When Fires Collide - Chapter 7
The next morning Smudge was at Cinder's door.
Smudge carried a couple sacks with him. "I brought breakfast, We can eat while we ride."
"Ride?" said Cinder softly, "Where are we riding to?"
"Well I figured since you were here I'd take you on a little sightseeing tour," said Smudge.
They exited Cinder's inn and sitting in front was a double decker tour bus.
"You can't say you've been sightseeing in London unless you ride a double decker," laughed Smudge.
Cinder was amazed. Smudge had brought breakfast pastries and drinks. They rode and the tour guide pointed out several different locations. He would also occasionally have the bus stop and would provide history of the buildings they were seeing. They stopped in front of Scotland Yard and as the tour guide was explaining the history of the station when a Belgian Shepherd bound up the steps of the bus.
"So you're the girl coming to steal my best friend," said the Shepherd.
"I'm sorry?" Cinder said softly, cocking her head in confusion.
The Shepherd began laughing.
"Cinder, this is my barmy best friend, Bruno," said Smudge.
"Barmy?" asked Cinder softly.
"Crazy, nutters, loony, take your pick," laughed Bruno. "So glad to meet you finally. I was sure Smudge was a nutter when he first talked about you."
"I told you she was real," said Smudge.
"She must like you if she's willing to brave the air to get here," laughed Bruno. "I don't think I like you that much."
"Bruno, doesn't care much for flying," laughed Smudge.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you as well, Bruno," Cinder said softly.
The bus began moving again.
"Are you going to ride with us to the next stop?" asked Smudge
"No, I have to get back to work," said Bruno. He leaned over to Smudge and whispered "It's all set up, tickets are waiting for you. Don't screw this up, Happy Birthday, it cost me a pretty penny."
With that he bound back down the stairs and jumped off the moving bus. He then turned and ran full speed back toward Scotland Yard.
"I told you he was hyper as all get out," laughed Smudge. "You gotta love him. He'd do anything for anyone."
"What was that he was talking about?" asked Cinder softly, curiosity darting across her eyes.
"It's part of the surprise," said Smudge, "This next stop is the end of our morning tour."
The bus stopped in front of Westminster Abbey. They both stepped off and walked around the exterior looking at the beautiful architecture.
"It's hard to believe the Abbey is over 750 years old," said Smudge. "At least as you see it now. The Abbey has actually been here since around 1066."
"That's incredible," said Cinder softly. "It is amazing to think this was hand built. There is just so much history involving every inch of this city. It's just so beautiful."
"Yeah, she sure is," said Smudge and then caught himself, "The Abby, I mean, yeah, the Abby."
Cinder blushed, "You're pretty handsome yourself."
They walked toward Big Ben next door. As they reached the base, the magnificent clock began striking twelve bells for noon. Smudge pulled Cinder to himself and kissed her holding it until the final bell sounded.
"I would venture to guess you planned that," laughed Cinder softly.
"Maybe," laughed Smudge. "Why don't we cross the River and ride the Eye. Then we can find some lunch."
They walked across the Westminster Bridge and got tickets for the London Eye. Cinder marveled at how far you could see. It was perfect. Afterward they found a small cafe and had a light lunch.
"Are you ready for the big surprise?" asked Smudge.
"What more could you possibly show me?" said Cinder softly, "You've done so much. I could never imagine all we've seen already."
"I thought maybe we could take a little train ride," said Smudge.
"A train ride?" Cinder exclaimed softly.
"Yeah, I thought we'd pop over to Paris for the evening," said Smudge.
"Paris? You mean France?" yipped Cinder softly.
"That's the one," laughed Smudge.
"How? That's like 300 miles away and another country," said Cinder softly.
"Yes, it's only a little over two hours by train," said Smudge.
"How did you manage to set that up?" asked Cinder softly.
"I didn't," laughed Smudge, "Bruno did. That's what he jumped on the bus to tell me. Let's go check in."
They caught a bus over to the station and walked to the ticket counter. Smudge provided his name and handed the lady his ID and Cinder's Passport.
"I'm sorry Lord Smudge," said the ticket attendant. "You need to check in at the Premier Counter. I'll have someone ride over and pick you up."
"Lord?" laughed Cinder softly, "is there something you need to tell me?"
"I told you Bruno is crazy," laughed Smudge, "well, I guess we just go with it. I can't believe he bought us Premier tickets."
"Is that special?" asked Cinder softly.
"Equivalent to first class in America," said Smudge. "Honestly, I have no idea what Bruno told them."
An attendant rode up in a cart.
"Lord Smudge, Lady Cinder, I will take you over to the premier entrance," said the attendant.
"Lady Cinder, your carriage," said Smudge, offering his paw.
Cinder sat down and Smudge sat beside her. They were driven over to an elaborately decorated entrance. They walked in and every person they came to identified them by name. A gentleman stepped over and introduced himself.
"I am Thomas, I will be your personal assistant for the day," said Thomas. "I have snacks and drinks ready for you as you wait for the train to board. Detective Bruno said I needed to provide exceptional service to your lord and ladyship. I have taken the liberty to arrange a limo in Paris to convey you to anywhere you wish to go. When you are ready to return tomorrow, I will have your seats prepared as the detective arranged."
"Uh, Smudge?" said Cinder softly.
"I'm going to kill him," laughed Smudge. "I suppose you will be getting the royal treatment you so richly deserve."
"Oh, I would have never dreamed this up," laughed Cinder softly. "What did he tell them?"
"Probably that we're some dignitary," laughed Smudge, "Well he arranged this. I guess we'll just sit back and enjoy the treatment. I'm sure he will remind me of this for years."
"I know no one will believe me when I describe it," laughed Cinder softly.
They were led into a private waiting area that had a small snack buffet arranged with fresh fruit and multiple cheeses. They sat talking and enjoying the treatment.
Smudge got a text on his phone, he looked at it. 'Surprise Lord Smudge, I hope you two enjoy yourselves. P.S. I did my part, don't screw it up. Bruno.' Smudge just laughed and sent back, 'Thank you, I owe you."
"What was that?" asked Cinder softly.
"Bruno making sure we were being treated right," laughed Smudge. "Are you being treated right?"
"I don't think I've ever been treated better," laughed Cinder softly.
They were escorted out to the train ahead of everyone else being allowed to board. They were provided seats away from everyone else. Once the other riders were allowed to board the rumors were already flying. The comments of 'royalty' or 'celebrity' were overheard from several riders. Cinder and Smudge enjoyed the special treatment although Cinder never liked being the center of attention she had to admit the pampering was enjoyable.
The countryside flew by.
"How fast are we going?" asked Cinder softly.
Thomas stepped over and began explaining, "The Eurostar is capable of 300 kilometers per hour, around 186 miles per hour. Through the Channel Tunnel, we are limited to 160 Kilometers per hour, about 100 miles per hour."
"Looking out the window you can see we are moving quickly," said Cinder softly, "But it doesn't feel like we are going that fast."
"If we were to take off 0 to 300 it would throw everyone to the floor," agreed Thomas, "We gain a little at a time as we go until we achieve full speed. It makes the ride much more comfortable. Would either of you care for a drink?"
"I'd like a water, please," said Cinder softly.
"I take one as well, thank you Thomas." said Smudge, he started to hand a tip to Thomas.
"Oh, no thank you sir," said Thomas, "Detective Bruno took care of all the tips and advised us not to take any other tips from you or the lady."
"He would," laughed Smudge. "Well, thank you Thomas, you have been more than accommodating."
"Yep, I'm going to kill him," Smudge softly said to Cinder. Cinder laughed softly.
"Have you ever been kissed at 300 kilometers per hour?" asked Cinder softly.
"I can't say I have," laughed Smudge.
Cinder took care of that as they both turned to look at the scenic countryside speeding by.
As the train entered the Channel Tunnel, Thomas explained that at the deepest part of the tunnel the Eurostar was 75 meters or 246 feet below sea level and that they would be in the tunnel for about 50 kilometers.
As there was nothing but tunnel wall to look at as they passed through they decided to talk about all that they had seen so far.
"So what did you have in mind for dinner," said Cinder.
Once again Thomas stepped over and explained that Bruno had arranged dinner at La Tour d'Argent and that their reservation was at 7.
"That nut job," laughed Smudge, "I just won't ask anymore. There is no way I can ever repay this. I just don't have the connections."
"I take it that is impressive?" said Cinder softly.
"Yeah, the wait list to get a reservation is like 6 months long," explained Smudge.
"Remind me to give him a kiss when we see him again," laughed Cinder softly.
"I'm going to kiss him when we see him again," laughed Smudge. "Maybe if we kiss him from both sides at the same time he'll understand how thankful we are."
They arrived at the station and once again a cart was there to carry them over to where the Limo awaited. Thomas gave Smudge his number and explained that if they needed him to call otherwise He would see them at 2am for the return trip, but explained they were welcome to return at any point. He had arranged a lounge area for them until the train boarded.
The driver opened the door and allowed them to get in. The driver sat down in the driver's seat and opened the window between the front and back.
"Will you be requesting privacy or would you like a commentary tour?" asked the driver, who's name turned out to be Robert. Smudge blushed and turned to Cinder who was equally blushing.
"I believe we would enjoy the commentary tour," said Smudge.
"Very well sir," said Robert, "please feel free to request that I stop anywhere you wish. I understand that we need to be at the restaurant at 7 and then the tower at 11:30."
"Um, yes," said Smudge as he shook his head. Bruno had really outdone himself.
"Honestly, all I asked was if he could set up the train ride," said Smudge.
"Sounds like you have a pretty good friend there," Cinder said softly.
"He's the best," agreed Smudge, "even if he is crazy."
Robert drove them to several locations explaining the sites. He explained that since the 2019 fire at Notre Dame the area was closed off for the rebuilding. He drove them past the Louvre talking about several of the exhibits that were currently showing. Then he took them past several other historical places allowing them to step out and take pictures. Finally he turned and drove them to the restaurant. The meal was incredible, Bruno had prearranged the meal and prepaid for everything once again. They enjoyed talking after they had finished their meal. Robert came and picked them up, dropping them off at the Eiffel Tower at 11:30. They walked around and were standing under the tower at midnight.
"Well, at noon today I kissed you under Big Ben," explained Smudge. "It seems only fitting that I kiss you at midnight under the Eiffel Tower."
Cinder leaned forward and Smudge leaned over; they shared a passionate kiss fitting of Paris. Needless to say the day had been more memorable than anything Cinder could have imagined.
As they arrived back at Cinder's inn, Cinder lingered on their kiss longer than ever before. When she finally decided to let Smudge breathe on his own again, he said that he would allow her to sleep in as it was almost 5am. Cinder was about to call Everest when she realized it was midnight back home. She sent a text to call when Everest woke up. As she walked into her room, her pup tag rang.
"I've been waiting all night for you to call," said Everest. "What time is it there?"
Cinder explained they had just got in and it was about 5 in the morning. She then began explaining in detail all that Smudge and Bruno had arranged. Everest swooned at how romantic the date was, then when Cinder explained the Midnight kiss under the Eiffel Tower, Everest told her that was the absolute most romantic thing she had ever heard of.
"Girl, if you don't end up marrying that pup, I will," joked Everest.
"I'm sure Marshy would appreciate a heads up before you do that," giggled Cinder softly, "Good Night, I'm exhausted, I'll talk to you later."
"Good Night," said Everest, "I'm glad you decided to go. It's great to see you smile. Talk to you soon."
Cinder laid down and quickly fell asleep dreaming of the amazing day she and Smudge had shared.