Excerpt of 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover - A Novella and Other Short Stories by Carolyn Moncel

It hadn’t felt like she’d slept very long but when Ellery Roulet awoke, it was already well past dinner time.

The day had been quite an emotional one; she was glad that Julien, her husband of ten years, had picked up their children from school in order to let her sleep. Now, she wouldn’t have to make dinner either. Julien had allowed the girls the rare treat of eating at McDonalds. The smell of French fries wafted through her bedroom.

Quickly, she pulled her clothes back on and padded down the hallway. She found her ten-year-old twins, Evie and Maddie still awake and watching cartoons in their bedroom. Ellery sat on the foot of Evie’s bed.

"Hey, little ladies, where’s your dad?" asked Ellery yawning.

"Someone called and papa said he needed to go back to his office," said Evie. "He said that he would be working late tonight."

"Okay...well, did you have enough to eat?"

"Of course! We went to McDonalds, mom!" Maddie stated proudly.

"Then I guess that means you’re both sufficiently full...for now," Ellery said with a wink. "Is your homework done?" "Oui," they answered in unison. "Don’t forget your baths...and bedtime is in about an hour," Ellery cautioned as she raised herself from the bed and left the room. The girls’ groans of protest echoed behind her.

Later after getting the girls settled into bed, Ellery stepped outside on to her apartment balcony. It was a chilly night but clear without clouds or stars. As she took in the Parisian skyline, she could see the Eiffel Tower, lit up and sparkling in the distance. When it got too cold, Ellery went inside and tried dialing her friend Lola who lived near Place Saint-Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. There was no answer on her mobile. Instead Ellery left a message on her voicemail. Knowing Lola, she was out with one of her latest conquests. Once Lola had a chance to do the "walk of shame" back to her flat, shower and sleep off the previous nights’ effects, she would call Ellery with all the delicious details.

Part Spanish and French, Lola Sanchez was Ellery’s partner in crime. Still single and about five years her junior, Ellery had met Lola through her former business partner, Olivier Rousseau. The two had dated on and off for a while. When it was over, Lola and Ellery remained friends, even if the once-loving couple hated each other presently. The funny thing was Ellery never knew if and when Lola and Olivier were over. For all Ellery knew, Lola was with Olivier right now.

Lola was a lot of fun to have around—especially on a girls’ night out. Although she was beautiful and smart, Lola also was loud, crazy, free-spirited and impulsive. She always had Ellery’s back. She was up for almost anything, anytime and anywhere and that’s why Ellery loved her so much.

Ellery allowed herself at least one night per month to let loose with friends like Lola. Sometimes they would meet up for dinner and a movie or attend an art gallery opening. Ellery even remembered one particular night when she and Lola hung out at some bar in the 9th arrondissement and received free foot massages from shirtless, hunky male servers. Later when she strolled into her apartment at 4 a.m., Julien wasn’t even angry or jealous. Actually, he seemed really turned on by Ellery’s adventure. There was no reason for him to feel threatened anyway because Julien knew he could trust her. Ellery could look without touching; she was just loyal that way.

Since Lola wasn’t available, Ellery considered calling her younger brother, Steve for moral support, but it was the middle of the day back in Chicago. He was probably working. Plus, he had his own problems. With an impending divorce from Leah, she didn’t want him worrying about her, too.

Ellery needed to keep her mind occupied. Sitting at her dining room table, she remembered there was still some mail that needed tending–mostly bills. Recalling that she had placed all incoming mail on the hall table, she began sifting through the correspondence again, separating them into personal and business piles. Letters for Julien were placed in a neat stack on his roll-stop desk in the alcove. There was one last letter that couldn’t be categorized, for she intended to keep it secret from him. It contained the day’s most distressing news.

*****

Good Evening my Belle,

I am writing to you because I have finally made a decision. It is you that I want, Katrine, and not my wife, Ellery. You were right when you said that life was too short. I am begging you to come away with me now! We can leave everything behind and start over – just you, me and your son. If you are with child, we can await the arrival together. I have always wanted to see Africa and now you can show me what enchants you so much about your homeland. Our shared interest of this magnificent continent is a sign that we should seize this chance to start over.

As for Ellery and the twins, they will be fine. Even after I quit my job and leave, she will return to the United States and file for divorce. Then, you and I can be happy as we had planned. I can begin a real relationship with your son. Katrine, I do want to be your husband.

Please don’t say no. I hope you are ready to come with me.

I patiently await your response to my letter. Sleep well, Katrine.

Love,

Julien