The luncheon crowd has long gone back to work.
And the "Happy Hour" has yet to begin.
The waitresses have all left and the only person
on staff is the young man behind the bar.
Matthew Wright has worked here for a year, part-time.
He is a fulltime university student in business.
He likes his job but work is slow this afternoon.
The bistro is nearly empty save for three occupied tables.
At a table in the rear of the bistro sits an older man with gray hair.
Though very youthful looking he must be about 70 yrs. old.
He is fiddling with his Blackberry.
His name is Arnaud Loyer.
He is the owner of the bistro.
The bistro is named after his late wife,x Clémentine.
Towards the centre of the bistro, along the left wall
sits a couple who look to be in their late fifties.
Their names are Ian and Deborah Wellsley.
They are leaning in towards each other while quietly
discussing something that leaves them both with serious expressions.
And finally, the third table is occupied
by a man in his late thirties to early forties.
He sits at a table looking onto the sidewalk and busy downtown street.
He keeps checking his watch.
His name is Adam Seabring.
A young, attractive woman breezes through the door of the bistro.
Amanda Kent is late for an appointment.
As her eyes adjust to the change in light,
she unbuttons the top button of her coat.
Then she smiles in recognition.
-"Matt, I got the contract! Can you believe it?"
-"Sis, I knew you'd get it. How could they say no to your talent?"
Matthew and Amanda are half-siblings.
Amanda is six years older than Matt.
They share the same mother but have two different fathers.
Amanda's father died when she was only three years old.
Still young, Amanda's mother remarried two years clater to Jim Wright.
And Matthew was born a year later.
Though not her biological father, Jim has been her Dad ever since she was little.
And Matt is her brother.
No step this or that, just her brother.
Matt and Amanda are very close despite their difference in age.
Though still at university, Matt has always been Amanda's sounding board.
Amanda is an events planner.
And she started her own company almost two years ago.
The company is growing quickly to much acclaim.
Amanda is hoping that Matt will come
and run the business after university.
That would free up Amanda to take on larger events
and forge a bigger clientele.
-"My proposal was chosen out of the three companies
who submitted them."
-"Congratulations! Are you ready to speak with Arnaud?
He is sitting at his usual table in the back. I think he is ready to see you."
-"Excellent! We can get down to business."
At that moment Arnaud Loyer looks up from his Blackberry
to watch Amanda Kent walking towards him. Arnaud stands up
to greet her as she offers her apologies for arriving late.
-"Amanda, cherie, no harm done. I am just glad that you finally had time
to meet with me. Your brother tells me that your business
is booming. That is good news. Come. Sit down. I want to tell you
about my project. I'll need your help with it.
Can I get you something to drink?"
-"Yes, thank-you, Arnaud. A perrier with a slice of lime, please."
While Arnaud goes to the bar for her drink, Amanda removes her coat
and lays it over the back of the chair beside her. She then takes out her
portfolio and some company brochures. Even though Arnaud already
knows what Amanda's business is all about from previous meetings,
he might be able to pass on the brochures to potential clients among his
business associates. Amanda never misses an opportunity to promote
her company. Most of her business comes from referals.
Arnaud returns with her Perrier and sits with his back to the kitchen.
He clears his throat then starts in on his project.
-"You see, Amanda. Business is slow on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
I want to fill this place up like in years past. With happy, joyful people.
I want to start a singles night on one of those evenings. After work.
Almost like a matchmaking service like in the old days. Something very classy.
Something that will help people find love. And I need your help."
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Stay tuned for part II....
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