‘I wanted to make sure you were okay. How are you feeling?’
‘Much better, thanks. I’d like to go and do the task if there’s still time?’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Positive!’
‘D’accord. I will organise a car. I will leave you to get ready.’
‘Great!’ I said as he walked towards the door. ‘And Gabriel?’ I said. ‘Merci beaucoup.’
‘De rien,’ he nodded then left.
24
GABRIEL
It was such a relief to see Laila looking better.
It was just after nine in the evening and we were in the car on our way to the Eiffel Tower. As always, Laila’s face was glued to the window as she took in the sights flashing past us.
There was no way that she could have done this earlier.
Last night, when I had taken her to her room, something told me that she was not going to feel well in the morning. So when she did not turn up at the briefing, I asked Sammie if she could check on her.
I was relieved when Sammie suggested that I come too. I would not have been able to stop worrying until I saw her for myself.
Laila was worse than I feared, so I was glad that I was able to help her feel better.
She seemed surprised that I would stay with her when she was sick, but that was what you did when you cared for someone. My father always took care of me whenever I was unwell, so I knew how helpful it was to have someone there even if it was to do something simple like just pass you a glass of water.
‘Thanks again for everything today,’ Laila said.
‘It was nothing.’
‘It wasn’tnothing! It was more than anyone has ever done to help me and I need you to know that I appreciate it.’
‘You are welcome. I am just glad that you are okay.’
‘Yep! And I’ve learnt my lesson. No more alcohol on this trip. From now on, I’m strictly a water girl!’
‘You do not need to deprive yourself. It is just a question of technique.’
‘Technique?’ She cocked her head. ‘Okay, Monsieur Drinking Guru – explain the best technique for drinking without ending up so hungover you almost miss an entire day of sightseeing.’
‘Well, you already followed the first rule, which is to not drink when your stomach is empty. Not mixing drinks is also important, having lots of water helps and obviously consuming alcohol in moderation.’
‘Noted!’ she chuckled.
Laila and I chatted so easily throughout the journey that I could barely remember what we spoke about. One conversation flowed seamlessly to the next. And before I knew it, the driver announced that we’d arrived.
‘Oh my God!’ Laila gushed as she stepped out and took in the sight of La Tour Eiffel. ‘It’s huge!’
As we already had our tickets it was not long until we were in the lift, heading to the top of the tower.
‘Whoa.’ Laila winced. ‘It’s kind of scary going so high up.’
‘You will be fine,’ I reassured her.
