This Time

By A.Y. Caluen

A romance novelette about work, life, and second chances.

 

Once upon a time, Amber and Leon lived together in L.A. She sold jewelry; he wrote music. Then he got a contract, which should've been something to celebrate. Except it meant moving to Mexico.

 

Ten years later, Leon returns to Los Angeles. He's still single; Amber is single again. He's always wanted to share his success with her; after all, without her help, he might never have made it.

 

Over dinner, they begin the process of rediscovery. It seems they want the same thing: a second chance. They strike a deal. They start to talk. Each hoping that a decade apart might bring them even closer together.

 

Adult situations, themes, and language; 14,400 words and a happy ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexandra Caluen
• Release date: Sep 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223344100

A.Y. Caluen

A.Y. Caluen lives in a small purple house with her husband, a bottle of Laphroaig, a lot of books, and nine pairs of ballroom shoes. She is the author of over fifty contemporary romance novels and novellas featuring creative, diverse characters.

Book preview

THIS TIME: A Novelette

Chapter 1

June 2001

Leon couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He stood across the room from his girlfriend and tried again. It’s a recording contract, Amber. Exactly what I’ve been working toward all this time.

"In Mexico, Leon. Amber couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Not about the contract; that was great. Not even about the fact that the record company was in Mexico City. It was this thing about ‘come with me, it’ll be a great adventure, I’ll be there for a year and oh by the way I’m leaving in a week.’ All this time, seven years, she’d been carrying them both. Trusting in the day when Leon’s career would finally take off. But she’d never thought ‘take off’ might mean ‘to another country.’ Love, and believing in the person you love, only went so far. All she could say was, I am not leaving my career to move to Mexico. I don’t speak the language, I wouldn’t be able to get a job, no. She could see he was about to say something. I’ve worked hard to get where I am, I’m thirty-one, and no."

You won’t come with me. Hurt and disappointment gave way to anger. Did you ever love me?

That was so unfair, Amber was instantly furious. "Of course I loved you. I still love you. I will always love you. I believed in you, I supported you, and I’ve always been your number-one fan. But I cannot just drop everything and move to Mexico!"

On some deeply-buried level Leon knew she was right. But his ego was injured and his heart was sore. Then I guess there’s no more to say. There were hundreds more things to say, starting with ‘thank you for everything,’ and ‘I’ll make it up to you,’ and ‘please.’ He couldn’t look at her right now. The next week was going to be torture. In fact, maybe he should pack up his things after she went to work, and go stay with a friend until it was time to begin the long drive.

***

Amber managed not to say anything to anyone that day, though her co-worker Jan gave her a sharp look. They had an average sales day at the jewelers. A pair of diamond earrings, an anniversary ring, a five-figure wristwatch for somebody’s retirement. The commissions, even split, would pay off her car. Finally, she would be debt free. It should have been something to celebrate.

Then she got home, and Leon was gone.

At least he left a note, she told Jan the next day. Told me who he was staying with. He’d left the name of the recording company, too, and their office number. She was relatively certain she would never call that number.

I don’t suppose he apologized, or said thank you, or anything like that. Jan had his hand on her back, because they were alone in the store. She didn’t reply, only made a dismissive sound. "Has he ever said thank you?"

Back at the beginning. Up to about year three. Then it was like, this is how it is. She sighed. Why would he act like no I can’t come with you for a year meant we were breaking up? Did he just want an excuse to break up?

Jan rubbed her back. He couldn’t help thinking it was an excuse for Leon not to be on the hook. The man owed her, big time. I don’t know. When I wanted to break up with someone I went home and said it’s over.

Tell me about that please. I need to not think about this. And then tell me what’s new with you and Paul, because there is no longer any reason in the world why I shouldn’t get serious about finding my own sugar daddy.

He laughed under his breath. He did have a sugar daddy, a rich older man who was supporting Jan’s launch as a jewelry designer. Amber knew perfectly well that he and Paul were truly in love. She came to the ceremony after they registered their partnership, and swore that when the law changed, she’d come to their wedding. Jan patted her again, then gave her some space and an invitation. I’ll tell you some stories of things that went wrong if you’ll come to dinner with us tonight. Maybe Paul knows someone you’d like.

Amber gave him a mock-amazed look.