Baggage Claim

A first time in Paris

 

Chapter One: A first time in Paris

 

"Thank you for flying with us." Layla plastered a smile on her face and greeted each passenger as they disembarked, wishing the whole time that they would hurry so that she could leave to wander the streets of Paris.

When she had smiled and waved to the last person, Layla made her way around the cabin to search for any items that were left behind. With her hands full of emptied cups and discarded blankets something lying in the very front seat caught her eye. There, as blatant as the smile he loved to flash, Alex had left a business card. She picked it up to toss it, assuming it was forgotten, before she noticed a fresh ink scrawl. Layla squinted to read the fancy embossed lettering.

"Hotel Napoleon, Perrie." Layla read aloud. She turned the card over to reveal Alex's name, a cell number and a winking smiley face. Underneath the smile hastily written in blue ink, Alex had put, "If you ever change your mind."

Layla couldn't help smiling. Alex was nothing if not hopeful. She placed the card in her pocket, feeling that it was too rude to toss even without him there to witness her. With a smile on her face and a city to explore, Layla discarded the last of the trash and made her way off the plane.

Layla could smell the divinity of Paris the moment she stepped through the gate, the excitement building in her as she stared at the droves of people rushing out of Charles De Gaulle airport.

A cab squealed to a stop in front of her moments after she raised her hands to hail one but a second hand clasped over hers just as Layla reached for the handle.

Layla turned in time to see the petite blonde's hand snap back in an attempt to cover her quickly coloring cheeks.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know this was yours." Layla thought she saw the blond sizing her up for a brief moment, her sapphire tinted eyes returning to Layla's face as quickly as they had wandered.

"Are you staying near the airport? We can share the cab." Layla offered hospitably, opening the rear door in an attempt to reassure her.

The female's face scrunched up in confusion and Layla could see she was about to shoot off a well aimed question, when suddenly she looked down at her bright red stewardess uniform and the realization seemed to wash over her. The blond shook her head before extending a hand to Layla.

"My name's Kimberly, but you can call me Kim. And thank you, I would love to share a cab." A smile crept up Kim's face as Layla accepted her handshake.

"My name is Layla, I'm headed to the Elysees Paris Monceau, and you?"

"Um, I really don't know where I'm supposed to be headed, this is kind of my first time in Paris." Kim's confidence waned as embarrassment tinted her cheeks.

The cab driver had exited the cab and quickly thrown both their bags in the trunk, waving at them to hurry. Layla acknowledged him and jumped in the back seat, signaling Kim to follow.

"Ou allez-vous?" the cab driver asked grumpily over his shoulder.

"Nous Deposer aux Champs Elysees" Layla replied in a slightly off French accent.

The driver peeled away from the curb, sending both females lurching back.

"You speak French?" Kim asked; sounding impressed.

"I've picked up a few words, it's a beautiful language don't you think? It hides the nastiness well doesn't it?" Layla joked, gesturing her hand at the driver from behind the seat.