Chapter Five
The Paris of her imaginings never came close to the actual Paris viewed from the descending plane. Charles De Gaulle International airport was in sight just as the sun was setting in the horizon showering the landscape with a golden hue. Tightly packed rooftops in silvery bluish tinge spread for miles, interspersed with low-rise edifices bounded by open spaces in a sea of green. Modern buildings were clustered together overlooking the city as if defying the contemporary with their more modern mien. Lording the landscape was the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower, gloriously basking in the golden glow of the setting sun. Carla pressed her forehead against the window to take in as much of the view that was offered until the plane’s wing hid the iconic spires.
So engrossed was she, yet she noticed that Falcon had come to join her. The excitement of being in another country made her giddy she momentarily forgot they weren’t speaking.
“It’s beautiful,” she gushed.
“Yes, it is,” Falcon agreed gently. “Wait till you see the rest of the city. Paris time zone is 7 hours ahead so I thought it best to proceed to Alsace by tomorrow. I booked us rooms at the Hotel Plaza Athenee.”
“You did?” she replied coolly trying to hide her excitement.
She remembered they weren’t speaking.
“I figured you wouldn’t want to miss out on the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysees on your first day in Paris.”
A hotel service limo was waiting for them as both exited from the plane. A uniformed driver tipped his hat as they approached. “Bonsoir Monsieur Manchester. It’s good to have you back.”
“Good Evening, Charles. I’m glad to be back. This is Miss Hornsby, my travelling companion.”
“Bonsoir Mademoiselle Hornsby.”
“Good Evening,” Carla replied, noting it would be wise to get her hands on a French dictionary.
Charles retrieved their bags and stowed it away inside the trunk of the stretch limo. Carla’s head whirled from side to side as she tried to drink in as much of the city along the way. There was something about the sight, sound, and smell of this place that made her giddy.
Falcon was looking out the window from his side in the limo. It was so thoughtful and considerate of him to even think about showing her the sights before proceeding to Riquewihr, Carla mused.
“We’re here Monsieur, Mademoiselle,” Charles announced as he eased the car into the curb fronting the entrance.
Carla stepped out and gazed at Plaza Athenee. Majestic, elegant, and glamorous were some of the superlatives that came to mind. The elegant edifice had wild ivy climbing and scrambling against the windows where red awnings hung. Potted geranium flowers in full bloom nestled against the iron balcony on every floor.
Carla was mesmerized by the sidewalk. She was transported to a scene in “Sex and the City” and felt like strutting down Avenue Montaigne which was dotted with fabulous boutiques. Fashionably dressed women walked by with armloads of shopping bags.
A bellhop retrieved their bags as Carla shadowed Falcon across the bustling lobby towards the check-in counter.
“Monsieur Manchester, its great to have you back,” a stunning receptionist greeted. Carla thought the blonde batted her eyelashes exceedingly more than she should before the blue eyes acknowledged her presence. The receptionist’s smile lessened in intensity.
“My room is ready?” Falcon asked.
“Oui Monsieur, with the adjoining room as you requested.”
Carla saw fleeting disappointment on the girl’s face.
“How many times has he been here with a woman,” Carla wondered.
Falcon led her to an elevator that hummed silently.
“That woman is attracted to you,” she couldn’t help herself.
Falcon rolled his eyes and snorted. Carla waited for a response but none came. He obviously wasn’t giving her the satisfaction of a response.
The elevator doors opened and Carla was immediately enthralled with the art deco theme that was the hallway. Her heels sunk silently in the plush carpet as they passed series of doorways with brass plates proclaiming the suites’ names.
“This is you,” he announced, handing her a key before proceeding to a door further down.
Carla remembered the receptionist’s comment about adjoining rooms. There had to be access from inside her room to his. The idea was disturbing yet thrilling.
“Falcon?” she hailed before he entered his own room. “Is this okay,” she asked gesturing to her clothes.
