Within fifteen minutes, I’m all settled into the new room for my last night in Paris.Sitting down on the twin-sized bed, I sigh, then lay back.Even though it’s my last night, I’ve lost my appetite and don’t have the energy to go out.I choose to stay here until tomorrow.I have until lunch to explore one last time.As for tonight, tonight I put in my earbuds, turn on my favorite playlist and hole up in the security of this room, trying to avoid the traitor who stole my heart.
Chapter 9
Iwake up to the overheadlight blinding me and the curtains still wide open.It’s just after midnight when I see the clock on the nightstand.I pull the earbuds out and hear a ringing sound.It’s muffled, but can still be heard.I see my purse.Reaching down by my feet, I grab it and pull Olivier’s...ugh, Oliver’s phone out of it.When it lights up, it displays ten missed calls and several texts.Opening one, it’s for me, sent from him:Kandace, where are you?I’m using my friends’ phone.Come back to the room.I’ll meet you there.
Looking at the clock one more time, I’m wondering how I’m going to return his phone to him without seeing him again.I could leave it with Stefan, but I don’t know if I trust him to actually return it.Ugh.This sucks.I feel so betrayed by him.
One thing I know is that I’m not returning it tonight.I take off my pretty dress and turn out the overhead light before getting back in bed.I need sleep.If I have to confront Oliver tomorrow, I need to be rested or I might fall victim to his wicked ways again.And as much as my body says, “Oui,” my brain says, “Non.”
The sun shines in,waking me just after seven.I slept longer than I thought I could under the circumstances.I’m also pleasantly surprised that Stefan didn’t give my hiding place away.
I get up and get dressed while sneaking in and out of the communal bathroom.By nine, I leave for breakfast and one last trip to the Eiffel Tower hoping to replace the pain from yesterday with new memories.
Arriving before the big crowds, I don’t bother going up again.Instead, I find a space on the lawn and sit down.Just as I unpack my croissant, I hear, “You’re avoiding me.”
I pause, trying to control my roller coaster of emotions before talking with Oliver.“I am.”The truth can’t hurt the situation.
“What happened?”
I turn around and see him sitting a few feet behind me.“Your mother called.”
The news doesn’t seem to faze him.“What did she say?”
“She wants you to call her back.”
Panic has finally set in, showing me an emotion I can relate to.“It’s not what you think, Kandace.”His accent is slipping away just like the charade he’s been putting on.
“Really?”I stand up, dusting my pants off.With my shoulders back, I say, “She’s American.You’reAmerican.I’m not sure what to think about all the lies you told me.”
He stands quickly, coming closer to touch my hands, but I shift back and warn, “Don’t.”
“I can explain.”
“You can explain why you sound like an Americannow?I’m not stupid, but you treated me like I was.Guess what?I think I’ve got this one all figured out.You lied to get laid.”My arms are in the air as I lose the calm demeanor I was holding onto.“You tricked me and for what?You made me believe I could actually stay here and we would live off love.”My eyes fill with tears.“I felt like we were more than casual sex, but you were still feeding me bullshit lines the whole time, knowing we would never have a future.”
“Please, Kandace.Calm down and let’s tal—”
