Mrs. Martin & Mr. Blohm Series - Episode Three:
I thought I did it all wrong

Almost four years later, it was late September in Munich — the crisp chill settling in as the sun dipped low, leaves beginning to turn rich shades of orange, beige, and brown. A final farewell to summer lingered in the air, signaling that something was coming to an end — and with endings, hopefully, a new beginning. That is, in Regina’s opinion, the true beauty of the four seasons.

Regina met her same group of friends — Elena, Barbara, Stephan, and Tom, whom you’ve already met in Episode 2 — at Waldwirtschaft, the famous Bavarian beer garden in Munich. They had gathered here before, back when she had just turned 30 and bought her wedding dress.

Barbara (the snake with the long tongue, as Regina liked to call her): “How are you doing, Regina? You don’t look good at all.”

Regina (with irony): “Really? I didn’t know that.”

She knew she didn’t look good. She was pale, too slim, her movements tired. Her whole presence seemed drained — because that’s exactly how she felt. Tired of a stagnant life.

Elena: “I’m sure it’s because of Paul.”

Barbara: “Who is Paul?” (in a mocking tone) “Regina, I can’t believe you’re still with him after almost four years — even though you knew from the start that he wasn’t the man you wanted to marry. Your wedding dress is still under your bed!”

Everyone laughed — except Regina.

Elena, who always had advice she never followed herself: “Why did you move in with Paul? That made it worse. You told me you’d never move in with a man unless you were sure he was ‘the one’.”

Regina: “I know, fault-finder. Do it better yourself. I’ve lost the path, and I don’t know how to find it again.”

Stephan, her closest male friend — and openly gay — jumped in: “Regina, you need to change something — now. Otherwise, you’ll turn 60 and still haven’t worn that wedding dress! Move on! You’re miserable, wasting your valuable time with someone who doesn’t match you at all. You’re just scared to change.”

Nearly crying, Regina thought: All of you are so clever, but none of you are in a serious relationship — and you want to give me advice?

Regina: “You’re all great critics, but none of you show me how to do it better.”

Barbara: “But your case is worse than ours. That wedding dress has been sitting under your bed for four years — and what’s happened since then? Nothing!”

Regina, once so sure of herself, now felt uncertain. Her 35th birthday was just six months away — nearly five years past her original goal of marrying by 30 — and still, there was no hope in sight. The dream of marrying her Italian love in Miami felt more distant than ever. Four years had passed when Stephan, raising an eyebrow with a sly grin, asked, “Tell me, Regina — aside from tennis matches and breakfasts with pineapple, what do you and Paul really have in common?”

Regina: “That’s unfair. There’s more to our relationship than that.”

Stephan: “Really? Like what?”

She hesitated too long.

Barbara: “Exactly. Nothing.”

Regina: “He has an erotic voice and—”

Stephan interrupted: “I’m not asking what you like about him. I’m asking what you share. It can’t be sex — or is it heaven on earth, Spatzl?”

(Spatzl is a Bavarian word for “little sparrow,” Stephan’s affectionate nickname for Regina — because he always saw her soft, sensitive side despite her cool exterior.)

Suddenly, Regina’s phone rang. It was her mother, Mutschko — a special name she had created instead of calling her Mom or Mama, to make her stand out from all the other moms.

Mutschko: “Hello Regina, where are you?”

Regina: “At the beer garden — Waldwirtschaft.”

Mutschko: “With whom?”

Regina: “With Elena, Barbara, Stephan, and Tom.”

Mutschko: “Oh, I see. But where’s Paul?”

Regina: “We had an argument.”

Mutschko: “That’s nothing new.”

Her friends were whispering in the background.

Regina: “Mutschko, I’ll call you back. It’s not a good time.”

Mutschko: “I just wanted to know your Christmas plans. I know it’s still four months away, but you know me — I like to be prepared!”

Regina: “Christmas? But it’s only September!”

Mutschko: “Well, will you be celebrating with Paul?”

Regina shivered at the thought.

Regina: “I have to go. I’ll call you.”

Mutschko: “No answer is also an answer. Have a wonderful evening, and please, Regina — take care of yourself.”

Regina (firmly): “From now on, I will. I’ve forgotten for far too long.”

Barbara: “What does your mother say about your relationship with Paul?”

Regina: “Paul isn’t a bad person — my mother even likes him. But I don’t want just a slice of life with someone. I want the whole cake — the full picture of what I’m dreaming about. Like in the movie Pretty Woman, when Richard Gere drives with his chauffeur, the limo’s rooftop down, waving red roses in the air, honking below Vivian’s apartment, playing their favorite opera song. Even though he’s terrified of heights, he climbs the fire escape with roses between his teeth to prove his love. Then he asks, ‘So what happened after he climbed the tower to rescue her?’ And she replies, ‘She rescued him right back.’ That’s what I want — a love that rescues both of us.”

Tom, ever the realist, rolled his eyes.

Tom: “Pretty Woman is just a movie, Regina — not real life.”

Barbara: “You’re hopeless.”

Elena: “There’s no such thing out there.”

Regina: “Vivian didn’t compromise — and I don’t like compromise either! A compromise means both people only get half. But if we’re honest about what we really want — maybe I just want the peel, and he wants the juice — then we both get 100%. That’s a real partnership, in my opinion.”

They talked for hours, but no one had the answer. There’s no recipe for finding the right partner. Even couples married for decades can’t always explain how they made it work. But very often, you can see the love between them. That was Regina’s takeaway: many people stay in relationships out of comfort, not connection. Out of fear, not fulfillment.

Later that evening, Regina rode her bike home to Paul’s — her home too — a beautiful condo overlooking Munich’s Viktualienmarkt. The Viktualienmarkt is so special, with all the vegetables and fruit stores direct from the farmer, the fresh butcher stores and the seafood corners — a must-visit when you’re in Munich! Even though he had once lived there with his ex-wife, Regina had tried to start over in that space. But it never truly felt like hers. Most nights, she slept in the guest room. That night was no different.

Paul was generous and kind, but they were living separate lives. He was successful, well-known in Munich, loved being recognized, and had no plans to ever leave — certainly not to move to Miami.

Regina, on the other hand, longed for change. The glamorous life, the events, the interviews — all began to feel meaningless. She had met Paul at a time when she felt adrift. She craved meaning, a sense of purpose, and the experience of building something real together. But deep down, she knew that life with Paul wasn’t fulfilling that longing.

The Underground Car Garage

The next morning, she had a dentist appointment. Normally, she would bike, but rain poured, so she drove and parked in an underground garage near the Opera House.

Suddenly, she heard her name.

It was Henry — her former colleague at Hugo Boss in Düsseldorf. Tall, charming, and once known as the ultimate company playboy. He still had that magnetic aura, but something seemed different…

Henry: “Regina! Good to see you!”

Regina: “Henry? What are you doing in Munich? Weren’t you in Düsseldorf?”

Henry: “Life’s about change. I’m now Managing Director at La Perla.”

Regina was stunned. He looked even more handsome than before — confident, accomplished, and glowing with the pride of his success. What people say must be true: power makes people sexier. In Henry’s case, Regina had to admit it. She could see how proud he was of his career, especially given that in the past, Henry hadn’t exactly been known for being the hard-working business type — he always preferred the bright side of life. But now, he seemed changed. Truly changed. 

Henry: “So, what are you doing now?”

Regina: “I work at Puma — in wholesale.”

Henry: “Puma? You’re not a Puma — you’re a Pearl.”

(So typical Henry — charming as always, and so eloquent!)

Regina: “Should I take that as a compliment?”

Henry: “Yes. Let’s have lunch tomorrow.” 

Wow, typical Henry — fast like always, nothing holds him back. Regina thinks to herself, maybe he’s thinking: what I couldn’t have back then, I’ll get now. And then she wonders, why am I so full of prejudice? Maybe he really has changed. Maybe he wants something serious now. Maybe I’m the right woman for Henry!  Why not just try? It’s only lunch, after all — what do I have to lose? Before she knows it, the words have already left her mouth.

Regina hesitated: “Why not?”

Henry: “Super. How about tomorrow. 1 PM. Sorrento — it was the most frequented lunch place back then, the place to see and be seen.”

Typical Henry — fast like always, wasting no time. Regina thought, Why not tomorrow? Then I’ll know right away if there’s anything there — or not.

So she agreed.

The Lunch

The next day, the sun was shining. Regina had to admit — she was nervous. She dressed up for lunch. Who knew what could happen, right? Maybe Henry really was the man she had been waiting for all these years — someone she had known for so long already. It would be so romantic!

She rode her bike from Viktualienmarkt to Theatinerstraße, a charming pedestrian street stretching from Odeonsplatz into Munich’s old town—lined with elegant buildings and shaded cafes under the watchful presence of Theatiner Church. It was October 1st, but the sunny weather still felt like summer. Henry was already waiting at Sorrento, the famous Italian restaurant nestled in one of the beautiful inner arcades. He had chosen a perfect table and stood to greet her like a true gentleman, kissing her cheeks the Bavarian way — right and left. Regina could smell his cologne, and it carried a subtle touch of eroticism.

Henry: “Hello Regina!”

Regina: “Hello Henry.”

He ordered a glass of Prosecco for himself and asked Regina if she would like one.

Henry: “Still your favorite?”

Regina declined. She already knew that many places wouldn’t have her favorite Prosecco brand, so she preferred to stick with mineral water. 

Henry: “So — what have you been doing all these years? I assume you’re married. After all, you were the most desired woman at Hugo Boss. But you only had eyes for the board members.”

Regina couldn’t believe it — that Henry started right away with the marriage question. The statements of the board members hadn’t bothered her so much, but this question felt like a knife to the heart. But in her usual cool, composed lady-like manner, she answered smoothly.

Regina: “No — I live with my boyfriend, but we’re not married. And you, Mr. Womanizer? Ok, I got you, Henry! So, you’re still the same type since I knew you from the Hugo Boss times — which means you’re not married and still chasing every skirt you can find?”

Henry (without missing a beat) conters:  “I’m happily married—and I have a one-year-old son.”

Regina was stunned. What? Henry? Married—with a child? It was unthinkable. He had everything she’d been longing for. In that moment, the quiet hope she’d been carrying, that maybe Henry could be the right man for her life, evaporated completely.

Maybe my friends were right, she thought. I’m a dreamer. A foolish one at that. The strong, self-assured woman I once was… she’s long gone.

Regina (trying to recover): “I’m happy for you Henry Really.”

Henry (smugly): “Thank you and I’ve earned it.”

Hello?! Regina thought. And I haven’t? What exactly did Henry do that I didn’t?

Regina: “Why do you say you’ve ‘earned’ it? What do you mean by that?”

Henry: “Oh, Regina. I’ve changed. A lot. Those wild Hugo Boss years are behind me. I met my wife and fell for her instantly. And since our son Julien was born, I treasure every moment I get to spend with him. The move from Düsseldorf to Munich was a good change for me, too. I’m in a more senior, responsible role now. Honestly, I think change could do you good as well. Or… is it something serious with your boyfriend?”

In the meantime, the charming Italian waiter approached. Regina ordered the Spaghetti Vongole — it was her favorite dish at the famed Italian hot spot Sorrento. A place frequented by Munich’s stylish elite. Henry ordered the Branzino and joked that he needed to watch his weight.

Regina (with a sharper tone): “Otherwise, I wouldn’t live with him, would I?”

Henry: “That doesn’t mean anything. Living together isn’t the same as committing to share a life together. Has he asked you to marry him?”

Regina: “We’ve been together for around four years. Things are… fine the way they are.”

But she was already planning how to change the subject. She didn’t want to appear fragile in front of Henry, and she still didn’t understand why he had invited her to lunch in the first place. Was he hoping for an affair? Wasn’t he the one totally in love with his wife and son?

These days could anyone be sure of anything even back in 2004. 

Regina: “So now that I know you’re married—and clearly not interested in me romantically—what was the real reason you wanted to meet?”

Henry (smiling): “You’re as smart as ever.”

Henry: “I actually invited you because I have a very attractive job offer. La Perla is hiring. You’d have your own showroom, a company car, a solid base salary with commission and a super bonus. On top of that, you’d be the one to introduce La Perla’s new Prêt-à-Porter line to Germany. Are you interested?”

Regina was shocked. What? A job offer? Her thoughts were spinning — how quickly a romantic lunch could turn into a business meeting!

Regina waved over the waiter and ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio — anything to soften the emotional punch.

Henry: “Tell me what you think. I haven’t posted the job yet. But when I bumped into you yesterday in the garage, I knew instantly — you’re the perfect match for La Perla and this role.”

Regina: “The job is not even posted yet? When I ran into you yesterday by chance — and this idea jumped into your head?”

Henry: “Exactly. Right match, right moment.”

Finally, something positive, Regina thought. Even if not in love — at least in business. But a job change hadn’t been part of her plan. Starting over again? That was another layer of insecurity.

Henry had already finished his Branzino and ordered a cappuccino. Regina’s plate of Spaghetti Vongole remained untouched. The waiter passed by and asked gently if everything was alright with the dish.

Regina apologized: “It’s not the food. I just lost my appetite.”

She joined Henry in ordering a cappuccino — hoping the caffeine would clear her thoughts.

Henry was happily married with a child.

Regina — unmarried, childless — was sitting across from him with an attractive job offer she didn’t even care about.

Once, the younger Regina would have jumped at such an offer with joy. But lately, her dreams had shifted. She had been moonlighting during her wholesale job at Puma, selling a few select Italian culinary icons — like aged Balsamic vinegar from Modena and olive oil from Apulia — to upscale restaurants. It earned her some extra income, and she secretly hoped it could become her real business someday. She had always dreamed of owning her own company.

Many friends had told her she’d be great in real estate, but that wasn’t her dream. Contracts, square footage, legal terms? Not her world. Besides, she believed that you never own the house — the house owns you. Regina lived for the sensual pleasures of life — if she were to run her own business, it would be in culinary products, because food was her truest joy.

All of this ran through her head when Henry interrupted.

Henry: “Can you imagine making a change?”

Regina, still technically employed at Puma, responded like a well-trained actress:

Regina: “No, never. I’m happy at Puma. And lingerie — even if it’s the Ferrari of the industry — it’s just not for me.”

Henry looked a little surprised but, true to form, remained smooth.

Henry: “Bad luck! I really thought you’d feel the same excitement I did. But hey, I can’t always be right. Right?”

He finished his cappuccino and asked for the check. Regina, meanwhile, kept stirring her cappuccino with her spoon.

Regina: “Yes, Henry — it was flattering that you thought of me for this opportunity.”

Henry: “Of course. When I saw you in that parking garage, I knew it was a sign. After all these years — and suddenly there you were, almost running into me!”

Henry: “It’s a pity you don’t feel the same. But if you change your mind, here’s my business card.”

He stood up. Regina asked to remain a bit longer — to finish her cappuccino and process everything.

A quick kiss on both cheeks, and he was gone.

Did I just make a mistake? Regina thought.

Had she been too quick to reject the offer? Too firm in saying, Never ever lingerie? Should she have asked more questions?

The more she thought about it, the more self-doubt crept in.

She barely recognized herself anymore — this woman sitting in her favorite Italian restaurant, now nearly empty after the lunch rush, staring with the spoon cappuccino until the foam was gone and compared in that moment her life with this cappuccino, her life looked like the tired cappuccino no foam anymore, just so naked like the capucciono in front of her.  

The Italian waiters tried to catch her attention, stealing glances in her direction — but she was too lost in her thoughts to notice. Near tears, she felt disoriented, unsure which way to turn, and no waiter could guide her out of it. When your eyes are brimming with tears, the world around you fades, leaving nothing in focus.

And then — as life often does — everything turned upside down.

The Termination

Just a few weeks later, Regina got fired from Puma — from one day to the other. Management had discovered her side business, which was against her contract — no matter how great her sales numbers were. Puma made no exceptions.

Losing her job overnight and becoming financially dependent on Paul at age 34 nearly sent Regina into a depression. Her best friend Eva, who had moved from Prague to San Francisco, heard the desperation in Regina’s voice during their many phone calls. Without hesitation, Eva flew to Munich. But when she arrived, she found her once vibrant friend shattered—not only from heartbreak, but now from the sudden job loss. Regina was barely recognizable. No matter what Eva said or did to lift her spirits, nothing seemed to reach her. Regina was locked in a silent fog, and Eva felt completely helpless to break through. 

The Divorce

Mr. Blohm, still living in Hamburg, discovered that his wife had cheated on him and was pregnant with another man’s child. Once the truth was confirmed, he packed his things, left their home, and filed for divorce. He declared firmly: marriage and serious relationships were no longer for him. The betrayal had hit him too deeply. From now on, Mr. Blohm might still enjoy good company and fun — but not real love ever again, he said that it was off the table for good. 

Episode Four will follow next Sunday, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the story of Mrs. Martin and Mr. Blohm so far — ideally with a glass of SYLTBAR in hand. 🍾