Me and Audrey
Hi. I’m Tara Lain and when I was a kid, people used to call me Sabrina. I’m delighted to introduce you today to my new novel that’s an homage and loosely based on that old romantic movie that starred Audrey Hepburn. It’s called Return of the Chauffeur’s Son.
While most of Audrey’s career was before my time, she was still wildly popular when I was young – and really still is today. Her pictures are collected on Pinterest and people who’ve only seen her films on TV still worship her. When I was young, people used to say I looked like her. Just like today, I wore my hair short like she did. I have a long neck and a heart-shaped face. I’ve always been on the thin side. No one could say I have her charm, but I am outgoing. The fact that people said I resembled her, of course, tended to make me even more interested in her, so I’ve seen most of her films – including Sabrina — many times.
When Dreamspinner Press asked me to write a book with strong tropes, preferably including a billionaire, Sabrina popped into my mind. The story is packed with so many of our favorite tropes – billionaires, rich boy/poor boy, friends to lovers, and love triangles. I didn’t want to be too derivative, plus there’s a lot about the film that reflects attitudes of the 1950s when it was made. Sabrina is sent to Paris to forget her passion for the rich son and she dabbles in gourmet cooking and meets an older man who mentors her. None of that works in a contemporary story. So my hero has a serious job in his own right and we even throw in a bit of culinary espionage to add to his problems. I also reset the story in Napa Valley, California.
So my early comparison to Audrey pushed me to write a favorite book and I hope you enjoy it as much I loved writing it!
That soft, deep voice slithered up his spine and filled his brain with even more fog. He turned and watched Dylan amble toward him across the grass, dressed in black jeans and a black long-sleeved T-shirt. He moves like a cat. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you in anything but a suit before.”
“It does happen—occasionally.” Dylan half smiled.
“They should star you in a movie about a panther that turns into a human.”
“Cat People?”
Luca cocked his head. “You know that old movie?”
“Yes. Movies are a passion of mine.”
“Seriously. I thought you just worked all the time.”
“Surprise.” His light green eyes sparkled.
Luca leaned back against the fence. “What are some of your favorites?”
Dylan stepped to the fence and leaned against it too, about two feet from Luca. Do I really feel heat coming off his skin? Luca took a deep breath.
Dylan looked up at the stars. “I love No Country for Old Men.”
Luca barked a little laugh.
Dylan glanced at him. “Funny?”
“It’s just the stereotype of the powerful businessman taking out his enemies wholesale. Sorry.”
“Okay. Well, I love The Notebook.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Nope. I don’t think it’s a great movie, but I do love the chemistry between the young couple.”
“Yeah, the old couple’s story was even too sappy for me.”
“I love Michael Clayton.”
“No shit!” Luca chuckled. “One of the least appreciated movies ever. Love that film.”
“But I’ll see almost anything with Tilda Swinton in it.”
“Me too.” He shook his head. How could they have so much in common?
“I also love My Fair Lady.”
“Now you are joking.”
Dylan smiled and gazed at Luca. “No, I’m not joking. I’m gay. Remember?”
The word felt like a karate chop to the windpipe. “Uh, right. Sometimes I forget.”
“So, how’s the new job?”
“Uh, wonderful. They really want me to develop new recipes and dishes. It’s what I love—along with wine making.”
“Oh? You’re interested in viticulture?”
Luca nodded. “Part of my degree is in winery management.”
Dylan pushed away from the fence. “You’re a man of many talents, Luca.”
What the fuck did he mean by that?
Dylan strolled a few feet toward the house.
Luca said, “By the way, I wanted you to know that James invited my dad and me to your party and polo match this weekend.”
That got his attention. He looked back with a crease between the beautiful eyes. “Oh? When did he do that?”
“Earlier tonight, when he and Nila had dinner at the restaurant. She seconded the invitation and, since it’s kind of her party, I figured it would be okay.” Did that sound like he had a chip on his shoulder?
“Then I’m sure it must be okay.”
Luca stared at the grass. “If you ever want somebody to watch a movie with, just holler.” Crap! He wanted to bite off the tip of his tongue.
Dylan looked equally astonished. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He turned and walked into the shadows.
Why the hell did I say that? The sound of the big house door opening and closing carried across the quiet space.
Dylan just looks so lonely.
And so damned beautiful.
Congratulations Tara on your new release the book sounds really good and I enjoyed the excerpt. I’m looking forward to read Luca’s story.
Thank you, Shirley Ann. This was sure a fun one to write. : )
Congrats on the new book. Do enjoy stories that feature unrequited love.
Hi Jess — This one’s a love triangle, so eventually all love is requited! LOL
Congrats on the new book. The story sounds great. I will be reading this one.
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy it. : )
I’ve been looking forward to this one!
Hope you love it, Trix! : )
I love the idea that… ‘you haven’t dreamed big enough.’ I wonder how many of us this can be said of. It’s never to late to start!
I love Tara’s work, I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for writing a new book Tara! 🙂