“As long as you’re comfortable. But I suggest you change to walking shoes and bring a light jacket. It gets chilly at night.”
The feeling of awesomeness followed as Carla entered the suite. The room was done in shades of gray, mauve, and white. The rich texture of white linen blended perfectly with the mauve in the decorative pillows and then added onto the curtains. The gray upholstery of the sofa sat perfectly with the darker patterns on the throw pillows.
Carla headed for the bathroom and squealed in delight. It was huge, bright, and full of light. The bathtub was in white, similar to the floor, but with gray etchings running across the slabs. Adjacent to the bathroom door was another door. Carla immediately knew this was the door leading to Falcon’s suite. She twisted the knob gently, afraid he would hear, and discovered it was locked.
He has the key from his side of the room,” she concluded.
Carla walked over to the window and was immediately greeted by a miniature view of the Eiffel Tower. She remembered those gift globes that was common in gift shops, the ones that showered white flakes when shaken. It felt so near she could almost touch it.
Remembering her promise to be downstairs in 15 minutes, Carla scrambled back to the room in search of her luggage. She rifled through her shoes and settled for a pair of white sneakers. Remembering Falcon’s comment about the weather turning chilly, she searched for a light sweater before heading out.
Falcon was at the lobby chatting with the receptionist. Carla felt instant jealousy spike inside. She plastered a huge smile on her face as she approached. Falcon saw her and immediately met her halfway.
“Shall we,” he asked offering his elbow.
Carla gladly took it and fervently wished the receptionist was watching as they left the lobby.
Dusk had settled outside creating a magical effect in Carla’s mind. She felt ridiculously happy and lightheaded. Everything felt right, even her arm that was entwined around his elbow.
“Its faster by car, but I assume you prefer to walk,” Falcon commented.
“Yes. Walk!” Carla replied sounding breathy.
Falcon smiled indulgently. Carla stopped every now and then to admire the architectural style of a particular building as they strolled towards Alma-Marceau when the smell of stagnant aroma assailed her senses. She wrinkled her nose. “What’s that smell?”
“It’s the Seine,” Falcon informed her. It tends to announce its presence when the breeze is coming your way. We have to cross the Pont de l’Alma and from there it is a short walk to the Tower.”
Carla didn’t care if it smelled like a sewer. This was Paris and Falcon had taken her hand casually and held on to it as they rushed to get across the bridge. They made their way down to Quai Branley and passed a beautiful church with soaring spires, the Cathedrale de la Sainte Trinite and the Quai Branley museum, famous for its mur vegetal, the vertical gardens, before turning left into a park. They followed a circuitous foot path before finally reaching their destination.
Carla imagined they would stay at the spot and just stare upwards at the tower ablaze in lights. But Falcon pulled her away.
“Where’re we going? We just got here,” Carla complained.
“You’ll get a crick staring at the tower this close. I know a better place,” Falcon replied leading her northward. After a few minutes of brisk walking, they reached an open court yard. Falcon gently took her by the shoulder and turned her around. “This is Place de Trocadero. It offers the best view of the Eiffel,” he whispered.
Carla gasped. He was right. The tower was still close enough to be seen in its full glory. From this short distance, Carla couldn’t see the fabled metallic color because the tower was all lit up.
“Wait for it…wait for it,” Falcon said glancing at his watch.
Carla wondered, when suddenly, the tower burst into life in an amazing light show. It sparkled and shimmered with hundreds of opalescent bulbs while the tip of the tower emitted light beams that lit up the whole city.
For a whole five minutes, Carla was speechless. The kaleidoscope of golden lights pulsing and twinkling, coupled with the light beams shooting waves of light that lit up the city was breathtaking. This had to be one of the most enthralling spectacle she had ever witnessed. After the light show was over, the Iron lady returned to being bathed in golden glow.
“That was beautiful,” Carla said huskily. “Thank you for showing me that.”
It was only then she realized they were still holding hands.
“We should kiss,” Falcon suddenly suggested. “That would make it a total experience for you.”
Carla thought she heard wrong. But Falcon faced her and held both sides of her cheeks then tilted her head before planting a kiss on her lips. It wasn’t a passionate kiss. His lips tenderly brushed against hers before he pulled away.
Whoa. He could do better!
Carla felt embarrassed by the sudden intimacy. Falcon seemed okay with it. She didn’t want to do anything or say anything that would alter the fragile bond they had at the moment. He did go out of his way to show her this.
To mask her embarrassment, she asked instead. “Where to next?”
“Champs- Elysees? Its considered one of the most beautiful avenues in the world. I have reservations at L’Atelier. Arc de Triomphe is nearby so we can do that too before calling it a night.”
