Grape

In 1997, I spent the summer in Paris. It was a summer I will never forget. Besides experiencing new culture, new food and new people, I found love. His name was Olivier and he was the definition of handsome. We met at the Parc de Bagatelle and it was love at first sight.

We explored all of Paris together, from the Louvre, the Luxembourg Gardens, Musee Marmottan, the Notre Dame Cathedral and more. We spent endless days together holding hands, sipping wine and talking about our past, future and dreams. He was so sexy and masculine, he was such a man!

We had so much in common, a love for art, fine food, great wine and grape candy. Yes, as odd as it may seem, grape candy. Olivier and I both frequently indulged in Grape Now and Laters, Grape Crush Jelly Belly beans, Grape Taffy, Grape Jolly Ranchers, etc. It was like a drug. In between our long passionate kisses, we would feed each other all types of Grape Gumballs, Jolly Joes and Grape Laffy Taffy. It was heaven on earth.

I guess all good things must come to an end. As I got out of the shower one day, I could see in the mirror’s reflection Olivier rummaging through my purse and removing my last piece of Grape Bubbaloo Bubble Gum and chewing it. I confronted him about it later that day and he denied it. He said it was all my imagination. That is when I realized his love for me was all a fraud. He only wanted me for my grape candy.

He had used his pretty boy charm and French accent on me and used me for my grape candy. He didn’t love me at all! Maybe I was too young and naïve to see it at the time, or maybe I just closed my eyes to it. I left Paris soon after, broken hearted. As much as it still hurts, I thank Olivier for teaching me a valuable life lesson. NEVER share your grape candy. Not your Grape Frooties, not your Grapeheads and especially not your Grape Original Gourmet Lollipops. If they truly love you they can get their own (and a little more for you too).