Page 10 of Sparks Fly
They smile. I smile.
The driver is soon moving towards the back of the car as he pulls my case out and pushes it to where the doorman is standing.
They exchange a few more words.
“Enjoy your stay.” The driver nods at me before he climbs into his car and drives off.
“Madam.” The doorman holds his hand out for me to walk in front of him as he lugs my case along and I feel bad.
Pushing through the doors, I stop in the lobby of the apartments and take a look around.
It’s stunning. Nineteenth century, if I had to guess, the décor is on point, and I instantly feel like I am home.
The doorman clears his throat, and I stare at him.
“What apartment number?” he asks me, and my eyes widen.
“Pardon?”
“Apartment?” he points to the ceiling, and I find myself fumbling for my phone and dial Nora.
“Hey, you okay”
“I need to know the apartment number,” I say quietly as I step away from the doorman and pace looking at the empty front desk.
“No one there?”
“Clearly not.” I roll my eyes
“One second.” I can hear her fingers dancing across the keyboard, and I tap my foot on the high polished tiled floor that carries through the entire lobby. “Penthouse two.”
“Penthouse.” My nostrils flare.
“Yes, Anaïs, penthouse.”
I swallow, turning and looking at the doorman.
“Er.” I smile. “Penthouse numéro deux.”
“Merci.” He winks and leads towards the lift, the doors opening.
I stand awkwardly whilst we wait.
He allows me to walk in first and I turn, pushing my back against the cool bar as he slips his card into the slot, then pushes the penthouse button.
I catch him looking at me a little funny, but I push my anxiety down. I just wanted to lock myself away and start a fresh tomorrow.
The ride up is short, and I follow him down the long corridor towards a double white door.
“Penthouse deux?” he asks me over his shoulder, and I nod.
“Oui.” I knew that word. And bonjour. And je m’appelle. I face palm myself.
His brows furrow as he lets me in and places my case in the large entrance hall. I step in behind him and my jaw pops open.
“Wow,” I whisper as I walk forward, down three steps that leads to a large open planned area. A small smile slips onto my lips, and I turn to face him. “Thank you, I mean, merci.” I nod. “What’s your name?”
He gives a soft smile back, his eyes amber, skin sun kissed, and dark hair slightly grey.
