Chapter Eight
If Carla had special powers she would make time stop. Time would compose only the hours inside her suite at the hotel where she and Falcon made love all through the night. She could replay it anytime she wanted, a loop that was permanently set on those wonderful hours when Paris was just about her and Falcon.
She staggered out of bed at 6 A.M. feeling that her bladder was full. She moved quietly for fear of waking him as he snored lightly sleeping on his belly.
Carla tiptoed to the toilet, relieved herself, and washed her hands, when she noted her reflection on the mirror. Her eyes were shining but her hair looked like a bird just made its nest there. She didn’t want Falcon to see her that way. She found her purse among the heap of clothes scattered on the floor. She rummaged within until her fingers came in contact with something round. She pulled it out. It was a prescription bottle Dr. Beasley gave her for the baby. The bottle was now empty and needed a refill.
“Oh god,” Carla moaned feeling guilty and suddenly worried about her baby. Work in the house filled all her waking hours and things had been so hectic she had almost forgotten.
She planned on getting a refill in Riquewihr but the thought occurred that being a small town, word might get around. She already knew that people were wondering about her and the work she was doing at Falcon’s house.
I could do it now. There must be a pharmacy somewhere near. It shouldn’t take too long. I could be back even before Falcon wakes up
Her mind made up, Carla changed into clothes from yesterday’s trip. She scribbled a note, just in case Falcon did wake up. She planned to tear it up if he was still asleep when she returned. That would spare her from making up a story about her sudden excursion.
The lobby was still deserted as she headed for the door. She spotted a valet at the sidewalk and asked for direction to the nearest pharmacy. She was relieved when he assured her there was one only two blocks away from the hotel.
Carla walked fast. Now that she was actually on her way, her heart skipped just thinking that Falcon was now awake and wondering where she went. She could say she needed a breath of fresh air. But that sounded lame. Even she knew she still wanted to be ensconced in his arms.
I’ll cross that bridge when I get there,She decided.
The pharmacy was just some meters away. She entered hoping the pharmacist spoke English. Unfortunately, her luck did not carry that far.
She showed him the prescription bottle and rubbed her belly. He understood. He read the label and disappeared in the back. He reappeared and handed her a new bottle.
“Merci,” Carla said as she paid for the prescription.
She hurried out the door. “That was easy,” she thought. She could hurry back to the hotel and climb into bed. Falcon wouldn’t even know she was gone.
“Carla? Carla Hornsby?” A voice called out her name.
Carla whirled and thought the world had come to an end. Of all people to run into.
“Lindsay,” Carla could barely utter the name.
“What are you doing in Paris? Have you found a rich daddy? You haven’t called me since the day I left.” Lindsay was excited, presumptuous and accusing all at the same time.
“Lindsay, I-I…” Carla stuttered. A million scenarios went through her head. But she had to gather her composure and avoid any disaster from this unexpected run-in. “I just arrived last night. I’m supposed to meet this man here in Paris who heard about my work. He paid for my ticket. You know how it is with my kind of job. I had nothing to lose.” She shrugged pretending indifference.
“I’m staying at the Four Seasons. Where are you staying?” Lindsay was curious.
“Oh, some hole in the wall. Nothing fancy really. I just thought about taking a walk before the meeting.”
Carla couldn’t keep up with the lying. Lindsay would notice she was uneasy. She shifted the conversation. “How about you? I thought you were in Monaco with Hans. How’s that going, by the way? Has he proposed yet?”
Lindsay shrugged then smiled. “We had a big fight. I know he’s been putting off giving me that ring. Last night I left for Paris hoping to send him a message that I wasn’t staying around. It worked. He followed me here. Nothing like a French leave to send a message across.”
“That’s great, “Carla pretended enthusiasm. She remembered Falcon who was still sleeping when she left. “I really need to go. You shouldn’t leave Hans alone for too long.”
“Hey, “Lindsay called out, “Let’s have dinner tonight?”
“I can’t. I’m leaving soon after the meeting. But I’ll call you after I get settled.” Carla waved.
Lindsay looked at her strangely.
Carla knew she couldn’t go directly to the hotel with Lindsay watching. She crossed the street to throw her off then pretended to turn into a corner. A few seconds later, she peeked and saw that Lindsay was gone.
Carla retraced her steps back to the Athenee. She felt paranoid. She expected Lindsay to suddenly pop out of nowhere. She made it through the door and into the lobby, entering the first elevator that was available.
