Hello Mr. Eames.
A few days later, Eames sat in a small cafe near the Architect's neighborhood. He had his eye on a tall blond woman with heavy eye make-up and over the top fashion. He found her fascinating. The type of woman who would callously abuse him and make him love it.
He was drawn to her. Knowing full well this was not a good woman. She held an unlit cigarette loosely in her mouth as she fumbled in her bag for a light. He reached into his breast pocket to pull out a vintage lighter and snapped open a flame. She looked up at him surprise. Her large fake eye lashes spotted with glitter.
She leaned forward to ignite her cigarette as he appraised her long neck and longer body.
"Merci." She called in a hearty French accent.
"Always happy to help a lady in distress." The Forger said. Sadie smiled. Analyzing him.
"My name is Sadie, and I am no lady." She teased in her thick accent.
"My name is Eames, and I'm no gentleman." Eames countered.
It was with great distress he saw Arthur come into the Cafe. The Forger and Point Man had made plans to meet up for drinks that evening. Arthur had somehow surfaced in Paris although he would not admit why. Eames had asked him if had seen Ariadne, but soon realized Arthur wasn't willing to comment on the Architect.
The Forger knew something had happened to them in the dream. They had spent the entire time there alone together. Eames looked at the leggy blond woman.
"Can we meet up for drinks later?" He asked casually. "My friend has just walked in. He's having lady troubles." He flicked out his business card. She took it and breathed out a spicy intoxicating cloud of blue smoke. He was reminded of a dragon lady.
"Lucky him." Sadie said rubbing his card over her lips seductively.
"So... can we meet for drinks later?" He asked imploringly.
"I don't know, can we?" She teased mercilessly. Eames suddenly felt his manhood jump up and tighten as this woman toyed with him. He smiled wistfully as he watched her walk away. How he hated Arthur at this moment.
"Tell me about it, Mate." Eames said as he and Arthur sat down over drinks. The Point Man looked awful. Like he hadn't slept in days.
"Did Cobb call you about the Roland extraction?" Arthur asked. Eames nodded.
"Sounds profitable. Although difficult." Eames admitted.
"Do you think Cobb will bring Ariadne back in?"
"Don't know. Cobb could always design it himself. He used to be an damn good architect once." Eames said casually. As though it didn't matter to him one way or the other.
"Not as good as she is." Arthur offered.
"Well, I know he offered her the job. Not sure if she'll take it or not."
"Have you talked to her?" Arthur asked. Eames nodded and said nothing.
"Why haven't you called her?" The Forger asked finally. Arthur looked up. A deep scowl on his face. Eames shrugged. "Why you came to Paris right? To see her?" Arthur remained silent. The Forger took a long drink and looked at the darkening sky. Paris was such a beautiful city. The city of lovers. Shame he had to be here with Arthur.
"While we were in the dream... after the van..." Arthur started to say but couldn't finish. Eames smothered a light laugh.
"You don't have to explain it to me, Darling." He said with a knowing smile. "I'm not blind. I saw the way you looked at her. Like a googly eyed school boy." The Point Man looked out at the people coming and going.
"Did you sleep with her?" Eames asked boldly. Arthur said nothing. Confirming the Forger's suspicions. "Now, why don't you go to her?"
"I can't." Arthur said
"Why not?"
"It's... it's broken." Arthur admitted.
"Then fix it." Eames said simply. "Go to her, tell her you were wrong and that your sorry. Women love that."
"Not that easy."
"Course it is." Eames smiled. "Isn't she worth it?"
"Yes."
"Then tell her your sorry and you love her. Take her to bed and make love to her all night." Eames told him. As if it was that easy.
"It's not all my fault you know." Arthur said defensively.
"So?" Eames laughed. "Apologize anyway. If you want her back, truly want her back, apologize. Tell her how much you miss her, love her."
"She has a boyfriend." Arthur said.
"Did she tell you that?"
"No."
"Then he's not important." Eames said, sure of himself. A slight ding went off in his breast pocket. The Forger casually pulled out his cell phone and looked at the text message.
"Les Deux Magots, 9 o'clock. Do not be late. Sadie." Eames jumped to attention and almost spilled his drink.
"Sorry Darling, I have to go." The Forger explained. "I have to meet a lovely lady for drinks and make passionate love to her." Arthur looked confused as Eames laid down some money and beat a hasty and excited exit.
In her cozy little apartment, Ariadne was unpacking. It had been a wonderful few days. Perfect weather. Good exams scores. The wonderful present of the bike. A nice time with her friends.
Jon was in his room listening to his vintage record collection. It reminded her of the 'wake up' music Arthur had selected. The soft scratches and echos of the singers made her feel like she was in a Paris from 60 years ago.
She had a second bedroom in her new home and offered it to Jon at a very reasonable rent. It was nice to have the company. She was finding a gay man could be a wonderful roommate. He was clean and considerate. He did most of the cooking and dishes. He was out by 10 o'clock when Sadie, her former roommate, would just be starting up her night.
The vintage princess style phone rang.
"I'll get it!" Ariadne called out over the music. She doubted Jon could even hear. It was Sadie on the other end of the line.
"Hello Love." She called lazily over the noise of a busy cafe.
"How are you?" Ariadne cooed back. Feeling happy at her friend calling her.
"Have you heard anything form the heart breaker yet?" She asked.
"No." Ariadne said sadly "But that's okay."
"Sure right it is." Sadie said "I just met the most interesting man today. He's meeting me here for drinks. I'm going to make him suffer like no other." said boasted.
"Do you really need to make him suffer?" Ariadne teased.
"Course I do. Men love it when a woman makes them suffer." Sadie proclaimed.
Ariadne had to laugh. Sadie had more experience with men then she could ever have. All the men she had ever associated with had fallen wildly in love with the leggy blond. They had all been bewitched by her hot blooded nature and quick wit. The Architect had no doubt this new guy would fall fast and hard. That Sadie would abuse him soundly and leaving him wanting more.
"Well, don't stay out to late." Ariadne warned. "You have your reputation to think of."
"Oh yes, I certainly do." Sadie said in mock fear before hanging up.
Ariadne returned the phone to it's cradle and smiled. A soft breeze lifted the curtains from her window. Jon's music was playing. She relaxed and enjoyed the simple joy of it. A knock on her door broke the enchantment.
"I'll get it!" She yelled at Jon's room doubting if he could hear her again. She maneuvered past the bikes parked in the tiny hall and without looking out the peephole she opened the door.
Arthur stood there.
