was out of the question. There was still that spilled wine on the floor. Mark cleared his throat. Lisa looked at him expectantly.

Lisa, we’re both finished with school now. She nodded. Lisa started to reach for the bread basket but Mark took her hand in his. Mama Sandra was still watching from the kitchen door, sure she knew what was about to happen. We’ve been together for a few years now, and we’re so perfect for each other. Lisa nodded happily and Mark licked his lips, his mouth starting to feel dry. It’s silly to keep two apartments. I think it’s time for us to –

Move in together? I think that’s a great idea! Lisa said excitedly, pulling her hand free from his and brushing back her hair.

That’s a good idea too, but it’s not what I had in mind. Lisa, what I’m trying to say is, and he put his other hand on the table, palm down. Lisa, I love you, I know I’ll never find anyone I love as much as you.

I love you too, Mark, she said sweetly.

Mark was getting frustrated by all her interruptions. Then he thought how funny that sounded. Here was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. How could he get frustrated with her? Especially at a moment like this.

Lisa, will you marry me? he finally blurted out, and then turned his hand palm up.

Lisa’s eyes darted to his hand, then back to his eyes. She was clearly confused. He looked at his palm, alarmed to find it empty.  He moved his hand and the engagement ring was on the table. It had slipped out of his sweaty hand while he was trying to make his speech. He picked it up and held it out to her.

Lisa’s eyes bugged out when she saw the ring. She looked from the ring, to Mark’s face, back to the ring, and back to Mark. She nodded vigorously.

Really? he asked, not wanting to believe it had been so easy after all.

Yes, really, she said finally, and sweetly. Of course, I’ll marry you, Mark.

Mama Sandra brought two glasses of sparkling wine to the table. Congratulations, you two. This is on me. Tonight is a night to celebrate. She was beaming as she set the glasses on the table.

Thank you, Mama Sandra, Lisa said.

Yes, thanks for everything, Mark added.

For you two, anything. It is so nice to see young love. She leaned over and squeezed Lisa’s hand. Then she noticed the ring was still in Mark’s hand. Aren’t you going to put that on her finger?

Oh, yeah. Mark held it out and Lisa extended her finger. Mark slid it into place, then leaned across the table to kiss her. The table was a little too wide, but that didn’t deter Lisa. She leaned over too and their lips met.

Mama Sandra said, I’ll get your bread. It should be here by now, and headed back to the kitchen.

Joey passed her going out as she entered. He took another wine bottle out of the glass faced red cabinet and was carrying it out to replace the one he had dropped. He was a few steps from the kitchen when Mama Sandra called to him. He stopped short and whirled around.

When you’re done with that, take some bread to, and she pointed to the table occupied by Mark and Lisa. And be careful with that bottle. You almost dropped it again.

Okay, Joey said, and turned around quickly. A little too quickly.

Mark and Lisa were still kissing, their eyes closed modestly. Once again, a bottle of wine toppled. It fell over the edge of the tray that Joey was carrying over his head. It fell, not caring what it hit. Mark opened his eyes an instant before Lisa did, and frowned at what he saw. It didn’t seem real.

The bottle of red wine tumbled, the heavier bottom striking Lisa’s head. It hit with a clunk, then a thud as it rolled off her head and hit the wall to her left, finally crashing to the floor where it shattered and spilled its contents. Lisa never had a chance to open her eyes. She never saw what hit her.

Mark’s first reaction was to laugh. It was funny, even though he knew she’d have a nasty bump on her head. It would be interesting explaining how she got that bump on the night he proposed to her. It would be a funny story to tell their children someday. Then Lisa fell forward onto the table. Mark’s grin faded as he waited for her to lift her head. She didn’t.

Lisa? he called. Then louder, Lisa? Lisa!

Joey was about to apologize when he also realized Lisa wasn’t moving. Mark touched Lisa’s face gently. Honey? No reaction.

Someone call 911! Mark screamed.

Mama Sandra had seen the entire thing. She had been frozen by the sight, but Mark’s scream released her from her trance. She ran to the hostess stand and picked up the phone. Frantic, she punched in the three digits and waited for an answer.

Mark was cradling Lisa’s head in his hands. I think you’re not supposed to move someone who’s hurt, Joey offered.

Mama Sandra quickly told the operator to send an ambulance before slamming the phone down. She ran the few steps to the table to check on Lisa. Mark looked up at her, tears in his