Carla felt like a robot as Esmee ushered her back to the room. “She’s perfect,” Esmee declared as Falcon looked on approvingly.
They left the atelier with Carla still in shock.
“Falcon, I can’t even begin to imagine how much this dress cost…”
“It’s a gift.” Falcon replied.
“I-I don’t know what to say.”
“How about “thank you” and let’s not hear another word about it please,” he pleaded.
Charles was waiting as they rounded the corner. Carla silently boarded and kept quiet.
Falcon reached for her hand. “I like this docile side of your nature,” he teased.
Charles brought them to an imposing building and from the architectural design of columns and arches, Carla concluded it had to be an opera house.
“Welcome to the Palais Garnier,” Charles intoned as he opened the door for them.
Carla understood why she needed to change. She couldn’t imagine traipsing the halls of the opulent building in her jeans and sneaks. The decadence of the architectural masterpiece wouldn’t allow it.
Everything took her breathe away. She gazed speechless at spectacular arabesques, strolled down a decadent foyer with mirrors, painting mosaics and chandeliers that blinded her. They ascended the famous staircase, the Grand Escalier, to gaze at the statue of the Prophetess Pythia. Everything was opulent, dazzling in gilded gold.
They emerged hours later and was driven to the Louvre, another piece of architecture that left Carla drooling. Inside they were met by a guide who led them through a private tour. Carla stood in awe in front of masterpieces that had brought the Louvre tremendous fame.
The Mona Lisa by Da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory, the Raft of Medusa, the Dying Slave by Michelangelo and other world-renowned painters that she only read about in Art class. They were all there for her to see and admire.
It was as if time stood still. She could stay here forever and just drown in all the historical wonders The Louvre had to offer. But the tour had come to an end and it was time to go. She was actually surprised how dark the sky had become when they finally emerged.
“You must be famished,” Falcon declared.
Carla nodded noting they hardly stopped for lunch. He must be hungry too.
Falcon took her to dinner at Verjus, a charming restaurant on the Rue de Richelieu. One can hardly tell by its unmarked iron gate, well-worn steps and gray painted doors that it was one of the best places to eat in Paris.
Falcon pored over the menu before deciding what they wanted. Dinner started with Lasagne of Dorset crab, beurre Nantais & pea shoots. Next came Roast chateaubriand of Cumbrian beef, truffle Pomme purée & artichokes, followed by Fillet of Cornish wild halibut, Jerusalem artichoke purée, artichokes barigoule & Bayonne ham. Carla lost herself in every dish that came along. Everything was mouthwateringly delicious. Accompanied by the perfect wine meticulously selected for each course, it capped a perfect day for Carla.
***
Back at the Plaza Athenee, Carla discovered that Falcon booked the same rooms where they stayed the first time she arrived in Paris. She kicked off her shoes and padded barefoot towards the glass doors leading to the balcony. She stepped outside and closed her eyes to savor the balmy breeze. The majestic Eiffel glowed in the distance.
Carla wanted to etch permanently into her mind everything she had seen today. She knew that nothing in her life compared to being in Paris and seeing all the glorious sights the city had to offer. And it was all thanks to Falcon.
“What are you thinking,” his voice addressed her.
Carla turned to see that he had come to join her. It occurred fleetingly he had finally breached the door that separated their bedrooms. But at that very moment, it didn’t seem to matter. It almost felt like the most natural thing in the world.
He stood behind her and placed both hands gently on her shoulders.
“I’m thinking that I’m sorry I lied to you,” Carla replied.
“Lied to me about what?”
“Telling you that I regret ever having slept with you.”
An intake of breath followed her confession.
She turned around so that she faced him. He was so close she could feel the heat emanating from his body. She reached up and caressed the side of his cheek allowing her thumb to trace the outline of his eyebrows, his nose, lips and chin. Then she reached for the back of his head and pulled him close as his lips met hers in a kiss.
