Author's note: the rest of the story takes place several months later, after the events of 'Scars'
City of romanceJeff looked up at the beeping noise to see the eyes of the portrait at the left end of the row flashing. "Hi there, John. How was your trip?"
"Fine, thanks, Dad, no problems. I even managed to get some sleep on the flight over, so I'm feeling quite rested."
"Glad to hear it. Scott and Alan got back from the space station just after you left. Brains has settled in up there and seems quite happy, so you can go ahead and enjoy your conference."
"Thanks Dad. I'm looking forward to it. I've already seen a few of my fellow astronomers as I was checking in at the hotel. The programme looks interesting, but I might try and do a bit of sightseeing as well while I'm here."
"Yes, you do that Paris is a lovely city, especially in the spring. Have a good rest and enjoy yourself."
"I will, Dad. Bye now!"
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Several hours later, John left the dining room, having had a relaxed meal with several of his colleagues. Though they frequently communicated with each other via e-mail, it was nice to get together on occasions like this just to chat. As he passed the entrance to the hotel's function room he paused at the sound of disco music. "What's going on in there?" he asked a passing waiter.
"That is one of our local dance clubs, M'sieur. They rent our hall once a week for their dances. Hotel guests are allowed free entry if you wish to join in."
John was tempted. He always enjoyed dancing, and having slept on the plane he was not really tired enough to go to bed yet. Soon he was jiving away, his looks and obvious skills on the dance floor attracting partners with ease.
After a little while he decided he needed a break, and headed for the bar located in a side room off the main hall. He walked through the door then stopped abruptly at the sight of Tin Tin sitting on a stool by the bar. A second glance showed that this was not his dear friend; this girl was probably fully Malaysian, rather than half European, but the resemblance was remarkable. Same height and build, same mouth, same hairstyle, same habit of tucking a strand of hair behind her ear…
Suddenly he realised that the girl had turned towards him. "This is very flattering," she said in a voice that sounded so familiar, "I don't usually get this sort of reaction from men."
John found himself blushing. "I do apologise. I didn't mean to be rude. It's just that you look so like a friend of mine, you could be her sister."
She looked at him carefully. "That's all right, John."
"How did you know my name?" John asked, his voice wary.
"You're John Tracy, and you're here for the International Astronomical Conference. It says so on your badge." The girl smiled and pointed to his shirt pocket. "My name's Phin Li Barak"
John looked down and laughed. "Oh, yes, I'd forgotten I was wearing that. The hotel people gave it to me when I booked in and suggested we wear them while we're in the hotel."
"Aren't you a bit young to be an astronomer? I don't think any of the ones I've seen have been under fifty!"
John laughed again. "Well, we're not born old." Then he thought for a moment and gave an impish grin, "though in the case of some of my colleagues, maybe they were." He looked at the girl. "How about you, are you staying here, or have you just come in for the dance?"
"I'm on holiday. I actually won this trip in a competition: an 'all expenses paid holiday for two at a luxury hotel in Paris'. But the friend who was supposed to come with me had to drop out because her mother was taken ill, so I'm here on my own, which is not quite so much fun, but I'm still determined to make the most of my trip."
" In that case," said John, holding out his hand, "would you like to dance?".
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The following morning John was finding it hard to concentrate on the lectures. He had spent most of the evening dancing with Phin Li, and the image of her dark, pretty eyes kept straying into his mind. When it came to the lunch break he decided he could do with some exercise. Even on the space station he rarely spent a whole morning sitting still, so he grabbed a towel and swimwear from his room and headed down to the hotel's indoor pool.
He had just completed a couple of lengths when he heard his name called, and looked up to see Phin Li slipping in to the water.
She swam over to him. "Hallo again. How's the conference going?"
"Fine, thanks. How come you're not out sightseeing today?"
She gave him a withering look. "Don't you realise, it's been pelting with rain all morning? Nobody told me Paris had a monsoon season. I've spent the last couple of hours in the hotel's beauty salon, having my nails done. I suppose astronomers never look at the sky when it's daylight."
John gave a look of mock horror. "Daylight? What's that? During the day we are to be found in the roof spaces of houses, hanging upside down from the rafters." He pointed to his light brown skin. "This isn't a tan, you know, it's protective colouration to blend in with the woodwork."
"And the hair?" she replied, trying to keep a straight face.
"That's to match the sawdust on the floor." They both collapsed into fits of giggles.
They spent some time swimming together and chatting, until John suddenly noticed the time. "I'd better go or I'll miss the next lecture." He looked at Phin Li, realising how much he was enjoying her company. "If it has stopped raining, would you like to go for a walk later? I could meet you in the lobby at 5.30."
Phi Li smiled, "Yes, that would be nice. See you later, then." She watched him walk towards the changing rooms, admiring his slender figure and the way he moved.
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They strolled along the banks of the Seine, from where they could point out to each other many of the famous landmarks of the city. It seemed quite a natural thing to do to hold hands as they walked. Eventually they stopped for supper at a small restaurant overlooking the river. The evening seemed to flow by, and once back at the hotel, Phin Li put her arms round John's neck. "Thank you for a wonderful evening, John."
Their kiss was slow and lingering, and left a sweet taste on John's lips.
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The following day John headed for the pool at lunchtime again, but there was no sign of Phin Li. That afternoon he came to a decision. At six o'clock he was in his room when the phone rang.
"Hi there," came Phin Li's silvery voice.
"Hi yourself. Have you been sightseeing today?"
"Yes, I took an excursion to Versailles. It was so beautiful, and all the guides are dressed in eighteenth century costume and talk as if they were the ladies of the court."
"Sounds like you had a good time. Did you get my note?"
"Yes, what did you want to tell me?"
"Two things. Firstly, the conference is over now, but I've decided to stay on in Paris for a couple of extra days. Secondly, can you be ready to go out by seven o'clock? You might want to wear your best dress, but bring something warm as well, because I gather it can get a bit cold where we're going.'
"Ooh, that sounds mysterious. OK, see you down in the lobby."
An hour later they met downstairs.
John took in the sight of Phin Li in a pale blue, figure-hugging, Chinese style dress. "You look stunning," he said, as they went outside and climbed into a waiting taxi. "I'm going to be the envy of every man in the place tonight."
"Where are we going?" she queried.
John pointed. "Up there." He leaned forward and spoke to the taxi driver. "Eiffel tower, si vous plait, m'sier."
Phin Li gave a small cry. "John, that's supposed to be really expensive.""
John smiled at her. "You're worth it."
After supper they stood on the observation platform looking out over the city.
"This is certainly turning into a memorable holiday," said Phin Li.
"For both of us," replied John, putting his arms around her. "When I think I nearly didn't attend this conference."
"And if I hadn't won that competition, I wouldn't be here either. Fate does seem to have brought us together." They kissed again, not minding the crowds around them. After all, Paris was the city of lovers.
Back at the hotel they headed by mutual consent for John's room. Their love-making was tender and passionate. Eventually Phin Li lay in the darkness, listening until the rhythm of John's breathing told her that he was asleep. Careful not to wake him, she moved out from under the arm that he had flung across her body and sat up.
She looked down at him for a moment, a small smile playing across her lips. Then, putting her fingertips to her temples she concentrated in the way she had been taught. "Father? Father, I have him. He is mine now."
And from deep within her mind, a guttural voice replied. "You have done well, my daughter. Bring him to me!"
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Next instalment will be posted Saturday 27th November a.m (GMT)