Marius Andresciu is a vampire, born in 1752. Jaded and ancient, he's seen it all, done it all. In 1968, he wanders the streets of Paris...bored...hungry... He sees a young girl--Caity--an American from New Orleans...an art student...and falls in love, something that isn't supposed to happen to his kind. He poses for her. She creates a masterpiece which will bring her fame and fortune.
"He'd begin to be touched by something which had never before been a part of his long and varied life...conscience...and it was a markedly unpleasant feeling--especially since he began to listen to it.
The longer he was with the girl, the more he wanted her--her body, her blood, her soul--and the realization was slowly coming to him that he had to do what his desires were telling him--and very soon--or leave her forever. Marius didn't want to do either, for he'd discovered something for Caity that he'd never felt before and in that moment, it burst fully upon him, leaving him slightly breathless.
I love her!
. . . and on its heels came another thought . . .
Oh, cherie, I have to leave you!"
The night Caity finishes her statue, Marius disappears from her life.
In 2009, Marius is living in New Orleans. He owns The Gallerie, a studio known for its exhibitions of artwork by famous and soon-to-be famous artisans. He discovers Caity's masterpiece in a New York shop, buys it, plans to display it. Cousin Timon and brother Val argue--the statue looks just like him; people will ask the wrong questions. He shows the statue anyway, tells them the model was his father who supposedly had an affair with Caity when she studied in France.
The next day, an invitation comes in the mail...a letter from Caity inviting the son of the man she loved to her home. He thought her dead--humans are so fragile--
Should he go? Can he bear to see what the years have done to the woman he knew forty years ago while he has remained as youthful as he appeared on the day he met--and loved--her? A better question would be: Can Caity accept the love of a man who seems to be half her age?
The answer is one neither expects.
"Sometimes Love Returns" will appear in the February, 2009 (#4), issue of Sounds of the Night magazine. Another story of the Clan Andriescu--"Love, Vampire Style"--is available as a Black Rosette from The Wild Rose Press.
Toni, I enjoyed this. : ) Liz
This sounds like a story we won't soon forget!
Wow, I have no idea how you're going to resolve this. So intriguing! Where can I get a copy of the magazine?
I love this story. I'm so glad it is the feature story. Toni, you are becoming an expert at book trailers. There's you a new career. People make money doing trailers. This one was great. I loved the way you cut the music in--seamless.
For any interesting in getting Sounds of the Night, the addy is:
http://www.samsdotpublishing.com/purchasecenter/magazines.htm