As you walk alone along the moonlit coast of Monte Carlo you stare out into the open sea.You can't help but feel a sense of wonder watching the dark blue water with mystery and allure.
You peer over the dock noticing yachts docked along the pier "I wish", you mutter to yourself as you look at the vessels. You imagine yourself sitting elegantly in a swimsuit, magazine in hand on the deck of one of the boats. You continue walking along the pier before deciding you'd seen enough luxury for the night.
But just as you are about to turn away to head back to your hotel you hear a voice call out to you. "Tu perdu?", you turn your head at the man. You spoke a little French from what'd you'd learned before your trip and did your best to respond "Um No! Je regard juste" you call out in your broken French.
He chuckles lightly at your accent making you raise an eyebrow. "It's okay then! I just wanted to make sure you weren't lost", he responds in perfect English.But something about him seems so familiar, "I'm Charles by the way", he smiles. It doesn't take long for the realization to hit you.
"Charles Leclerc?"
"Yes?", he asks making your eyes widen in surprise. He looks at you then back at the dock "were you looking for someone?"
"Ah no sorry, I was just admiring the boats", you laugh nervously feeling a little embarrassed for wandering.
"Which one is your favorite?", he asks taking a step closer. You look back at the pier and point to a smaller yacht with a large deck. "I like the size of that one, it looks like it has a lot of space to watch the sea", you look back at Charles with a wide grin on his face. "You want a better view?"
You open your mouth in surprise "No way, is that one yours?!", he laughs before extending out his hand.
"Come with me"
You don't think twice before taking his hand. Maybe not the best of choices to follow men you barely know but something about his aura made you trust him.
The wind blows as you walk up the steps to the deck.
"You have a beautiful yacht," you say, in awe of the surroundings.
"Thank you," Charles replies, flashing a warm smile. "I'm glad you like it. But you know, it's even more beautiful now that you're here with me."You feel a blush form across your face at the complement.
As you walk along the deck, Charles motions towards a small seating area facing the open water. The calm of the night gives you a sense of peace as you look back at Charles. You turn away when he catches you staring, a smirk tugging the edge of his lips.
"So tell me about yourself", he asks, his attention fixed on you. You begin to open up to him, telling him who you were and how you had come to Monaco for a vacation to get away from the world.
"What about you?", you ask curiously, "You seem like you'd be into more fast paced things, what are you doing out here?"
He chuckles lightly at your question " I guess I'm like you", he admits looking back at the ocean.
"Sometimes I just want to get away." He gives you a weary smile as he continues"In my world you don't have much to yourself. Your pain, your joy, it's all for the world. But here I feel like I don't owe anyone anything. I'm just free.", you nod in understanding.
As the night goes on your conversation flows effortlessly. You continue talking, getting to know each other, telling stories and sharing laughs. The connection between you both feels like fate.
"You know, Im glad I got to see this on my last night in Monte Carlo,"
"Last night?!", his eyes widen in surprise
"Yep, then I'm off on my next trip"
"where are you headed next?"
"Well I'm going to Nice before I head back home. It's been an amazing trip, but I suppose all good things must come to an end."
"Not necessarily," Charles replies with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Let's make the most of your last night in Monte Carlo.", you look at him curiously before he stands up abruptly.
"I have a surprise for you but you have to trust me", you nod and he holds out his hand to you, letting him lead you to the front of the yacht.
"Close your eyes," he whispers, a playful tone in his voice. You obey, feeling a wave of excitement at the mystery. After a few minutes you hear him fumbling with something, and before you know it, you feel the boat move slightly as he maneuvers it into position.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now," he says softly. As you do, your breath catches in your throat. In front of you, the Monte Carlo skyline, illuminated by a sea of shimmering lights.
"Oh, Charles, it's beautiful! Thank you!", you gasp turning to face him
He smiles warmly, gazing at you as you continue to take in the view. "I wanted to make your last night unforgettable."
"And you have," you reply, your heart fluttering in your chest.
As the moon shines above , you find yourselves standing side by side, wrapped in a shared blanket.The sky painting a tapestry of stars as you gaze above in awe.
"Look, a shooting star! Quick, make a wish!", You exclaim as Charles looks up at the sky then back at you.
"I wish you didn't have to leave," he turns to face you with a smile with a hint of sadness his eyes.
Your mouth opens in surprise before you give him a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I just know one day we'll meet again."
———— As the first rays of sunlight break through horizon, painting the sky with a soft, golden hue, Charles pulls you close to him.
And as the yacht docks back on the pier, you part ways with promises to stay in touch and gratefulness for the new memories you made together.
