BASH
"She visited her ex-fiancé two days ago. She called her parents on the same day." Derek hands me her phone. The phone that I gave to her. She left it and maybe found out I placed a tracker on her phone.
I wave my hand and say, "Charge this. Maybe she used this to book her flights."
"We checked that already. I think she purchased her ticket at the airport."
My shoulders droop. I can't help but shake my head in disappointment and amusement at the same time. She knew what she was doing.
"Sneaky little thing," I mutter. "Did you ask anyone from any airline or aviation authority where she could travel? Domestic and international flights have manifest."
"We contacted her dad. She could go to France."
I stop to a halt. Yeah. It's possible.
We drive back to my penthouse silently. "Baby Bash, Oh, God. Are you okay, baby?" Mom pulls me into a warm hug.
"Never been better. My fiancée just left for France without me, Mom."
"Stop being sarcastic, Bash." Mom slaps my arm playfully. "Let's go to the airport."
I blink. Before I can reply, Mom makes her way to the door.
"Are you coming or not?" Mom asks when she doesn't notice me following her. "We already arranged your flight when Russell said that Kiara would possibly travel to France. Don't mess up again, Bash. I want grandchildren."
Mom leaves me rooted in my place as I try to wrap my head around what she just said.
The captain announces that we're leaving in thirty minutes. I latch my seatbelt and get ready to take off. I can't thank my family enough for arranging everything I need.
They found out that Trinity checked in at one of the King hotels in Paris two days ago. My parents have a penthouse suite at that hotel, and that's where I'm going to stay.
Of course, Mom is Mom. She prepared my things before I even arrived.
Someone nudges my arm, and I jolt to a sitting position. Edmund's face comes into view. "Wake up, sleepyhead. We just landed."
***
I can't believe I slept for almost eight hours throughout the flight.
I called Mom, informing her that we arrived safe and sound. Then I shared a meal with Edmund and Derek earlier as soon as we arrived at the hotel.
I shower and change into comfortable clothes for the weather in Paris.
"Ready to meet your Juliet, Romeo?" Derek cracks a joke.
I narrow my eyes on him. "I don't wanna end our relationship in a disaster, dumbass."
"Bash, Mr. Shin left a message. He was sorry not to be able to call you back sooner. He was having a family problem. His daughter got into an accident."
"Is she okay?" I haven't heard much about Alex lately. I know that the custody hearing was on hold.
"Yeah. She's been released from the hospital. I sent your regards."
I nod. "Thanks, Edmund."
"That's the best thing you've ever said so far."
My eyes narrow. "Am I this terrible?"
"Nah. You're the best," Edmund remarks.
"So, where are we going exactly?" I know they have an idea where Trinity might be touring around.
"To the street in Marché de la Création Bastille. It's an art and crafts market."
"Are you sure she will be there?"
"You should've known your fiancée well, Bash," Derek answers.
"Well, she stops that long time ago," I banter.
"If you are sad, and something that reminds you of her-a thing or something has a significance to her, what is it?"
I look at him intently. "Stop psychoanalyzing me."
"It's not psychoanalyzing. It's common sense," Derek retorts.
"Whatever." I roll my eyes because he has a point. Why haven't I thought of that? I guess I lack common sense. "I just want to see Trinity."
"You will see her, man."
After almost thirty minutes, he parks the car in the secured parking lot.
"We have to walk from the parking lot," Derek says. "It will take ten minutes to be there."
"Even ten hours. I just wanna see her."
The two idiots high-five while I'm stuck between them. I just roll my eyes and ignore my frantic heartbeat. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. It's okay, even if Trinity throws a stone at my face. After what I had been through without her in my life for the past few days, I've come to realize that I'd rather hurt myself than hurt her.
The street market comes into view. Some painters are busy with their canvases with their models right in front of them, from vendors to tourists. Some are just busy checking out the products.
This place is fantastic for those who love art. There are drawings, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, clothing, hats, photography, and even ceramics. I'm busy scanning the place when someone hits my arm.
"Yeah?" I look at Derek.
He points his finger to his left, not so far from us.
My heart hammers in my chest, making me hard to catch my breath.
"Jeez. Breathe." Derek chuckles.
Trinity just hands the sketch she did to the couple, maybe newlyweds. The man offers her bills, but she pushes his hand back.
I feel a stab in my chest in guilt.
The couple hugs her and maybe thanks her, then they wave goodbye. It swells my heart how she makes the couple happy.
"What are you waiting for?" Edmund nudges my arm.
I saunter towards her, but she hasn't noticed me yet. She places another blank canvas on her easel. I take a deep breath when she's almost an arm's reach, yet I can't touch her.
I clear my throat.
"Five euros for painting?" My voice shakes, making her freeze.
She quickly recognizes it was me.
"Ten euros?"
"Fifteen?"
Shit. I didn't hear a response.
"A dinner date, then?" My heart starts to beat wildly.
"How about a cruise trip for two?"
Shit. I'm running out of ideas.
She turns her head slowly into me, smiling.
"I do for free."