Chapter Thirty-Five
When the embassy contacted Marek’s parents, they were concerned for his well-being. Sure, they were upset, but they trust him to get back to the States. They want him home.
When Jane received the call, she lost it. Said she knew I’d be like them. Who she meant I’m not too sure. Probably my parents. Maybe my uncle. Instead of “dealing” with me on her own, she called my grandparents in Isreal. Which makes no sense to me, since I never get in trouble. Not like Dalton. I get straight As. Unlike Dalton.
One time.
One time I do something careless, and I’m the trouble child.
When Jane finally reached my grandparents, it was too late for them to get a flight to Paris. Saba and Safta got me a hotel room right next door to the American Embassy and wired money. They’ll arrive in Paris sometime past noon. I’m spending a few days with them to give Jane “time.”
Dalton. How can I hide that Lugh’s his sperm donor father from him? Thank goodness I couldn’t talk to him, because he can tell when something’s wrong with me. He’s still at that grieving camp and won’t be home for two days.
I’m in a lounge with a lot of gold trim, fancy chandeliers, and a grand piano. There’s a cloudy sky painted on the ceiling and marble on the walls. This hotel is expensive. My grandparents have money, and they throw it around all the time. Not to be snobby or showy, but to help others. They’re good people. I’m lucky to have them.
Showered and wearing the new outfit I got in one of the expensive shops down the street, I actually feel better. I could pass as a twentysomething Parisian woman with my new black pants, white shirt, and gray jacket. I look sort of innocent, except for the soul of the Devil or something taped to my lower leg. I play with the ends of the yellow scarf Marek picked out at the thrift store for me. How am I already reminiscing? It was just a few hours ago.
Steam rises from the cup of coffee I cradle in my hands. When I see Marek stroll in with the confident stride and the tilted smile he turns on as soon as he sees me, he grabs more of my heart.
He sits in the chair beside me and holds my hands on the table. There are bags under his eyes, and they’re glassy, and I’m sure mine are, too.
“So I’m leaving in a few for the airport,” he says. “My parents want me home as soon as possible. It might be some time before I can see you.”
I stare at our hands, fingers entangled. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back home. Jane needs time.”
He knits his eyebrows together. “Time? Isn’t she your mother?”
“She adopted me.” I swallow because I really need to hold it together here. I’m already crumbling inside, knowing that any minute now I’ll have to say goodbye to Marek. “I think my uncle forced her into it. Sure, maybe she was down with it when I was a baby, but something changed the older I got.”
His eyes close for a quick second, and when he opens them, he slips his hand around the back of my neck, guides me toward him, and waits. I lean the rest of the way and press my lips to his. The kiss is soft and not that long. We are in a fancy hotel, after all, and PDA is probably frowned on here.
He releases me, and we straighten. His kiss still hinting on my lips.
I look over his shoulder. A few groups are sitting at the other tiny tables around the room. No one noticed our kiss. “I’m sorry we couldn’t solve that clue,” I say.
“Yeah, that’s a letdown.” He absentmindedly fidgets with my fingers. “It makes no sense. He made it too hard. I’ve played back things he’s told me in the past. Nothing fits.”
“I guess it’s only a matter of time before a spirit gives the location of it to their god or goddess.”
“Yeah. More immortals with powers. Great.” He lowers his head as if he’s ashamed. As if he’s let the world down. “I wonder what life will be like under their rule.”
I squeeze his hand. “It’s not your fault. We tried.”
I don’t mention his grandmother. I’m sure he’s already beating himself up about her losing her money.
The man from the embassy comes into the room and stands by the entrance. He spots Marek and waves for him to leave.
Marek releases my hand. “There’s my ride. Walk me out?”
“Okay.” I grab my new tan leather bag, now holding my replaced passport, new prescription, and recently purchased makeup, and I sling it over my shoulder.
We clasp hands and shuffle slowly for the exit, not wanting our time together to end. Hoping that by some miracle time will stop.
Fitting my mood, it’s raining when we get outside. The man who waved Marek over in the lounge stands beside a black Mercedes sedan.
I pull the hood to my new jacket over my head, rain clapping on the cotton and polyester blend. “Wow, you’re going in style.”
He looks behind him. “Yeah, I guess so.” Even though he’s getting wet, he still stands there with me in the rain. Eyes holding my stare, he grips both my hands, and we stand face to face. “God, I hate leaving you. Stay in the hotel room until your grandparents get here, okay?”
“I’ll be fine,” I reassure him.
“Call me as soon as you can. I’ll have my number switched to my old phone when I get home.”
“I will.”
He cups my face in his hands and presses his lips firmly against mine. We kiss, not caring who sees. I don’t want to let go. I don’t want him to leave. I don’t want to stay without him.
We were just getting started. Just coming together. I’m not sure when I’ll see him again. I want to keep him here with me.
But he lets go.
And so do I.