Chapter 24
“Aw, sweetie, come here,” Adalynn said as she held her arms out to me and Daniel took my bag.
“Adalynn, I—I…”
“I know, sweetie. Let’s go sit down and you can tell me what happened.”
She led me over to the couch and Daniel brought the bottle of wine and the box of chocolates over and set them on the table. I told Adalynn everything that Ian said.
“What a prick. I don’t know what the hell’s the matter with him! I’ve seen the way he looks at you and how his eyes light up when you walk into the room. He’s done things for you that he’s never done for other women before, including me. Maybe I should have a talk with him.”
“No, please don’t. Please. He’s hurt me so much. I need to tell you something, but you have to promise me you will never ever repeat it. Promise me, Adalynn.”
“Sweetie, I promise.”
“Ian’s mother didn’t die. She left him when he was a child.”
“What?! Are you serious?”
“Yes, and he’s still so angry about it and I think that’s the reason why he’s closed himself off from loving anyone. I think he’s afraid I’ll leave him like his mom did.”
“Wow. He told you that?”
“Yes, he told me she left. I’m just assuming the other is his problem.”
Adalynn reached for a glass of wine and handed it to me. “Drink this, you’ll feel better.”
I heard my phone beep. I pulled it out of my purse and nearly had a heart attack when I saw it was from Ian.
“I figured you’d leave. Have a nice life, Rory.”
I put my hand over my mouth as the tears kept coming.
“Don’t respond to him,” Adalynn said as she took the phone from my hand and set it on the table.
We drank a few glasses of wine and ate half the box of chocolates. Adalynn showed me to the guest room and I climbed into bed. I kept staring at the text message Ian sent me. I already missed him and I wanted to go back, but he was toxic for me. Andrew was right; he’d get tired of me and move on. I needed to think of my future. I did the unthinkable. I sent him a text message.
“You left me no choice.”
A few moments later, he responded.
“I’m sorry you felt that way.”
I set my phone down on the nightstand and cried for hours. The emptiness I felt was horrific and I didn’t realize that I’d grown so dependent on him. The need I felt for him scared me, and as much as I wanted to believe I was strong, I wasn’t. I was back to that weak little girl from Indiana.
The next morning, I opened my eyes, but I couldn’t gather enough strength to get out of bed. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I never wanted to get out of bed again. The door slowly opened and Adalynn peeked her head through.
“Good morning. I brought you some coffee.”
I sat up and took the cup from her.
“I’m not going to ask you how you are because I already know.”
I looked down as I sipped my coffee. “I miss him so much, Adalynn.”
“I know you do,” she said as she took a hold of my hand. “I have to go on a business trip tomorrow for Prim and you’re coming with me. I think it would be good for you to get out of Malibu and get your mind off of Ian.”
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Paris.” She smiled.
“Adalynn, there’s no way. I don’t even have a passport.”
“No worries about that. Daniel is getting you one. It’ll be ready today. He has connections. We just need to get your picture. So get out of bed and doll yourself up.” She smiled.
“I don’t know.”
“Rory. There’s no better cure than Paris for a broken heart. Wait, isn’t Paris the city of love? Oh well, listen, you’ll be surrounded by hot French men, French coffee, French chocolates, and best of all, French f*cking pastries!”
I let out a laugh.
“I already purchased your ticket, it’s non-refundable, and we’re flying first class.”
I got out of bed, showered, got dressed, and had my picture taken for my passport. My heart was heavy and I still found it hard to breathe. Adalynn tried to get me to eat, but I couldn’t. Every bite of food I took made me feel sick. Adalynn said she had a few things to pick up before we left tomorrow, and she asked if I would go with her after she finished up at the office. Daniel dropped me off at Prim and, as I walked into her office, I saw Ian sitting in the chair across from her desk.
“Rory, what a nice surprise,” Adalynn said as her eyes widened.
Ian turned around and our eyes met. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were in a meeting,” I said nervously as I turned around and sprinted down the hall. I had to get out of there. My heart was racing and my breathing felt constricted. I pushed the button to the elevator a hundred times, thinking that it would magically make the door open faster. I didn’t know where the stairs were, so I couldn’t take them. I felt a hand lightly grab my arm and turn me around. It was him.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt you. Please, Rory, I don’t want to end things on a bad note.”
“It’s too late for that,” I spat as I jerked my arm out of his grip.
“I can’t give you what you want. I wish I could.”
“And I can’t give you what you want,” I said as a tear streamed down my face. “Please, just let me heal.”
He put his hand on my cheek, and for the first time since I’d known him, I saw his eyes fill with tears. “F*ck,” he whispered as he shook his head and walked away.
****
We landed and I couldn’t believe I was in Paris. I listened to music and slept most of the way. My eyes filled with tears a few times, but I managed to stop them. Even though I was with Adalynn, I still felt lost and alone. I felt like my world had crumbled, and I was left lying on the ground under a rubble of pain. I paid a visit to Stephen before I left and told him that I had to go on a trip. I spoke with the management at Hudson Rock and they told me that it would be okay to Skype with him on visiting days, during visiting hours.
We walked into the apartment that Adalynn’s father owned. It was small, but amazing. I walked over to the French doors that led out to a balcony from my bedroom. I opened the doors and gasped at the beautiful sight that was out my window.
“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Adalynn smiled as she stood next to me.
“It’s amazing. Thank you so much for bringing me here.”
“I want to apologize again for yesterday. I didn’t know that Ian was going to show up, and when I went to text you, my phone died.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. We’re here in Paris now and all thoughts of Ian Braxton have left my head. It’s time to start anew and move on.”
“High five.” She smiled as she held up her hand. “I have to get over to my meeting. Are you going to be okay here?”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll go do a little sight-seeing.”
“Stay close and don’t get lost. When I get back, I’m taking you to one of my favorite restaurants.”
When Adalynn left, I walked around the apartment and took note of the beautiful antique furniture throughout. Adalynn said we’d be here for a week, so I unpacked my clothes and placed them in the dresser drawers. I decided to go and explore the area. It was a beautiful sunny day and I wanted to be outside. As I was walking down the street, and taking in the beautiful surroundings, I stopped at an outdoor market that displayed the best-looking fruits and vegetables. As I picked up a shiny red apple, I heard someone speak.
“C'est une belle journée pour une belle femme. Puis-je vous aider?”
I looked up from the shiny red apple to a French-speaking man. “I’m sorry, but I don’t speak French,” I said.
“Ah, you’re an American. I should’ve known by your exquisite beauty.” He smiled.
God, his accent was beautiful. He was beautiful. He wore his brown hair longish, and just the right amount of scruff sculpted his face. His hazel eyes had a brightness to them when he looked at me, and his smile was warm. He was a nice distraction.
“I’m Andre, and you are?” He smiled.
“Rory.” I smiled as we lightly shook hands.
“Nice to meet you, Rory. Please take that apple.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t. At least let me pay for it.”
“No, no, no. It’s a gift from me. Is this your first time in Paris?”
“Yes, it is, and thank you very much.” I smiled as I began to walk away, holding up the apple.
“It was nice to meet you, beautiful Rory. Make sure to visit again.”
I turned around and gave Andre a small smile and then bit into my apple and continued walking down the street. So far, I was liking my time in Paris. The bakeries were exquisite and smelled so good. On my way back to the apartment, I stopped and picked up some beautiful flowers from a flower cart on the corner. When I arrived back at the apartment, I set the flowers on the counter and looked for a vase. As I arranged the purple and pink peonies in the vase, they made me smile and that was what I needed. I set them in the center of the small dining table and then took a picture of them with my phone. I was jet lagged, so I went and lay down on the bed for a while. For the first time, I had a dream about Ian. I dreamt that we were on the beach and he was holding me in his arms, telling me that he loved me.
“Rory, sweetie, wake up,” Adalynn said as she lightly shook me.
I opened my eyes and I could feel the wetness of the tears on my face. I looked at her, still trying to focus on what was going on.
“You were crying in your sleep.”
I got up and walked into the bathroom. “I had a dream about Ian.”
“Aw, sweetie. I’m sorry. I know it’s hard. Do you miss him?”
“Yes, I miss him so much.”
“Well, come on. We’re going out tonight and we’re going to show this city how two American girls have fun.”
I smiled and started the shower. I needed to go out and have some fun. But, I secretly wished that it was Ian I was having fun with. As I let the hot water stream down me, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wondered what he was doing, if he was with another woman, and if he was thinking of me. I was pretty sure that Andrew and Richard were happy that I was gone. I put on my little black dress, high boots, and I curled my hair. I was ready to go out and paint the town.
The restaurant we went to had a line that was around the corner of the building. Adalynn looked at me and rolled her eyes.
“You have got to be kidding me,” she huffed.
“This line is obnoxious.”
“I know, but they have the best food in all of Paris.”
As we stood in the obnoxious long line, I saw Andre, the guy from the fruit stand, approaching us.
“Look, it’s the beautiful American girl.” He smiled.
“Andre, hi. What are you doing here?”
Adalynn kept elbowing me. “Oh, Adalynn, this is Andre. Andre, this is my friend, Adalynn.”
“Another beautiful American girl. How did I get so lucky today? Come with me.” He smiled.
I looked at Adalynn as she twisted her face. “Go, follow him. Maybe he can get us in.”
We followed Andre into the restaurant and were promptly seated. “How?” I smiled.
“I have connections.” He winked.
“Well, thank God for Andre,” Adalynn said.
He sat and ate dinner with us. He was a funny guy and he made me and Adalynn laugh throughout dinner. For a split second, I didn’t think about Ian, but that didn’t last too long. Andre paid our bill, even though Adalynn fought him tooth and nail for it. It was nice to see her lose for once. As we were saying goodbye, Andre smiled at me and asked me for my phone number. I told him I wasn’t sure, but Adalynn grabbed his phone from his hand and programmed my number into it. He kissed her on the cheek and thanked her.
“It was nice to have dinner with you, my beautiful American girl. I will call you to go out,” he said as he gave me a kiss on each cheek.
Adalynn and I climbed into the back of the cab. “Now, tell me how you met him?”
“I met him at the fruit stand this afternoon when I was looking at the apples. I swear, if he calls me his ‘beautiful American girl’ again, I’m going to scream.”
Adalynn laughed as she put her hand on mine. “He’s a distraction, Rory, and you need all the distractions you can get right now.”
****
I spent the next few mornings jogging around the neighborhood. It was beautiful and every time I passed by the fruit stand, Andre would wave and yell, “Good morning, my beautiful American girl.” I would just give a small smile and a light wave. He came over the apartment a couple of times and brought us fruit. He was a nice guy, but I still couldn’t get my mind off of Ian. I couldn’t even say how many times I’d picked up my phone and almost called him, just so I could hear his voice. Everything I did and saw reminded me of Ian. I missed him so much and I started to wonder if I’d ever get over him.
“Adalynn, can you do me a favor?”
“What is it, sweetie?” she asked as she was putting on her makeup.
I bit down on my bottom lip because I was afraid to ask her. She stopped putting on her mascara and looked at me.
“Are you okay?”
“Will you call Ian and put him on speakerphone?”
“What? You’re joking, right?” She asked as she looked at me. “Oh my God, you’re serious.”
“I just want to hear his voice. Just for a minute. Please.”
“Rory, we’re leaving tomorrow. Maybe you should go see him.”
“I’m not going back with you. If it’s okay, I’d like to stay here for a while longer.”
“I don’t like the thought of you being in Paris by yourself.”
“I’m not. I have Andre,” I said as I looked around.
Adalynn sighed and dialed Ian’s number. “I just want you to know that I’m doing this against my will.”
“Hello,” Ian answered.
“Ian, darling, how are you?” Adalynn asked.
“I’m okay. How’s Paris?”
“Paris is fabulous as always. What have you been up to?”
Hearing his voice was music to my ears. As pissed as I was at him, I still found comfort in his voice.
“Not much. I’ve been busy with work.”
Adalynn looked at me and shrugged. “Well, Ian, I just called to say hi and that I’ll be flying home tomorrow. We should have dinner when I get back.”
“Sounds good, Adalynn. Have a safe flight home.”
“Thanks, darling. Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Thank you, Adalynn,” I said as a tear fell from my eye.
She looked at me and cocked her head. “Come here, you poor thing,” she said as she hugged me. “When I get back, I’m going to have a long talk with him.”
“It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done, and I could never be with someone like him. I just have to get over it and move on. That’s why I want to stay here a while longer.”
“Christmas is in a couple of weeks. You’ll be back for Christmas, right?”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t want to be anywhere near Malibu when Christmas comes.”
“Well, you can stay here as long as you want. But, I don’t want you alone on Christmas.”
“Don’t worry about me and Christmas. I’m a big girl, and I can take care of myself.”
There was a knock at the door, and Adalynn and I looked at each other. I walked to the door, looked out the peephole, and saw Andre standing there, holding flowers in front of his face.
“Hello, my beautiful American girl.” He smiled. “I wish I could take credit for these beauties, but they were just lying by the door when I walked up.”
“Thanks, Andre. Come on in.” I smiled.
I took the beautiful red roses from him, cut the stems, and arranged them in a vase. “There isn’t a card. Are you sure these aren’t from you?”
“I swear, Rory. They’re not. They were propped up against the door when I walked up.”
Adalynn walked out from her bedroom and looked at the flowers. “Oh, pretty. Who are they for?”
“We don’t know. There wasn’t a card and Andre said they were propped up against the door when he got here.”
“Andre, I need to have a word with you.”
“Did I do something wrong, Adalynn?” he asked.
“No, of course not. I’m leaving Paris tomorrow, but Rory has decided to stay for a while longer. I need you to keep an eye on her while she’s here.”
“No problem. I will keep my beautiful American girl company every day.”
I rolled my eyes because he was driving me crazy. “I appreciate that, Andre, but I’ll be fine.”
“A beautiful girl should not be alone in Paris, Rory. It’s not safe,” he said.
I sighed as I walked to the kitchen and took the vegetables from the refrigerator. Since it was Adalynn’s last night in Paris, she wanted to stay in and the three of us cooked an amazing dinner.