Publisher's Synopsis
French Immigrant, PETER, is a thirty something, educated, talented artist new to the United States, making his way working at a convenience store until he can attract the attention of the local art world. Handsome, soft spoken, reserved with European manners, and his accent, Peter attracts the attention and ear of many strangers as he spends his days learning the language, exploring the aspects of American culture, peering inside the American dream. The first night of spring, as fate would have it, a beautiful young woman is standing at his counter. Instantly Peter is attracted to her and believes that she has walked into his life for a reason. Her name is SUSAN. She is a sexy, tall brunette with gorgeous big green eyes and terrific smile. Poised and elegant she is not typical of the women Peter has met before. He is drawn in and curious. But she is looking for directions to meet another man: she has a date tonight and is going to his place. Because she can't find the address, she calls him and when he finally arrives, he is intoxicated and can hardly walk. Peter wonders what her story is. He cannot stop thinking of her and visualizing her body. A couple weeks pass, and after a few bungled attempts, they finally get together and for Peter it is magic. They are like first time lovers in their own world full of passion and desire, deliriously happy and content, allowing nothing to interfere with them; however, soon into their relationship, Peter learns that Susan is a twice divorced, mother of six, marginally employed, financially, emotionally, and spiritually needy. Peter is oblivious to all of these small details, for he believes he has found his soul mate. Peter's nightmare begins only after Susan is fully aware of how deeply in love he is with her. She gradually makes demands on his time and finances, depending on him to take care of her and help raise her children even though they are in the custody of their father. The children are devoted to their mother and want her time and attention every second, competing with each other as well as Peter. They treat her as though she is the child and they are the parents. However, her ex husband, JACOB, wants Susan to come back and live with him. So he is constantly calling Peter's apartment and hanging around Susan's job to speak with her, cajole, or bribe her. Eventually, Susan gives in and sleeps with Jacob again only to come back to Peter hysterical, crying, and begging his forgiveness. Peter responds with open arms, for Susan is the woman he loves and the one he is going to spend his life with. He trusts her implicitly and never doubts a word she says even after the affair. When Susan's parents, MICHELLE and DONOVAN, a wealthy, middle class couple, learn of the relationship, the road gets even more rocky because the mother wants her daughter to go back to Jacob because he is well off and has more to offer Susan. (Ironically, Michelle had had an affair with Jacob also) Outwardly, she says she does not approve of Peter because he is poor, French man whose English is too hard to understand, and this is all the reason she gives. Michelle plans an impromptu family vacation because she feels the need to be surrounded by her family; only later does the family realize that their mother is dying of cancer. The vacation is ruined by Susan's younger sister, who proves to be a real nemesis causing more arguments and discord. Additionally, Susan and Peter fight because she is flirting with another man and ignoring him. It is a virtual three-ring circus with Peter in the middle of the chaos. But in the end, Susan and Peter kiss and make-up pledging their love for each other. They are married in a small civil ceremony with her two youngest children present. Peter is walking on air; he cannot believe his good fortune. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Peter is in love and wants to keep his bride happy at all costs.
