Chapter 11 - edited 7/6/18
"Where did you learn to shoot like that? "
Kristin expected this question since she did get over 900,000 points. No one could do that without having some kind of training or unless the ride stopped in the middle of the course and the vehicle just happens to be in front of a triangle target.
"I learned it myself actually. When I was a kid, my parents took me to carnivals and each year we came home empty handed. So when I was 12, I asked my dad to get me a bb gun and I did a lot of practicing in my backyard.
"I'm guessing you came home with a lot of prizes after that."
"mhm..so many, it filled my whole bedroom…we ended up giving away most of them…"
"I'm surprised your parents would buy you a bb gun. Most parents would consider that inappropriate."
"Well, I am their only child, so I always get what I want…well, not always."
The change in Kristin's mood is clearly visible. Lucy didn't have to ask to know why. Each time she was reminded of her own dead parents, it has the same effect on herself, that's why she rarely talks about them. The same goes for Amy. "…I know full well what the advantages and disadvantages are being the only child."
"You too?" Kristin debated whether to ask about her parents. If it turns out that her parents are also no longer living, that would definitely ruin the mood. They're in Disneyland. It's supposed to be fun. So she decided to ask this question some other time. "What about you? Where did you learn to shoot like that?"
"Unlike you, I learned to shoot using real guns in a shooting range. Have you ever shoot with a real gun?"
"I tried it a couple of times but I didn't like it. The power of it…throws my target off." It sounded like a good idea to lie until Keira suggested teaching her how to shoot at a shooting range. Not agreeing to go would resolve the issue but Keira's suggestion of trying a game of paintball sounds fun. Guess I could pretend for a few sessions, then after that, maybe make some bets. Bets are always fun, especially when I win. "Okay..." She said as she turned to look at Keira, whose eyes are focusing on someone else. "Really?"
Lucy heard the word 'really' again and noticed Kristin's behavior has changed from a moment ago. Changing the word from 'really' to 'seriously' doesn't help. "What?" Lucy said with confusion all over her face.
"We're not on an actual date or anything, but...really?"
Well, that clarifies what Lucy has been wondering. She doesn't consider this as a real date. "What?" No response is given but Lucy saw the eye roll. What? Lucy didn't ask again knowing that she won't get an answer because Kristin is walking away from her. "What's wrong?" She could only ask herself and tried to figure it out. "Kristin...wait..." It didn't take long. All it took is one look back. Actually, she didn't even have to do that because the situation itself seems familiar. Amy gets jealous easily.
"What are you doing?"
"C'mon..." Lucy didn't give up and this time held Kristin's wrist tighter, hoping Kristin would just follow but it didn't work, so there's only one thing she can do. She quickly ran to stand in line which isn't long and walked back, holding 1 ice cream cone, giving enough time for Kristin to understand what she was looking at earlier. If Kristin still thinks she was looking at the two young women with very short shorts rather than the ice cream they were holding, then there is only one way to make sure that there's no misunderstanding. "I was..."
"You can't eat that."
"It's okay, I..." Lucy has something to say but is prevented from doing so with her cheeks being cupped. She could still talk but her mind is focused on the face in front of her, a few inches away, reminding her of the pain she was in last time, the stomach ache, the cold, the shaking, her inability to even walk in a straight line after getting out of the bathroom. This moment isn't familiar because it has never happened before. Amy never tried to stop her from eating dairy products because she has always been able to until a year ago.
"Seriously? You'd rather go thru that again?"
"I remember what happened afterwards, I wouldn't mind if that happened again." It's a joke. Another eye roll is not what she's expecting nor did she expect Kristin to take the ice cream from her hand and took 2 bites out of it, then walking away with it. "Wait..." Too late. She should've told her sooner. if she did, she would've been able to prevent the ice cream from being thrown into the trash can.
"I wouldn't have been able to finish all of it anyway." Kristin said as she wiped her mouth. One ice cream cone... It's obvious what Keira has in mind. She wouldn't mind sharing but at the same time she doesn't want Keira to think that she's at that point of accepting her as her girlfriend because she's not, very far from it, very, very far. If she could go back to last night, she wouldn't have kissed her. She's not even sure why she did. Maybe it was to shut her up since she was being very annoying last night. So what if I have never been in love. That doesn't mean I don't understand and that doesn't make you an expert.
"I was going to say...before you interrupted me, it's okay because I took a lactase pill."
"oh...Do you want to get another one?"
Lucy would love to share an ice cream. Maybe they could end up tasting each other. She hoped. It's possible. Picturing how it could happen, like the lady and the tramp, brought a smile to her face until she realized Kristin was only teasing her.
"C'mon, let's go home…"
While driving back to Paris, Lucy took a glance at her date who is resting comfortably in the passenger seat, holding on to a 17 inch Minnie Mouse plush toy that she had won for her using the claw machine. She was lucky enough to win it with only 3 tries. The man who played it before her tried it so many times and spent so much money, he finally gave up when his girlfriend got tired of waiting and walked away. Seeing how well things went today, Lucy thought it would be a good time to ask her out again, to watch Spiderman 2.
Kristin didn't expect to be asked out again, at least not at this moment. It's not she doesn't want to but she needs to think about it. What if Michel asks me out again on that same night? Should I say I'm busy? How the heck am I going to find out if I keep rejecting him?
"If you're busy, then..."
"okay, I'm free that night." The hell with them. Today has been fun and it did what Kat had said it would do. Spending time with someone else other than the Courics did make her feel that her life is normal. One night of rest is not too much to ask. They'll understand.
"Then maybe on Saturday we can go to the beach?"
Okay, make that 2 days... Imagining herself lying on the beach towel with the sun shining above her, she could already feel how relaxing she would be. "I don't know what my schedule is yet…I might have to work…" She wants to go but would going out with her 2 days in a row give her the wrong idea? Why did I kiss her? It's not that she doesn't like her. She just felt that Keira is moving too fast.
Lucy is satisfied to get another date. There will be other opportunities to take her to the beach and when that happens, she'll be able to find out how good of a swimmer Kristin is. Amy can swim and so does Kristin, but how good is she? Does she know how to rescue a person out of the water? Does she know how to do cpr? Does she have any tattoos or scars? She could ask but first she'll have to think of how to do so without causing suspicion.
"Hey, look over there." Kristin said as she pointed at the huge Ferris wheel. "Can we go there?"
"It's going to get dark soon."
"It's going to be even more beautiful in the dark."
Back in the old days, girls don't question her. Whereever she goes, they follow except for Amy and like Amy, Kristin isn't backing down so easily. "I'm hungry." She is, a little, but not to point where she's going to faint.
"Do I need to remind you who won the bet?"
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the carnival where the ferris wheel is located. It has been a long time since Lucy rode on one of these and by the Kristin's look of excitement, it seems that it's been awhile for her too. The line was long. Who knows how long they have to wait before getting their turn so she certainly wasn't going to stand in line like the rest of the folks and instead offered money to 2 two kids to take their place.
"Here we go." Seeing Kristin's hands holding on to the bar gave her an idea. But not now. She'll wait for the right moment to hold her hand. As the car moved higher and higher, Lucy could feel the car swinging more and more. Looking up, she could see the night sky with glistening stars. Looking down, she could see the ground moving farther and farther and farther away. But when she could no longer see the ground, her heart suddenly began to pound faster and faster. ...Oh God... The feeling is familiar and it's not because she's nervous about what Kristin would do if she tries to hold her hand. It's because... She quickly turned her eyes away from the ground, grabbed onto the lap bar with both hands, pressed her back against the seat, and shut her eyes tight. What's happening to me? Having climbed on buildings during heists in her past criminal days, she knew she isn't afraid of heights. But this is different somehow. It's 200 feet high and she is sitting in a 2-passenger unenclosed car with squeaking sound coming out of it as it swings back and forth. Knowing that there is nothing attached to her body to secure her from falling and only a tiny bar to hold onto, her mind started to panic on its own. Maybe she is out of practice or maybe she is getting too old for this. With her eyes shut, she could feel the car swinging even more. Oh god. Don't move. Her breathing quickened, her whole body became stiff, her palms began to sweat. If this is an enclosed car, this wouldn't be happening.
"Isn't this beautiful?" Kristin said as she looked around the night sky with shining stars and the city with lights underneath. Not hearing a response, she looked to her left and noticed that Keira has her eyes shut tight, sitting very still against the side of her seat. "What's wrong?" A response isn't given but she figured it out. "You're afraid of heights? Why didn't you tell me?"
"…I'm fine...I'm..." oh Jesus...The sudden increase of pressure in her heart prevented her from talking.
"Hey, stop the wheel!" Kristin tried but realized her voice was either completed drowned out by the surroundings or whoever is in control isn't paying attention. "Here, hold onto me." She expected Keira to do so but noticed that her state of fear is preventing her moving. "It's okay, I got you." She moved closer, leaning her face against Keira's to block her view from everything else and used her right arm to wrap around her waist.
"I'm sorry…I…don't know why this is happening." With eyes remained closed, Lucy held her breath as the car again begins to ascend.
"It's okay…It's almost over." Kristin again tried to loosen the grip Keira has her right hand on the lap bar and this time she is able to do so. With Keira's right arm out of the way, she shifted closer, allowing Keira to hold onto her waist. "But if this is one of your tricks to get close to me, you are so going to get it when we get off this." She knew this isn't a joke. She is merely trying to distract her from her thoughts by talking.
"I swear…this isn't…" With her teeth clenched, Lucy held her breath again when she felt her heart ached as the car starts to descend. "This is not…how I want to impress you."
Under this situation, she shouldn't be smiling but did find Keira's comment to be funny. "What did you have in mind?"
"A day of…fun and a romantic…dinner…afterwards."
"A romantic dinner…that sounds nice…I'm getting hungry already." As the wheel made it to the top, Kristin continued talking to distract her. "Tell me…Keira, why did you design the diamond in the shape of a pyramid? Did you fell in love with the Egyptians or something?"
"It's the Louvre."
"Ohhh…"
"Is that the question for the day?..from the bet?"
"Oh no…you're not getting off that easily."
Having a body holding onto to her does help. Getting her mind to concentrate on something else does too but it's difficult to control the rush of blood or whatever it is that is causing her heart to ache when the car descends again. Lucy again tried to open her eyes but as soon as the car starts rising, she felt the need to shut them.
"One more turn and we can go have our romantic dinner." Kristin said as she held the brunette's head firmly against her neck.
"Okay" Lucy managed to smile while thinking of the romantic dinner but that thought disappeared after hearing a long screeching mechanical sound. "What's that?" Oh god...please stop moving. With the swinging of the unenclosed car, back and forth widely like a pendulum, she felt as though her body is about to fall; all it takes is for the lap bar to malfunction and they both wouldn't be able to hold on.
All the lights on the ferris wheel went out. Kristin looked down but couldn't see much. "Nothing…the ride's over…they're just letting the people get off."
"Then why are they screaming?" With her heart beating rapidly, Lucy spoke into the crook of Kristin's neck.
No explanation would explain that so Kristin didn't try. "Look, Keira…look up, look how beautiful the sky is." Looking up is better than looking down. She knew Keira would try so she cupped her cheeks, moving her face up to look at the sky that's filled with distant stars, stars that looked like diamonds. "See…there's nothing to be afraid of."
It is beautiful. Not just the stars, the spectacular view of the city with lights too until her eyes, as if it has a mind on their own, slowly moves down.
Kristin noticed and quickly held Keira's face back up, forcing her look in one direction. "Look at me…there is nothing to be afraid of." Seems to be working. She has her date under control until they felt another jolt. With screaming becoming louder, this time, she couldn't get Keira to obey and saw her eyes shut tight, her hands again grabbed firmly onto the lap bar. Is that sweat? If they don't get this thing moving soon, she is afraid that Keira will pass out. If that happens, she might not be able to hold on to her. Need to think of something quick.
Lucy opened her eyes when she felt Kristin's lips on hers. It's not just one kiss either. Asking Kristin what she is doing crossed her mind but it would be a very stupid question to ask. Besides her lips won't allowed her to. With her eyes closed, Lucy reciprocated with equal fervor and wasted only a short of amount time to get air into her lungs before planting sensual kisses on Kristin's cheek, then down her neck.
"Oh…God…" This is the first time she has her earlobe being nibbled on and her neck being kissed. Now she knows how difficult it is to control her body from having sexual desires even though her intention is strictly asexual. "Keira..." It's working but she is beginning to think that this is a bad idea. "Keira…" She expected her to stop but when her mouth is captured in another deep kiss, she realized that Keira might have misunderstood her intention. "You're..safe…now." She said after pushing Keira away just in time to avoid being seen by others.
On the way to the restaurant, Lucy took a few glances at Kristin who seems to be deep in thought. Neither of them spoke about it after getting inside the car but she did notice that Kristin was blushing immensely after getting off the ferris wheel. She knew what Kristin was trying to do but at that moment, she also couldn't control herself. She's not thinking I was faking it? Is she? Lucy took another glance and this time, she caught a glimpse of her smile which is a good sign.
"What's so funny?"
Kristin immediately stopped smiling and hoped that Keira doesn't get the wrong idea. What happened a moment ago was funny but she's certainly wasn't enjoying that moment as much as Keira did. What she was smiling about is the dream that she had. She's afraid of heights...and I saved her...weird. "I was just thinking about what to ask you."
"What do you want to know?"
"mmm….I know what you do, where you live and where you're from. I know what you're allergic to and what you're afraid of." Is it too soon to ask her about her past relationships? She's curious but also didn't want Keira to think that she's interested. Keira made it very clear that she is but she herself is not at that point yet...even though we've already kissed, we made out, we...oh what the heck, she probably thinks I'm into her...which I am not. "That night, when you said you were in love before. What happened?" She expected a response but didn't get one. "Sorry, if that's too personal. You don't have to tell me."
"She left me."
Hearing the seriousness of her tone, Kristin regretted asking but she did so because she thought that Keira has passed that stage of letting go but it seems that she still has not.
"I had a difficult time letting go and…I …" Lucy slowed down to make a turn."I secluded myself in another country for 2 years."
For a second there, she thought Keira was going to say she tried to hurt herself. 2 years? Having been spying on Michel for almost a year, Kristin felt lonely sometimes, so she can't imagine what it would be like to be away from friends and family for 2 years with a broken heart. "What did you do in those 2 years?"
"absolutely…nothing.…just dwelled into useless thoughts…."
"But what about your friends and family? They must be worried about you." As soon as she asked the question, she regretted.
"My parents passed away many years ago. I have Scott. He called me from time to time."
Oh... Having lost her own parents at a young age, Kristin felt depressed every time someone brings up memories of her parents. Keira must have felt the same way since she didn't talk about them and quickly skipped over that fact. At this point, it's too late to take it back. "Do you still love her?" It's a simple question so she expected a quick answer. There is no need to be detailed about it. No, you don't or yes you do. Either answer would not affect her.
"We're here." Lucy said after successfully drove into the parking spot.
Maybe she didn't hear me the first time. She is curious to know but at the same wondered if Keira didn't answer because it's obvious. Why would she ask me out if she is still in love with her? Some people do that. One way to get over the last relationship is to start a new one. Am I the rebound girl? Even though she's not at that point of having a relationship with her, she also doesn't want to get herself involved in this type of situation. This will be the last date if that's the case.
"I stopped loving her a long, long time ago." If Kristin asks how long, Lucy intends to tell her the truth. Kristin didn't ask. Her smile indicates that she is satisfied with the response.
The restaurant definitely has a romantic feel to it. The dim lighting, individual booths against the walls, tables in the center, soothing music and a small stage in the front with a piano is not what Kristin is expecting.
"This is a really nice place. Does this place require reservation?" Most likely it does but Kristin asked anyway.
"…a few days in advance..." Lucy said as she flipped open the menu.
"Were you thinking of taking someone else here?"
Lucy looked up at her after realizing what Kristin was thinking. "Usually it requires a reservation, but I know someone who works here." Lucy didn't explain any further and expected Kristin to understand. Whether she paid extra to get the seats or not, it shouldn't matter but if that's what Kristin wants to know, she'll tell her truth and the truth is she didn't have to.
This morning, Lucy had it all planned out but things turned out differently than she expected. If Plan A doesn't work, then there's Plan B. Plan A was to go to a romantic French restaurant with a dance floor, but since they were late, she lost the reserved table. Plan B is an American restaurant that she co-owned. It didn't have a dance floor, but the place still has a romantic atmosphere. As for the reservation part, she's lucky that it wasn't a full house. Otherwise, they would have to go to Plan C. Even as a co-owner, she can't just boot someone out of a reservation. That would be very bad for business.
"Wait…we didn't order this." Kristin noticed right away because they didn't order any, not even wine. The last thing she wants to do is get drunk in front of her date not because she's afraid of what Keira might do to her but because she doesn't want to take the chance of accidentally spilling out her secrets under the influence.
"This is for you from the gentleman over there."
Back in the old days, Lucy would have probably had her men do some damage to that man in his 20's for showing interest in her date. But she's a different person now. She doesn't have anyone following her. Even so, she still could beat the crap out of him if he tries to make a move on her date.
"He has good taste." Lucy reached out with the intention to hold her hand but she's a moment too late when the same waitress came back with a business card. "Do you want me to take care of it?" Kristin showed no frustration but Lucy didn't like being interrupted.
"What are you going to do?"
"I was thinking of just going over there and give him a peace of my mind."
"...and if that doesn't work?"
"then I'll ask him to take it out outside and show him some of my self defense skills and kick where it hurts the most." Making Kristin laugh is Lucy's intention but she didn't expect Kristin to ask if she can handle him. "If I can't, then I'll probably need you to save me…again."
Keira's comment surprised her. Why? Because most people wouldn't want to show their weakness especially on their first date, let alone reminding the one she's trying to impress. But she could also see why Keira isn't bothered by it. It's because she's not a man. "I have a better idea." Kristin picked up the card, held it up and made sure the guy is looking at her, gave him a smile, and tore it in half. Luckily for his sake, he got the hint.
"I think he got the idea." Lucy laughed along with Kristin at the man who has his head dropped on the table, with his hands covering his heart while pretending to be hurt by the rejection.
After finished with dinner, Kristin excused herself to the bathroom and came back to find something out of the ordinary. It's not Keira who has been smiling at her all night, it's the piano man.
"This piece is for all of you whose birthday is Today. Happy Birthday to you and…may all your dreams come true."
Who's birthday is it? Someone must have requested it. Someone...her jaws dropped as soon as she noticed 2 waitresses heading her way. No further explanation is needed but she would like to know how Keira knew it's her birthday.
"I saw your ID..."
Kristin tries to recall but couldn't remember at what point she could have allowed her ID to be seen. Unless Keira checked her out, that would be the only explanation. Asking Michel would make sense too but she doesn't think Keira would do that. Her situation requires her to be suspicious of everyone, she only now realized that she failed to do that with Keira, the one who saved her, the one who is attracted to her, the one who had plans on surprising her since this morning.
"When did I show you my ID?" This question might not be appropriate for this moment, with a birthday cake in the center of the table with one lit candle but she has to find out. Never was there a moment where she thought that Keira would be working for Michel or has any other purpose other than the obvious but now she wonders if Keira is hired to spy on her, to find more about her. Guys do that. Guys would even create a situation to make themselves look like a hero to impress a girl. Guys...
"the first night we met..."
"oh...right..." She had totally forgotten that the kidnappers didn't take her purse. That silly thought seemed logical before but not so much now especially when Keira reached out to hold her hand. She might not be certain of everything else but she's certain that Michel didn't ask Keira to make moves on her.
"Make a wish."
Kristin closed her eyes and spent a few seconds in silence before opening them and blew out the candle.
Asking Kristin what she wished for wouldn't be appropriate so Lucy didn't. It might seem that Kristin needed to pull her hand back to cut the cake but her reluctance to be held didn't go unnoticed. But despite that, Lucy is satisfied with the outcome of today.
"Did you order that?"
"cake tastes better with ice cream."
"When did you take your lactase pill?"
"I'll just have a tiny scoop." Lucy took the spoon of ice cream but was prevented from putting it on her dish.
That's what I thought. Clearly Keira has forgotten to take one before the meal otherwise she would have told her when. From what she knows, Lactase doesn't last that long and doesn't take effect instantly either. "It's not midnight yet, remember, so anything I say, goes." She remained holding onto Keira's wrist but didn't expect Keira to drop her spoon like a little kid. That adorable pout along with everything that has happened today are enough to clear her mind of those ridiculous thoughts she had earlier.
Here they are again, at the door of her apartment which Kristin has no plans of inviting Keira in this time. Obviously, kissing would be out of the question. She expected Keira to know that but the way she's staring at her looks like she's expecting one.
"Thank you for tonight. I had a great…." Kristin trailed off when she heard the ringing on a phone. It's not hers and Keira seems to be ignoring it. "Aren't you going to pick it up?" With eyes still focusing on hers, she realized that Keira has no intention of picking up the phone that has stopped ringing and instead has another intention when she was forced to take one step back. Should I tell her she's moving too fast? Should I tell her I'm not ready? Not ready doesn't mean I'm rejecting you...but that doesn't mean I'm accepting you either. After being forced to take another step back, she decided to let her know how she feels. "Keira, I think..." This time, Keira didn't ignore the phone call and apologized before picking it up. Her disappointment is clearly visible. She realized why after Keira hung up and explained that she has to cancel the date on Friday. "Oh…well…business is more important. We can go some other time." Kristin was looking forward to it but at the same time, she's not...like right now...when her hands are being held onto.
"I'm sorry. I can't get out of it." Usually Scud can take care of everything himself. Lucy isn't sure why she has to be there. ...because you're the boss...so? It's disrespectful. It does back in the old days when she was the leader but this is business, legal business so she doesn't agree with Scud.
"It's okay."
Lucy is disappointed until an idea hit her. Just because she can't go to the movies doesn't mean Kristin can't come along. "After I get done with business on Saturday, which shouldn't take a whole day, we can spend the weekend touring the museums. It's a weekend. Michel can take care of Ashley himself. Then we can fly back on Monday morning. What do you think?"
Surprised and for some reason, Keira's suggestion made her heart beat faster. It was only this morning that she was asked, not knowing when or if it will happen, but now it seems another opportunity is given to her. Even though it isn't Spain, Venice has alot of museums too. Should I ask them for permission? It's only for the weekend.
"You, me and Scott?"
"We'll leave Scott in the hotel, just you and me." Lucy said.
Sounds fun just thinking about it the places she wants to go. Not only her mind, her heart is clearly excited about it too. "Okay"
"Really?" Lucy isn't expecting that so it surprised her. Getting a nod from Kristin, she couldn't help being more excited as if they're leaving tomorrow. "Then maybe after the museum, we can take a ride on the gondola on the quiet, back canals." Lucy said softly.
"That…sounds…nice." With Keira's face inching closer, Kristin moved hers back.
"We just have to make sure the gondolier can sing because not all of them can."
With the door behind her, Kristin can no longer move back.
"Then we can just sit back…relax…enjoy the serenade…just you...and me…"
With 2 inches of space between their faces, it's difficult not to fall into those mesmerizing pupils that seem to have again prevented her from thinking of anything else other than those lips moving closer...and closer...and.. The moment she closed her eyes, her whole body reacted spontaneously, moving one leg backwards to prevent herself from falling.
"Hey…you're back…I thought I heard something."
Kat? If Kat needed to speak with her, the proper procedure is to leave a note slipped into the edge of the door, so that she would know someone is inside the apartment, just like last time. But this time Kat didn't do that and has casually opened the door. What's going on? Is there a change of plans?
"Hi, I'm Kat, her cousin."
"I thought you would be sleeping by now." That's all Kristin could come up with.
"...can't sleep..."
After the introduction, Lucy took the hint that it's time for her to go when Kristin and Kat are looking at her in silence so since she couldn't come up with any excuse to stay a little bit longer, she left Kristin's apartment disappointingly without a goodnight kiss.
After waiting for a few minutes and checking the hallway, Kristin felt it's safe to ask: "What's going on? my cousin?"
"Orders from above. I told them what you said last time. They said I should be here to help you."
"What exactly did you tell them?"
"….you know…about you wanting to change the plan…"
Kristin remained silent because she expected Kat to continue but it seems that Kat is focused on what's on tv. "...and?"
"They said you have to stick with the plan. They know how stressful this could be working alone, so they sent me to help you."
"Help me? How? Do they want me to introduce you to Michel?"
"No, they just think that it wouldn't make sense not to have anybody visiting you. Everyone has relatives. It would raise a lot of suspicion if you don't have any. So I'm going to be here for a few months to keep you company."
It does make sense in a way but she wished they gave her a heads-up so she could be more prepared. Kissing Keira would not have happened even though it didn't happen. It almost did, though and Kat would've found out.
"Was she the same friend from last time?"
There's no point in lying to Kat so she didn't.
"Where did you girls go?"
"Just around…she celebrated my birthday with me." Kristin said in a casual tone as she made herself comfortable on the couch.
"That's nice…"
It was nice. She didn't plan on spending an entire day with Keira but apparently Keira did. Thinking back to that moment of how she won the bet made her smile. That adorable pout was as cute as Ashley's. And those girls...oh my god, that was so embarrassing...what was i thinking?
"How did you meet her? What does she do?"
She expected questions but also knew that Kat could have other intentions for asking besides being nosy. "Kat, did they ask you to check everyone out who has contact with me?"
"No…just a question."
"Is it?" Kat might have said yes but that didn't convince her. "I don't want you digging into her information using their computers…If you do, they'll know about her…and I don't want them to know. She's just a friend who I feel comfortable talking to. She has nothing to do with this."
"Then I'll use other my own computer."
"Kat!" She didn't want to shout, startling Kat but she has no control over it because she's not sure if Kat really didn't understand or just completely ignoring her request.
"What?"
"I don't want you checking her personal records, period. If I want to know anything about her, I would use the normal way. I would just ask her." After Kat apologized, she realized she might have overreacted because her reason makes sense. It's a force of habit since that's what they're trained to do.
"Just make sure you don't get too attached to her."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you can go shopping, go to a movie and have small talks with her once a while. But don't get too close to her. Just remember you can't tell her what you do. After this is over, you probably won't be able to see her again." Kat didn't think she'd needed to remind her because she expected her to know what will happen if her identity is revealed. "The closer you become friends with her, there is a chance that she could find out who you really are. And you cannot let that happen. If she finds out your true identity, do you think she still wants to be friends with you after you lied to her? Even if she still wants to be friends with you knowing who you are, do you want to risk the chance of putting yourself and her in danger? There will be other assignments after this. If by coincidence, she recognizes you while you're undercover, she'll have to pretend she doesn't know you. Will she be able to do that? Even if she can, it would be just too dangerous."
"She's just a friend, someone I can talk to…to take away my stress. Don't worry, after this is over, we won't be seeing each other again." Kristin assured her partner before going to the bathroom. Staring at herself in the vanity mirror, she took a few deep breaths, hoping it would slow down the rapid beating of her heart that suddenly just appeared a moment ago. She's just a friend. But Kat has a point. How long can she keep lying to Keira? What if Keira finds out? It has been a fantastic day today until Kat showed up. It might not be Kat's fault but being reminded of the consequences is stressing her out so she decides to take a hot relaxing shower, remembering all the good things that happened today and think about the upcoming trip with the hot brunette. Did I just say that?
"Kristin" Kat called out as she knocked on her door. "Kristin, do you have an extra pillow and blanket?" Thinking that Kristin couldn't hear with the shower running, Kat stopped knocking and returned to the small uncomfortable couch that will be her bed tonight. "Shoot, should have bought myself a pillow, a blanket, and inflatable bed."
Next morning
"Can he be persuaded?...Don't do anything yet until you get the others."
"Why are you still doing this?"
Unaware that the one behind him has awaken in this early morning, he hung up before sitting down next to his wife who appears to be better than last night. Life is fragile, he knew that especially at their age but he never thought that he would be the reason for his wife to be here, in the hospital in this condition. "How are you feeling?"
"Stop…you need to stop…" Dryness in her mouth prevented her from continuing. After taking a sip of water from the one whom she thought she knew, she does feel better physically but her mind couldn't stop thinking of how naive she has been all these years for not knowing what her husband of decades is capable of. "You need to stop now before it's too late."
"I…can't. They'll find out if I do. Everything I worked for will be gone."
"What happened to you?" Years ago, what attracted her to him was his hardworking qualities, intelligence, and kindness. The fact that he helped support his parents even after graduating from college showed that he was caring and family oriented. If she did not accidentally overheard his private conversation, she would've never found out what he has been doing. "Have you thought about how this would affect Michel?"
"As long as nobody finds out, everything's going to be fine."
11AM
Café De Paris
Venice might be a place that she has visited years ago and there might not be any changes since then, she decided to get a tour book guide to familiarize herself and to see which places to go first since 2 days isn't a lot of time. "Peggy Guggenheim Collection...private guided tour..." Kristin would love that. Amy did but she herself is not too excited about spending 1.5 hours in a museum. "Gondola ride in the quiet back canals." Now that is what she's looking forward too. Nighttime would be even more romantic. There is no doubt in her mind that Kristin will agree and hopefully, she'll let her hold her hand. It's one step closer to...
"Désolé..."
Lost in her thoughts, Lucy didn't noticed what happened until she looked down at the waitress who is picking up a few utensils that she accidentally dropped behind her. Alexis? Seems odd that Alexis didn't come to chat with her since she's been here for more than half an hour, eating lunch with a business associate who just left a few minutes ago. Maybe she just came? That could be the reason. But what reason could explain why Alexis completely ignored her after picking up the utensils as if she didn't know that she's behind her? Feeling something wrong, Lucy followed her to the back where there's nobody else around except for them before calling out. "Alexis" She wasn't expecting Alexis to immediately hold her in a tight embrace nor was she expecting Alexis to be crying on her shoulder. Something is definitely wrong. Whatever it is, asking what's wrong seems appropriate at this moment since no one is around. Alexis' response may not be clear but clear enough to let her know the reason for her carelessness and look of worry. "Then why are you here? You should be with her."
"Doctor said she'll be fine…"
"Doesn't matter what the doctor says, you should still go see her, be with her." It was only a couple of days ago that Alexis' grandmother was taken to the hospital. Stable, the doctor said. But for how long? "She would want you to be there." She might not know the condition her grandmother is in, but she could see that Alexis is not in the condition to do anything else.
"Come with me. I want her to meet you."
Lucy isn't thinking of denying her request. It's just that it caught her off guard. What also caught her off guard is seeing Ashley here. Alexis seems to be surprised by her presence as well. If Alexis didn't bring her here, then it must be Michel or...
"I have to pee..."
Lucy remained rooted in her position while Ashley walked around her to the restroom with Alexis who decided to go with her to wash her face. How long has she been standing there? Probably long enough to see what she did because Kristin has the same look as yesterday but this time, she looks more pissed. With a smile in place, Lucy starts walking while hoping that Kristin didn't see much. Not that she was doing anything wrong, but no one likes to see their potential girlfriend hugging another girl especially when that girl is interested in her. Seeing Kristin walking away from her and back to her table, Lucy knew she's in trouble.
How dare she? With a menu opened in her hand, she closed her eyes for a quick few seconds and breathe out a deep breath to calm herself down because she didn't want to give Keira the idea that she's jealous. She's not but she is upset that Keira is going after Alexis and her at the same time. Now thinking back that moment yesterday, she realized she was right. She was looking at the 2 girls.
Lucy wants to explain but not with other people around, especially not knowing how Kristin will react. Making a scene in front of other customers including Ashley's bodyguard who's sitting in another table definitely would not be a good idea, so she continued eating her lunch and looking at the tour book which she found difficult concentrating at this moment because it's possible that Kristin will change her mind in coming along. Shit.
"Hi"
"Oh...hi..." Why is Ashley sitting here? Why isn't she sitting with Kristin? Lucy doesn't mind but did find the little girl's behavior a bit strange, especially when she didn't say anything, just looking at her with a smile. Not only Ashley, her sister Alexis too because she didn't promise to go with her to visit her grandmother but yet Alexis got herself ready and is expecting her to. Saying she can't wouldn't be inappropriate. Saying she can come after work may sound reasonable but she couldn't get herself to do so. Giving Kristin an explanation will have to wait.