Tempting Fate

Chapter 14 - Do Not Interfere!

Pierre's response to Guy's ultimatum was "I see! So that is the way it is, Guy? Get on the motorcycle, Lucy, and do not forget your back pack! We are going home to Paris." At the airport, Pierre flashed his badge to enable Lucy to board her plane early, alone! He seemed in more of a hurry than usual!

An English speaking middle aged gentleman sat down beside Lucy. While fastening his seat belt he observed Lucy's writing and seemed quite concerned about her, inquiring, "My dear, may I ask what you are writing so aggressively? My name is Zachary, and I am a screen writer, always looking for new ideas. You may be very talented and are definitely very fluid, by the looks of your diary."

In a quiet voice, Lucy explained the strictly confidential nature of what she was about to impart. "Do you mind if I get your slant on something that is really bothering me? I want to hear your take on Pierre when I finish." Lucy breathed deeply and again checked the time. "I will be quick!" In a slight whisper, Lucy told him all about the evolving relationship between herself and Pierre, all the marriage proposals, and how he followed her all the time. When she concluded, Zachary looked straight into her eyes. Pensive, Zachary digested all the information before offering his opinion.

"Lucy, I do not want to ruin your relationship. You say that Pierre is thirty years old and you are almost nineteen? To me, the 'almost' sounds like you are justifying the twelve years difference in your ages. Pierre sounds possessive and is rushing you into life decisions, with your future happiness at stake. You are young and have yet to 'kiss many frogs before you find your prince.' It sounds as though he is attempting to stake his claim before any other man has the opportunity. He seems to know what women like, as some people know what cats or dogs like. I hate to put it like that, but that is the only analogy I can think of at the moment.

Do not allow flattery to go to your head. Outward appearances change as we age, and accidents may change appearances. You are a truly lovely young woman. You present as movie star quality and must be extremely photogenic. Many men will easily fall in love with you; they will not be able to help themselves. Proceed with caution, my dear, and test each one for a genuine heart. If a man loves you enough to let you go for a while, or perhaps longer, true love is knocking on your door. True love is not jealous or possessive, love is trust." As their plane landed, he bid her farewell and wished her good luck and true love. With his advice and the way he stepped out into the aisle and simply disappeared, Lucy was not beyond considering the existence of guardian angels.

Waiting at Lucy's gate when she deplaned were Pierre and Guy. Airport security officers had been forced to allow them through, as Pierre flashed his badge and admonished, "Official police business." He announced it again and again, pushing his way through the crowded airport, so much so that other passengers had begun to gawk. Lucy looked puzzled as he found her. "Pierre, how did you get here before me? You placed me on a plane in England, yet you managed to beat me back to Paris!"   

At luggage claim, as bags began to drop out of the chute and onto the turnstile, Pierre forced his way to the front of the other passengers. Valet parking had his car waiting at the curb. As Guy sped them off, Lucy questioned him, "Why are you here, Pierre?" He sat on his hands and snapped at her, "Security breach. Do not tell me you are going to play twenty questions again!" Finally, as the car pulled to a curb and Guy parked in front of a tall building, Lucy continued, "Where are we? Are we dropping you off, Pierre? I did not know you lived here! Is Guy driving me home now?"

Just as the elevator was finally stopping, Lucy noticed the "P" button lighting up orange. Pierre, the bell boy, and she exited the elevator, not far to their destination. The bell boy unlocked the penthouse door and preceded the couple inside. The trio passed two bedrooms. The bell boy placed her luggage in the large master bedroom at the end of a hallway. Pierre tipped the bell boy, who quickly disappeared. Pierre led Lucy by the hand and explained, "I will give you the tour. In the kitchen, I have stocked your favorites, mushrooms, sharp cheddar cheese, raspberry iced tea, salad, eggs for omelets and quiche, and the list goes on."