Chapter 5
ALICE
I’m too excited to sleep, despite the fact that the sun is shining through the glass and making me burn. I’m trying to blame the sun, but really it’s the man beside me.
Stefan is one attractive guy, and I’m trying so hard not to fangirl over him. I’m aware my sisters look at him in the same way and yet of all of us I engineered a friendship with him that they don’t even know about.
It began when I was put in charge of the floral arrangements in the convent.
Stefan worked in the gardens, and we struck up a conversation over the flower borders.
I asked for his advice, mainly as an excuse to talk to him, and he was so knowledgeable and easy on the eye it became an absolute pleasure.
However, he kept his distance—his respectful distance because, of course, he only saw me as one of the nuns. I like to believe that he was attracted to me, but he never gave me any sign of that.
One week led to one month, and we soon began to talk about other things unrelated to horticulture.
He told me he lived in the town with his family.
Two parents and two sisters. He used to joke that he needed to escape their incessant chattering, and when the job at the convent came up, he leaped at it.
I bonded with him over the perils of having two sisters, and it was only after a few months that I broached the subject of my mother.
“You’re deep in thought.”
His husky whisper halts my trip down memory lane.
“I was remembering how we met.”
He says nothing and I suppose I’ve embarrassed him so add quickly, “I mean, I’m surprised I had the courage to discuss my suspicions with you at all. I’m usually so reserved but well—you made it easy, I guess.”
He nods, his eyes never leaving the road for a second, which is reassuring.
“I’m hoping I get the answers I’ve suspected for some time now.”
“What will you do with the information when you get it?”
I’m surprised by his question. More because I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.
“What if she’s alive, Stefan? I’ve lost my father, and there is still hope I’ll find my mother. I won’t be alone anymore.”
“You have your sisters.”
“True, but they aren’t a parent.”
I huff, “I was denied one because my father wasn’t that great as a father if I’m honest.”
“You had everything money could buy.”
His tone is sharp, and I suppose it’s because his family doesn’t have money. He told me that a while ago.
“True, but what are money or possessions worth if no love is attached to them? Money has never been the driving force behind my intentions. I want to find a place I belong where I am accepted unconditionally.”
“And you suppose your mother will provide that.”
He sounds skeptical and I expect I would be in his shoes.
“I’m not sure. Perhaps, but at least I tried.”
“So, what is your plan?”
He asks the important question—one I still haven’t figured out for myself yet.
“I’m hoping to find answers at the head office. It’s a good place to start at least.”
“Where will you stay? I doubt you’ll be able to walk in and demand the answers as if they’re a file on the reception computer.”
I’m a little irritated by his words.
“I’m aware of that. I’ll check into a hotel; I have money. I’ll stay for as long as it takes to find her, even if it means employing a private detective. I won’t give up on her or my dream.”
“What is your dream?”
“I told you. To find my mom.”
“But what if she doesn’t want you?”
His words cut deep, and I won’t pretend I haven’t allowed doubt to creep into my mind, but I disguise it with a sharp, “She’s my mother and will be happy I found her.”
He says nothing, but the building tension between us tells me he doesn’t agree with my mission.
However, he did agree to help me leave, and I will always be grateful for that.
“How long before we get to the city?”
A stirring of excitement pushes away any doubts.
“Two hours.”
He shifts gear and the noise from the engine lowers a little, and I lean back and rest my head on the headrest, my mind buzzing with what I will do when I reach the city.
Two hours pass in a flash and as we crawl along with the traffic into the city center, I peer around with enthusiasm.
It’s so vibrant here, intoxicating even, and I gaze in wonder at the crowds of people going about their day—living their lives.
There is no room for quiet contemplation here. Commerce, leisure, business—life.
I picture their lives, their homes, families, hobbies and occupations. Every single person outside this window has a story to tell, and I am eager to hear every one.
“Where are we?”
Stefan pulls into a parking bay beside a huge tower block and as he cuts the engine he groans. “I could use something to eat.”
“In here?”
He reminded me that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and it sounds like a good idea. Lunch would be most welcome, so I nod.
“Allow me to pay. It’s the least I can do.”
“You don’t have to pay, Alice. I’m doing this as a favor because well–”
He hesitates, and I latch onto his words with a hopeful, “Well, what?”
As he turns, I detect the gleam in his eye as he says softly, “I would do anything for you.”
My heart actually flutters, and I’m surprised when his hand finds mine and tangles our fingers together.
“Come, let’s eat and enjoy what time we have together.”
I stare at his hand in mine in surprise because I wasn’t expecting this. I wasn’t expecting it to feel so good, and I wasn’t expecting to be lunching with him at all.
We walk into the ground floor of a smart hotel and my heart races.
“Are we allowed to be in here?”
“Of course. Anyone can use the restaurant.”
“How do you know?”
“I googled it.”
His slow wink stirs my libido, and the biggest surprise is that I possess one. I’ve never really considered men until I met Stefan in the rose garden and fell deeply infatuated with him.
As we head into the hotel restaurant, I’ve never been happier. I am free and breathing normal air in a city I have never been allowed to travel to before. The city of answers, of dreams even, and I wonder if this particular city will also be the one where I fall madly in love.