Lavender's in Love

I love pretty dresses and this one by Pinko is gorgeous. I wore this dress to a wedding gala. Evan's sister Denise was the lucky bride. It was a nice surprise that he invited me, because we've only dated a few times. It was the first time I met his family and everyone was really nice. They made me feel included straight away. Denise was such a stunning bride and I even had to wipe away a few tears from the corners of my eyes. It was an intimate and romantic service. I could see how proud it made Evan to see his little sister at the altar which made me like him even more.

With studying, work and helping Dawn with her online shop I haven't got much free time. Fortunately Evan can plan his own hours, so he's always there when I can see him. He's smart, cute and funny. I think I'm falling head over heels in love. I'm scared, but it also feels right this time. I'm one hundred percent sure that the one is out there for me and that I will get my happily ever after. I'm hoping it's with Evan...

The Show Must Go On

The show must go on, so I put on this fabulous Diane Von Furstenberg dress that my aunt gave me and try to think happy thoughts. Of course I cry my eyes out when I'm alone in my bed at night, but during the day I have to behave professionally. I think it's mean that Calvin has ruined my vacation, but I understand that he wants to meet Clarissa and be a father for her. I wish he could have done that with me in his life instead of without me. I haven't heard from him anymore since he left, so I don't even know if he's seen her already. His mother called me yesterday and she told me how sorry she was and she too gets why Calvin has acted this way, but she thinks he's made a mistake. She was sure Calvin had finally found the one and she thinks he will regret his decision to break up with me. I think she's right, but that doesn't change the situation, Calvin has made his choice and he hasn't chosen me.

Because I'm at the bed & breakfast I missed my Monday class from Rian. He joined us as soon as he was done and stayed for dinner. He gave me a shoulder to cry on and then he fed me lemon pie to cheer me up. It really helped and I'm glad he's my friend. He's just sent his latest manuscript to his publisher and has the rest of the week off, so he offered to help out here as well. He can aid some of the people who are taking the course and he's fun to be with. Some of them were in awe when they found out he's the writer of several famous crime novels. Rian also thought it would be nice to bring some champagne to cheer me up and he even managed to get a box of my favorite brand. I drank a little bit too much, but at least I didn't feel sad the entire time. It was good to be with both friends and family. 

I also think I've made a new friend. Her name is Carmen and she's an illustrator. She wants to write her own stories to accompany her drawings. She showed me some of them and they are stunning. She's really talented and draws beautiful fairies. She's also 29 years old and went through a break up not too long ago, so she knows what it's like. We got drunk together and moaned about men for a while. It's too bad she isn't living next door, but she invited me to stay at her place in the countryside some time soon. It sounds really good and it will be a bit like a holiday. I'm glad she's given me something to look forward to, I really needed that. 

Me Without Calvin

My aunt tried to cheer me up by giving me this beautiful Carven dress. It helped a little bit. I'm trying to do my work, but it isn't easy. I normally love writing classes and there's so much I can learn about children's books. I don't want to mope, I want to be able to learn something. Last night Celia invited me for a drink and she gave me some advice about men. I should be strong and make it on my own. If a man comes into my life he's an addition to the great things I already have. I should never let myself become any different because of a guy anymore, etc. It was good advice actually. I stopped doing a lot of the things I loved because Calvin liked staying in more than going out and slowly I was changing into someone else because of him. Maybe he wasn't the one for me after all. He only showed me his sweet and funny side, not the rest of his personality. I can't believe I've had my heart broken twice in one year. I know I will get through this, but I hate being sad, it's the worst emotion ever. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest and I want him to get off!

I should write about what happened now. Calvin didn't have such good news for me. I thought we were doing really well and before I went away for the weekend with Gina that was what he thought as well. He got a call from an old flame in Thailand and apparently he has a daughter there. Little Clarissa has been born two weeks ago. Calvin didn't know his ex girlfriend was pregnant. As soon as she saw her baby the mother changed her mind and wanted the father to be in her life after all, so she contacted him to tell him the good news. He's found someone to take over his business here and will start working in his own beach bar again. He told me he wants to try again with the mother. Calvin knew he was going to break up with me for an entire week, but he pretended we were all right. I still can't believe it.
 Calvin is thrilled to be a father and he talked about his ex girlfriend like she's the love of his life. He didn't even look at me anymore. It was like the light had gone out in his eyes, he wasn't the sweet and gentle guy who always had a smile for me anymore. He was cold and hard. I had no idea and I feel like a fool. I'm really sad and after he left I started crying and couldn't stop for the rest of the evening. My aunt took me in her arms and tried to comfort me as well as she could, but she had guests who needed her as well. That's when Celia offered to take me home with her. I've stayed the night at her place and she's given me one pep talk after another. I can't believe I'm single again, I actually thought I would be marrying Calvin. Celia has been a star and I will be fine again, but at the moment it really hurts.

Calvin's Shocking News

InfPass

I was so happy to spend time with my uncle and aunt at their bed and breakfast. I arrived on Friday at the beginning of the evening, just in time for a big barbecue. My uncle and aunt always organize one on the final evening of a course. This time there was a group who came there to learn how to paint. The mixed company amazed me. Most of the students were eccentric and they dressed accordingly. I loved all the unusual styles. I've met some great people that evening and went to bed with a smile plastered on my face. 

On Saturday a new group arrived. These course members are here to learn how to write for children. It's a group of ten people. Some of them can draw and want to learn how to write stories to go with their illustrations and others want to write for older children. Of course Celia Daniels was there to welcome them. Celia's living next door and she's a successful novelist. I found out she also writes children's books under a pen name. It was great to see her again and chatting with her about books and writing is great. 

I really like this group of people and I was looking forward to having a week of fun. Calvin arrived yesterday evening. I couldn't wait to see him again. I gave him a hug and wanted to take him to the living room where everyone was waiting for desert after a great meal together, but Calvin asked me if we could have a moment in private so we could talk. I didn't like the sound of that at all and immediately there was a huge lump in my throat and nerves were fluttering in my stomach. I started crying even before he delivered his news. He looked so serious and he was distant. I knew something was very wrong and I feared that he was going to break up with me.

 

Lavender Likes The Summer!

I love pretty dresses and this beauty has been made by Fixdesign. It's summer and it's hot. A lot of my friends are on holiday and my family is a mess. Seth's health still hasn't improved and Dawn only has me and our mother to fall back on. Her two best friends don't have time for her, because they're both about to deliver their babies. It's hard for my sister, but I'm trying to help her as much as I can. Calvin has been a huge support. I'm also getting to know his family a lot better. I love spending time with Brooke and Amber, they are really sweet. I never had a mother in law before who made me feel welcome. Usually they wanted me to go, because I wasn't good enough for their sons. Marie is different. To her it only matters that Calvin is happy.

Gina's struggling with a lot of things at the moment. I'm trying to help her as much as I can, but she doesn't talk easily. I'm giving her all the time she needs, even though I think I should know a little bit of what's going on, so I can help her. I love my friend and I'm glad we've been spending so much time together lately. I've also seen more of Tessa lately. She took Gina in when her aunt died. I like Tessa, she's twelve years older than me, but you can't tell by the way she looks. She's getting along with everyone and she's kind to Gina, like a mother figure. Gina needs someone like that.

I've also seen Franka again. She gave me my first vegetarian cooking lesson. Franks (which is her nickname) is so cool. I love the way she talks. She's relaxed and comfortable in her own skin. I asked if I could bring Jada as we normally cook together and that was no problem. Next week we're going to prepare a special dinner for our loved ones. That's going to be so much fun. I've already looked up some great designs we can use for the menus and I've started making decorations. We want our Christmas in July dinner to be cozy and romantic.

I've started summer school. The group is quite small. Our book club is complete though, because we all want to improve our writing skills. The lessons are mainly focused on how to present yourself. We have an Oral Presentations class which is scary, but fun. Plus we have to write several articles to pass Advanced Writing. Rian is our Creative Writing teacher. He's told us a lot more about his books. It's fascinating to know that our serious teacher has written so many horrible thrillers. Our weekly tea meetings are still going well. Lately he's been cheerful and he looks content. Maybe he's met someone, I don't really dare asking him about it yet.

So much has been going on and it's certainly an eventful summer. I can't believe July is almost over. So far the weather has been great and I spent a lot of time in beach bars, having drinks with the friends who are staying at home as well. It's so relaxing to go there after a day of hard work. The library is quiet and we're trying extra hard to invite people in. A lot of the card holders are using our national free book app on their tablets or phones instead of coming over to borrow books these days. We've still got enough budget left, but I hope they will come back once they realize they miss book recommendations and holding something real in their hands. Nothing can beat that. Meanwhile I'm having great conversations with Edward and Zoe. I love the summer season. Good weather makes everything a little bit better.

A Romantic Evening With Calvin

I love romance and going on romantic dates requires suitable outfits. I was dressed for the occasion in this wonderful ModCloth dress with red roses when Calvin took me out to celebrate our three month anniversary. For him the day of our first kiss, the one in the bar, is our date. It's really sweet that he feels this way. I will always remember that kiss, it was really special and the first one of plenty of best kisses I've ever had. 

Calvin likes organizing surprises and he always has amazing ideas. He's really spoiling me with his attention and care. This time we went to the beach, to watch the sunset with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. He put his arm around me and together we sat in silence for a while. We enjoyed the view and each other's company and that was enough. He took my hand in his and when we started talking we laughed about old memories from the time we were roommates. He already liked me then, but he never had the courage to ask me out. I thought he was a flirt, but that was just bravado. I saw him as a womanizer, but he's actually very loyal and when he likes someone he wants to have a long term relationship. As he's been hurt a few times in the past he was careful with me, because he didn't think I was ready for that kind of commitment. I think he's right. I liked being free, but Calvin has found a way to give me that same feeling while being with him. We're lucky and we're very much in love. I can't believe I've never seen Calvin as boyfriend material before he moved back into the country. He's great. 

Of course Calvin isn't only nice, sweet and accommodating. He just waited for his chance to throw me into the water. I love midnight swims, so I didn't really mind. We splashed and we kissed until it was already quite late. A perfect date doesn't have to cost much, it's about the company and the atmosphere. Calvin understands that. We both aren't very rich while we come from families with money. We love the good things in life, but also know how and where to get them without spending a fortune.

A Romantic Weekend!

Calvin picked me up at work on Friday evening. I was supposed to go out for dinner with Louise and Naomi, but he had other plans. He wanted to surprise me and they were in on the secret. We were going away for the weekend and I could only take this backpack. Calvin had a little Asos shopping spree and he assured me that it contained everything I needed. He packed some lovely things for me and it felt like it was my birthday all over again. I like pink and he always makes sure he's got something in my favorite color for me. He's such a sweetheart. I was very happy with the bag and the surprise. Calvin assured me I was going to be fine with everything he brought and that I had to trust him.

He drove to the ferry which would take us to a small island. It was great to stand on the deck of the boat, look over the railing and see water all around me. It felt liberating. We snuggled and kissed for a while and people were whooping and whistling at us. That made me a little bit insecure, but also insanely proud. When we arrived on the island we only had a few minutes by car ahead of us. We stopped at a place near the beach where Calvin had made reservations for a luxurious tent. We were going camping, but in style. The tent was cozy. It was high with wooden furniture and the bed was soft with warm blankets. It cooled down at night, but during the days the weather was great. I love camping this way and I can see myself doing it again. Calvin brought a lot of food. All kinds of delicious, but easy to prepare ingredients. He also had champagne, because he knows how much I like it. It was the perfect romantic beginning of a long weekend away. 

On Saturday breakfast was ready when I woke up. Calvin was already back from a walk to the bakery, so we started the day with fresh rolls and pastries. I can't start my day without a cup of tea. Because of his job Calvin always has samples and he brought a lot of different flavors for me to try. We spent the rest of the day lounging on the beach. Calvin had even managed to find me a bikini that fit me perfectly. There was a light and easy to fold dress in my bag as well. I was supposed to wear that when we went out for dinner that night. We had a meal outside on the terrace while we could see the sea. It was the best meal I ever had. The food was delicious and the company absolutely wonderful.

On Sunday we had another fresh breakfast. This time Calvin brought croissants. After a long, hot shower it was time to pack. We spent a few hours on the beach before taking the ferry home again. It was only a weekend trip, but on Monday I felt completely relaxed and well rested.

My actual birthday

Monday was kind of a boring day, but when I got up there was a surprise breakfast with three books next to it, an extra present from Calvin. He was already at work, but he made sure there was a nice surprise when I got up. He also wrote me a note to wish me luck with my exams. Exams on my birthday? It was the last thing I wanted. I couldn't study much during the weekend, but I think I was well prepared, or at least I knew enough. It was the last day of exams, they're finally over! And that was a really good birthday gift. I'm so glad they're over. Studying while working full time has been very hard and I had a tough time getting everything done. The whole class went to the pub afterwards to celebrate. Everyone wished me a happy birthday and I didn't have to pay for my drinks.

When I came home there was a lovely meal on the table. Calvin had made a large quiche with a lot of vegetables and two different types of cheese. He knows how much I like that. Of course there was a delicious red wine as well, Calvin knows what he's doing. We had a romantic dinner for two and it was absolutely perfect. He gave me a massage after that and we stayed on the couch for hours, just snuggling and chatting. After having two busy parties that was the perfect ending of my 29th birthday. Next year I'll be 30, I'm already dreading it. It's supposed to be the year of change, at least that's what it's like among my friends and family. I wonder what this year will have in store for me.

A Wonderful Summer Evening!

It was warm and sunny this week which meant that Edward and Victoria invited everyone for a barbecue on a weekday instead of a dinner. They have a beautiful garden with flowers around the lawn. A huge table was standing in the middle of it and Victoria had very stylishly decorated it with a purple and pink flower theme.

 We were all supposed to sit down and let our hosts do the work, but Calvin and I are not like that. I love helping Victoria. She's such a sweet person. She and Edward want other people to enjoy their good fortune. They share everything they have, their money, home, hospitality and great food. Jim and Rian are both single and they are authors, it was a good idea of them to invite them together. The rest of the guests I didn't know. I'm often having dinner with Edward and Victoria, but every time I meet new people.

Calvin made a good business deal with a lady called Amelia, who's about to open a vintage themed tea shop. He's going to supply some of his teas and he'll share a few contacts with her. She will also sell dresses, aprons and a lot of gorgeous china. She started with an online business a few years ago and I can't believe I've missed her gorgeous shop. I instantly liked Amelia and I can't wait to see her new shop. She's kindly invited us to the opening. Our city has a huge shopping centre, but most of the stores are owned by large chains. It will be nice to be able to go to something small and local for a change. I am sure Gina will love that shop as well. She's very much into vintage and she often visits antique markets.

The barbecue was wonderful. The highlight was the strawberry chocolate cake Victora made for desert. Of course we all had way too much to drink to go home. This time I was ready and I brought another Modcloth dress to wear to work the next day. First we had a wonderful breakfast with berry pancakes. Edward and I were late for work, but the boss didn't seem to mind at all.

Orange, Books and Football

There's a thing I really like about the football/soccer world cup and that is buying orange clothes. I love this Alice + Olivia dress. I must admit I often don't watch an entire match. Calvin loves sports and he begged me to come with him. We've watched several games in a local bar, but I secretly read on my phone most of the time. Everyone was way too busy cheering and commenting on the games. I don't think anyone around me noticed that I was watching a different screen. Fortunately I can keep wearing orange for a little while longer as I do love the color. As long as I can bring my mobile to wherever Calvin decides to take me in the next couple of evenings I'll be all right.

 

A Regular Friday...

Jack & Jones

I love wearing Calvin's shirts and I steal them whenever I have the chance. On Friday morning I woke up in his apartment with a bit of a hangover. I had to go to work, but didn't feel like it at all. I much rather would have snuggled under the covers with my boyfriend for a few more hours, but instead my pounding head and I needed to be at work. Friday also is teenager day and this week we talked about the Last Apprentice series. We'll read the new book the coming week and after the summer they will all be back for another series.

I wore Calvin's shirt to work with a jegging and a belt and it actually looked pretty good. I think I need to borrow his wardrobe more often. He had to work as well, so we didn't have time to sleep in. That's something I kind of miss about us. There are no lazy days, but fortunately we've got enough compensation for it due to the many other happy moments in our relationship.

I went outside for lunch with Gina and Zoe on Friday afternoon. There's always a market in the streets and at the squares near the library at the end of the week. We usually buy something to eat, or rather lots of food and cookies, and then sit down to talk somewhere. That's so much fun it's becoming a regular thing. We giggle, gossip and laugh until we are completely out of breath. Even though Gina is a bit quiet lately she seems to enjoy herself very much in our company. My two friends have already promised me to do an extra special birthday lunch, so I won't be completely friendless on my big day next week. Calvin also has some plans, but I'm not supposed to know what they are yet. Things are looking brighter than they did a few days ago.

A Date with my Boyfriend!

Calvin always manages to surprise me. This time he was waiting for me on my sofa when I got home from work on Thursday. He was wearing a suit and asked me to put on my nicest dress. I chose this beautiful floral Equipment dress. I had no idea where we were going as he wouldn't tell me. Calvin drove out of the city and stopped at a small house in the countryside. He very gentlemanly opened my door to let me out of the car. Then he gave me his arm and accompanied me to the front of the house. He rang the doorbell and a man who wore an apron over an expensive blouse and trousers let us in. He told us to take a seat in the living room and then he hurried back to his kitchen. We joined six other people and one of them immediately filled two glasses with champagne and handed them to us. That was the moment when Calvin decided to tell me where we were.

The man in the apron is his friend Josh who is a business man by day who sometimes opens his house at night. People can make reservations for his famous table d'hote and that's exactly what Calvin did for us. We had dinner in the dining room and all sat at Josh's long table. He joined us as often as possible. His evenings aren't only about having a nice meal, he loves the company. Plus it's a very good way to meet people and to make new friends. This evening was for couples and we got along very well. 

Josh is the perfect host and I'm glad I've met him. He told me all kinds of childhood stories about Calvin. That was so sweet! They were clearly happy to see each other again. I still can't believe I knew so little about Calvin while we shared a home. Now he's making an effort to let me get to know him and I'm loving it. It was a wonderful evening and we all stayed until 2 am. I had such a hard time getting up on Friday morning. I managed to sleep for two whole hours and I had a little bit too much to drink, so my head was pounding.

I want to get married in this dress!

This Dolce & Gabbana dress has caught my eye several times now. Actually, I can't stop looking at it. It makes me think about marriage. If Calvin would ever ask me, I want to wear this dress. It's so pretty and I can picture myself walking down the isle in this. I've never given marriage much thought before. I always figured it wasn't for me. Love is enough, at least that is what I kept telling myself. Now I'm not so sure. How can a romantic girl like me think about marriage so lightly?

 I'm starting to change my mind though. I do want to get married and I would like to commit myself to someone for the rest of my life. My very good friend Lizzy is going to get married this summer and she wants me to be involved in the preparations. She keeps talking about dresses, flowers and cake and it is making me a bit (very) sentimental. Of course I wouldn't only get married for that perfect dress I could only wear once in my life, but it definitely helps. I can't stop dreaming about it now. Calvin, you have to ask me! I don't know if he reads this, but if he does my message is as follows:

 Calvin, I love you and I want to marry you in this perfect floral dress!

A present from Calvin!!!

Next week Maty's huge sale will start. Calvin knows how much I love this store, because I've talked about it several times already. Maty has a big shop in Besancon in France and ever since I've been there I'm in love with the gorgeous jewellery. As Calvin knows how much I like pink he's promised to give me this ring for my birthday and I'm so happy! He is such a sweet and kind guy, I can't believe my luck!

Celebrating Father's Day on a Saturday!

This overlap dress is on sale, but I still can't afford it. Fortunately I found one in Dawn's closet, she always has everything I like and her taste is amazing! That's also why my sister is so good at her jobs, she knows what's nice and what isn't. I needed a good dress to wear to another day with Calvin's family. They were having a Father's Day party on Saturday. The hotel hosted a Father's Day weekend and they had so many bookings, that they could barely squeeze themselves in and only on the Saturday afternoon. 

They celebrated it with a high tea with lots of cakes, sandwiches, scones and champagne. The weather was amazing and we were all enjoying the sun. Children were running around on the lawn. I felt a bit light in the head from the bubbles and Calvin's kisses. It was absolutely perfect and for a minute I managed to forget about my sister's problems. I wish she could have booked herself a table, but instead she'll be taking my nieces and nephew to the hospital. Life can be unfair sometimes. That's why I've decided to enjoy every good moment. When there's a party and I can celebrate I will, because you never know when it's going to be too late. 

Calvin and Luscombe

An evening with Calvin is never predictable. He's always got little surprises for me. When he found out how much I like lemon he bought me a few bottles of Luscombe. I love this drink, it's absolutely delicious and a big plus is that it's organic too. I do love a good cocktail and a nice glass of wine, but I like having an alcohol free drink every once in a while as well. Calvin isn't a big drinker. He does like a few beers on a night out, but at home he prefers lemonade. Maybe that's because he has to work so many hours and needs a clear head to run his business.

We ended up snuggling on the sofa while watching the first match of the Fifa World Cup. I'm not a big soccer fan, but I read an peaked at the screen every now and then. It was such a nice, normal night. I haven't had evenings like this with any of my boyfriends before, so for me it is something completely new. I love Calvin's apartment and I often stay over. He even lets me work on my novel in the morning without disturbing me. We both have a lot to do and it isn't always easy to spend time together. Especially not when Calvin needs to be at work during the weekend. It's something we still have to figure out together. I really want this relationship to work, because I like being in love with Calvin very much!

Love doesn't only happen in books...

For sale at Amazon and Asos

It was already quite late when I finally arrived at Calvin's apartment on Saturday evening. We were supposed to go on a date, but instead he had arranged a surprise inside for me. The bathroom was decorated with candles and there were lovely Beauticology products waiting for me. We soaked in the bath for at least an hour before we ended up in bed together. Finally I had the chance to spend some proper time with my boyfriend and that was fabulous.

My feelings for Calvin are confusing me. I think that's why I always tried to keep him at a distance by convincing myself he didn't mean anything with his flirting. I'm glad he took all those steps and didn't give up on me. Love can be scary sometimes. It's a wonderful feeling, but it can also be pretty overwhelming. I'm still getting used to it and have just realized that it's a magical thing to be falling for someone like that. I've always believed that real romance only happens in books. Now I'm not so sure anymore...

Dinner with the in-laws!

I wore this NoLogo Chic dress yesterday evening when I went on a 'date' with Calvin. I love floral dresses! We went to his parents' boutique hotel to have a fancy family dinner. Every now and then they organize something for the whole family and that's usually on a week day when the hotel is less busy and they can leave some other staff member in charge for a few hours. It was great to be back there again and I hadn't seen the hotel's restaurant yet. It's wonderful, cozy with a fireplace and lots of wood and blue. It's fancy, but not in an obvious way. The food was amazing. We started with asparagus soup, after that we had the most delicious duck with red wine sauce and for desert there was a tray with many different cakes, pies and other delicious things. They allowed me to try a little bit of whatever I wanted to taste, so I had trifle, strawberry shortcake, pecan pie, caramel brownies and chocolate mousse, yum!

It was also nice to get to know Calvin's family a little bit better. Amber made sure I was included in all the girl talk and I also got along very well with the oldest sister Brooke. She's such a sweetheart. It's her dream to have her own hotel one day and she's working very hard to reach that goal. Calvin and his sisters all run their own businesses. It's in their blood to be entrepreneurs. They are very good at small talk and they can sit down, eat and chat for hours. I'm glad Calvin's started bringing me to these intimate family events.

Calvin's Surprise!

I love ElevenParis and Disney and I'm very happy with my new outfit. I had a date with Calvin on Sunday evening. My mother took over at Dawn's place, so I could go out with my boyfriend. He arranged something very special for us. As we both don't have a garden we dined in the courtyard of one of his tearooms. Calvin set the tables and his cook had the food prepared earlier that day, so Calvin only had to put it in the oven. We had such a wonderful and relaxing evening. There were candles and fairy lights. The highlight of the meal was the desert which was strawberry shortcake. He knows how much I like that. 

Then Calvin held my hand and gazed into my eyes. I knew something important was coming and then he told me that he loves me for the first time!

Book Talk: A Trip Down Memory Lane

I'm currently reading You're The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher. This book is a love story, one that starts when the main characters are still children. I'm going to review the book when I've finished it, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk about the loves from my past. I've only written about the cheating bastard of an ex called Rowan, but of course I've also had sweet romances in my past. 

I was 14 years old when I kissed someone for the first time. Lizzy had a boyfriend back then and he brought a friend for a double date. I liked him enough to kiss him, but we never hooked up after that. I must shamefully admit that I can't even remember his name anymore. It was a pretty good kiss though.

 I had my first real boyfriend soon after, we had a summer fling that lasted three weeks. His name was Samuel and I met him while lounging by the pool on the first day of a holiday with my parents and Dawn (Jason was already too old to come with us). It was love at first sight and we were inseparable for the rest of the holiday. He was French and like all boys from this country, he wrote me one passionate letter, then a friendly but much less intense one and after that I never heard of him again. It didn't really hurt, because by then I met someone who would later be my first proper long time boyfriend.

I met Jeffrey at the first day of school when I was sixteen. We went to the same school, but we never met before that year. I really liked him and after a few weeks discovered the feeling was mutual. We went out together and then were a couple for three years. It didn't last, because we became friends and the love slowly disappeared from our relationship. We're still sporadically keeping in touch by sending a text or e-mail.

Then, after a few flings, came Rowan who was my boyfriend for two years until I was 25 years old. I've had two short relationships since then. One with an older man called Gerard which lasted a year and a half. The other with a French teacher named Laurent, who went back to France a year after we first started dating. I liked both of them, but they weren't the one. That's more or less my love history, until just before I started writing about my life.