I have a new writing friend. Stephanie Fournet is a high school English teacher. She self-published her first romance novel with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. I love how she is jumping in with both feet and pursuing her dream of being a writer. Here is a sweet story she sent the group, a little lagniappe as we say in South Louisiana. She wrote the story for a 200 word or less challenge with her faculty. She won first place. Congratulations, Stephanie and welcome to Reflections on the Teche.
Stephanie Fournet is a college counselor, English teacher, and novelist. She lives with her husband, daughter, dogs, and bird in Lafayette, Louisiana, which is the setting of her debut novel, FALL SEMESTER. When she isn’t working or writing, she can often be found running or curled up with a romance novel.
Erin said goodnight to the last customers. It was 10:55 the night before Christmas Eve, and the rush of last-minute shoppers had kept her busy. Now, she would wipe down the remaining tables and lock up.
He wasn’t coming.
Of course, he isn’t coming. Male customers flirted. That’s what they did.
Erin shook her head to clear the foolish thoughts. Erin Parish was lucky; she had more than most: a home of her own and a successful coffee shop. Business at Parish Perks had boomed from the start. She didn’t need Luke and his devil-may-care-curls and teasing smile.
Still, it had felt good the first day he’d come in, ordered two peppermint lattes, and handed one to her.
The next day, he’d swiped her Sharpee, leaving his number on the cup. She’d laughed, but ignored him.
This morning the note had read, “Go out with me tonight?”
“I work ‘til 11. Sorry,” she’d said.
“We could get a drink. I’ll be here before you close.”
But so much for that, she thought, rolling her eyes.
The bell on the door jangled, and Erin turned.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, clutching a green bundle. “It took forever to find mistletoe.”
–Stephanie Fournet, all rights reserved.
Reflections on the Teche 