45. Gage
Gage
P aris wasn’t on the agenda today, but it shot to the top of the list real fast.
I don’t appreciate getting the runaround.
After trying to get a hold of Lily and Nadine numerous times, it was clear there was only one way I was going to be able to get answers.
My decision to cancel all my meetings for the rest of my trip will cost me, but not knowing where the hell Lily is will drive me out of my mind.
There’s no way I can concentrate until I’m certain Lily is safe.
I didn’t have a private plane reserved, so I grabbed the first flight out of Stockholm. It’s been years since I flew coach. I don’t even fly first class anymore. The near three-hour flight was uncomfortable as fuck on my long legs.
As I was packing my stuff at the speed of light, I sent Phoenix a string of texts, explaining the situation.
The time difference with LA played in my favor.
By the time I rolled my suitcase near the door, he had appointed someone to help me secure a room at the Pompadour Paris.
His hotel is my stomping ground, but they were fully booked, so I get to stay in his private suite.
After leaving my luggage in the room, I set off on my mission.
It’s two o’clock when the taxi stops in front of a tiny shop with a blue door.
I read the sign.
Blue Belle.
I pay the cabbie, mumble merci , and get out of the taxi.
When I step through the door, a bell chimes.
I scour the shop.
Nadine is nowhere to be seen.
Is she in the back room?
She better be.
I’m not leaving until I talk to her.
If I’m standing in her face, she can’t ignore me.
I take in my surroundings, my eyes bouncing in all four corners.
It isn’t big, but it’s quaint.
From the little I know of Lily’s best friend, the décor matches her personality.
An elegant woman of a certain age is in deep concentration as she selects flowers for the perfect bouquet. A young couple is doing the same, as the man and woman bob their heads to the beat of a jazz tune.
My eyes land on a bucket of Lily’s favorite flowers, and I’m drawn towards them.
I don’t have time to take a step forward.
“Bonjour, monsieur,” a voice says from behind me. “Comment puis-je vous aider?”
Other than hello, sir I didn’t understand a word she said.
I turn around.
Lily’s best friend gasps, her hands flying to cover her mouth.
“Bonjour, Nadine.”
“What are you doing here?” she says in way of a greeting.
I cut to the chase. “We both know what I’m doing here.”
“I have a business to run. I don’t have time for this.” Her tone is cold and detached, her eyes emanating with fury.
I open my arms. “What’s going on?”
“You’re making a scene.”
“Wouldn’t you, if you were in my position?”
“I don’t want to talk to you.”
My face furrows with irritation. “Too bad. I’m here and I’m going nowhere.”
She crosses her arms over her chest.
As if that’s enough to shut me up. “Lily’s father called to chew my head off and I have no idea what the hell he’s talking about. And what’s this about him having me followed?”
“Men.” She sneers. “You’re all alike.”
I point a finger at her. “I resent that.”
“You’re not welcome in my shop.”
“I’m not budging until you tell me where to find Lily.”
“Who says I know where she is?”
I pinch my lips in a thin line.
Nadine glares at me.
The air in the shop turns icy.
The woman and the couple rush out.
There was genuine fear in their eyes.
“ Putain! ” Nadine’s hands go flying in the air before landing on her thighs. “Are you happy now? You scared my customers.”
“I can’t get a hold of Lily and I couldn’t get a hold of you––”
“Perhaps you should’ve clued in on the fact Lily doesn’t ever want to talk to you again. Ditto for me.”
“I’m tired of this cryptic conversation?—”
“You’re more than welcome to leave.” She points to the door .
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Gage, your presence here is costing me business.”
There’s an easy solution for that. “Whatever you make in a day, I’ll five-time it.”
“You’re wasting your breath.” She lifts a defiant chin.
I narrow my eyes at her. “I’ll five-time your month’s revenue. Close the damn shop and talk to me, Nadine.”