Blame it on Paris

Chapter 5

Michael was immensely impressed by Ani's ability to keep Ollie occupied and entertained while they gathered bags and luggage before being picked up by the company and taken to the hotel they would be living at for the summer. The driver, Edward, was so funny and had them all in stitches as he pointed things out as they drove. Ani loved listening to the older man with his accent. somehow it just made him sound more knowledgeable. She knew it was crazy, but she felt so free and alive that she didn't care.

They pulled up to a beautiful posh hotel in one of the business districts of London, the Kensington area, and highlighted all the things they should do, including the museums, the gardens and the Royal Albert Hall.

"Ani you seem like a lovely lass, be sure to check out Princess Diana's memorial fountain, tis lovely," Edward offered.

"Oh that would be perfect! I will add that to my list of things for us to do!" She smiled excitedly.

They arrived at the hotel and he helped them inside with all their bags and the bellhops helped keep the luggage separated while they checked in. Ken and Craig each had a small room on the third floor and Michael had a large suite or mini apartment on the fifth floor. He had three rooms and a small kitchenette. It was a beautiful room and Ani loved it, snapping some pictures to send to Leslie. Michael had the Master bedroom and Ani and Ollie had the smaller rooms on the other side of the little apartment.

"Ani, is this ok? I'm practically on the other side of the world and I don't know if I will hear Ollie if he gets up," He admitted, but felt guilty.

"Michael, you already said that you could be up really late or out early, we don't want to wake Ollie up, so don't worry about it. We will be just fine," she assured him.

Michael finally agreed and went to get his work clothes hung up and situated along with his computer and other work items out and charging again. Ani had Ollie in his room and they were putting away his clothes and toys how he wanted them. That process took a good hour and Ani actually giggled and laughed most of that time. They just had a good time together and the little boy was rapidly weaving his fingers into her heart and she knew she wasn't going to be able to let go anytime soon.

They got settled, then met Craig and Ken in the lobby to walk down to a little pub down the road. Michael was going grocery shopping the next day for food to keep in the apartment. No one wanted to eat out every day and Ani had no problems cooking for her and Ollie during the day. He would be gone most days and some until late so it was just her and Ollie for most meals. But he made it very clear that she could take Ollie out any time she wanted.

The four adults got to know each other a little more and laughed throughout the meal. Ani thought they were all nice men and was comfortable around them. They were walking back, allowing Ollie to run and play, hoping to get him tired to try and get his sleep schedule set on English time when her phone rang. Ani pulled it out and saw it was her parents and cursed under her breath.

She licked her lips, "It's my parents. I have my key, I'll meet you up in a few minutes."

"Ani, take your time! You aren't on duty yet," Michael chuckled, "You can talk to your parents anytime you need."

She smiled weakly, nodded, then picked up the call, "Hi Mom."

"Anelise! You were supposed to call when you got settled!" Kim scolded.

"Again, Hi Mom. We were just getting back to the hotel after some dinner," Ani said, trying to not sigh.

"Don't get mouthy young lady!" She heard her father add over speaker phone and she rolled her eyes.

"How was the flight? Are the accommodations in the hotel good enough? Do you have your own room?" Kim rattled off.

"The flight was actually good. Ollie slept for a few hours and Michael and I talked and got to know each other better. Yes, the hotel is really nice and of course I have my own room! Where else would I be sleeping?" Ani asked, trying not to sound annoyed.