Tony walked back into his classroom at the end of the day ready to go home for a nice quiet evening at home. He sat down at his desk and saw a large red envelope with his name on the front.
He though it must be from one of the children he has in his classroom. Lifting up the envelope the soft floral jasmine fragrance fills the air. He suddenly feels a funny deja vu feeling overcome him as he peeled back the edge of the envelope.
Slowly he opened the envelop realizing it was not one of the typical cards from one of his kids in class. No, this definitely wasn't a Harry Potter or Power Puff girls type Valentine's Day card.
He looked at the golden edged card with a large golden heart and arrow running through it and opened it up. He noticed the soft floral script of black ink across the otherwise blank card. With mounting excitement he began to read the card...
Tony,
Will you dare to be my Valentine? If so, meet me at La Maquette at 10:00 p. m. for dinner. Just give this card to the hostess when you arrive.
Your Secret Valentine
There was no other writing and nothing to indicate who had sent the card. Holding the card to his nose he inhaled the soft jasmine scent. He closed his eyes trying to remember that fragrance and why it was so familiar.
Picking up his things he put the card in his briefcase as he headed out to the snow covered parking lot. Someone was probably playing a joke on him. After all, he was single and hadn't been dating anyone in about six months.
Once home, he spent a leisurely half hour in his hot tub relaxing to tunes from his stereo. The card was still on his mind and he kept feeling like maybe it wasn't a joke. Maybe he should go to the restaurant and see who it was.
He had recently returned from New Orleans where he was celebrating Mardi Gras with a couple close college friends. Thinking of this mystery valentine brought to mind the incredible sensual woman who had seduced him at the bar. He has spent a few sleepless nights imagining what it would have been like to spend another night with her.
Finishing his soak he went to the kitchen opening a bottle of merlot and went to the living room and saw the card sitting on his coffee table. Picking it up and smelling it again he couldn't help but feel that there was something familiar about that fragrance.
Feeling a little reckless he downed the second glass of wine and headed to his bathroom for a quick shower. Afterwards, his mind made up to see who this was he dressed in his favorite green Hugo Boss suit, shirt and tie.
Tucking the card into his inner jacket pocket he walked out to his car. As he drove to the restaurant, he wondered if this was an old girlfriend or maybe just a friend playing a practical joke.
He walked into La Maquette and slowly approached the hostess in the long black evening gown. He awkwardly tried to tell her he was meeting someone and he held up the card when she asked which party he was meeting.
"Oh Monsieur, please come this way. The lady will be joining you in a few moments. " She slowly showed him up the stairs to a private dining salon with a table set for 2 behind a pair of french doors.
"The lady asked that I give you this when you arrived and to give you a glass of merlot", she said as she handed a small wrapped package to him.
"Thanks", he replied as he slowly played with the ribbon on the package. He was now very curious as he opened the package gently peeling away the layers of tissue he found a black silk blindfold inside the box with a little notecard.
Opening the note card he read the following:
"Please put on your mask and get ready for the dining experience of your life. "
Feeling slightly awkward he took the blindfold and played with it in his hands. The hostess returned a moment later with a glass of merlot. Seeing the mask she grinned down at him.
"Monsieur may I help you put this on?"
Nodding but feeling embarrassed,you relax as she slowly slides the mask in place ensuring you cannot see around the edges. She reaches for your hand placing it on the glass of merlot.
"The lady will be here in a few moments. Please enjoy your dinner Monsieur. "
"Thanks... I will. "
After a few moments of silence you hear the French doors opening and you notice a soft floral fragrance with a soft jasmine scent. You feel a soft breath by the side of your ear as a kiss is brushed against your cheek you hear the stranger.
"Hello mon cher... I have been thinking of you since Mardi Gras. And I couldn't imagine spending Valentine's Day with anyone else. "
Feeling your heart starting to beat rapidly in your chest you realize it is your mystery lady from New Orleans. Having a hard time catching your breath you shift in your seat anxiously.