Chapter 7

Kaitlyn’s POV

The plane landed a few hours ago and I am now in Paris, France. The Eiffel tower looked beautiful and I would definitely love to go to the Louvre if I had time, but no. This was work and I had a goal to accomplish.

The place I was staying at was a small apartment in a secluded area. It wasn’t a hotel nor did it feel like home. It was enough to live on though. It had a bed in the middle of the room with the kitchen on the side and a door leading to the bathroom on the left. I wouldn’t be spending all my time here anyway, I have some places to be.

I go to the station and make my way towards the first place I would see Andrea at. I have a plan, I won’t talk to her right away because then that would just be suspicious. I’ll be friendly and ease into it. I’m not in a rush after all.

I enter the cafe and stand in the line. It wasn’t a long line, there were about two or three people in front of me. I look at the menu and furrow my brows at the prices. Food here certainly is not cheap. I moved forward as the line shortened. The bell on the door rang which made me turn to see who entered. And there she was, Andrea Diaz.

She was wearing a grey skirt with a white sweater. Her dark hair flowed down her shoulders with slight waves and she had a friendly expression on. What the hell was this girl doing with Mia? She is the exact opposite of Mia. I’m worried for Andrea honestly, how can she handle her?

I turn my attention back to the line as it moves forward again and Andrea goes behind me as she lines up. It was now my turn to order and I ordered a coffee to go. I didn’t want to stay because then what if she talks to me? She seems extroverted as fuck.

As I was waiting for my order, Andrea then moved up in line. After she finishes ordering I offer her a kind smile and she offers one back. My order number was then called as I got my coffee. I got two sugars and two creams. Exactly how I liked my coffee.

I turned to leave the cafe and as I walked out, I turned around to check on Andrea. She had gotten her coffee and sat down at a table. That’s enough for today, I’ll see her tomorrow at the grocery she goes to. Man, I feel like a stalker right now.

I spent the rest of the day in my apartment, the sun was now long gone. I grabbed the book I’m currently reading. I loved reading books, any type of book really. Except for those fantasy, science fiction books. Reading them always makes me way too confused, I almost always never have any idea what’s going on.

I ended up falling asleep around 4am. Just because I’m on a work trip doesn’t mean jetlag isn’t a thing anymore. I woke up at 11am and got ready for the day. I went with a simple outfit, some jeans and my favorite red sweater. It wasn’t exactly cold outside, but it wasn’t too hot either. It got colder at night which is why I decided to wear a sweater so I won’t have to bring a jacket around the whole day. I hate having to bring stuff.

I headed towards the same cafe I went to yesterday since they had some pretty good coffee. I didn’t even expect to see Andrea, but there she was sitting at the table at the far end. Her attention was on her phone, it seems like she’s texting someone and it didn’t look like a pleasant conversation. Her eyebrows were furrowed and she typed on her phone aggressively. Chances are the person receiving those texts was Mia.

I got my coffee and put the usual two sugars and two creams in. As I was putting the lid back on, Andrea caught my gaze. She tilts her head and offers me a kind smile, and I of course offer one back. I got my coffee and left the cafe. She definitely recognized me from yesterday. I decided that was enough for today, if I went to the grocery she goes to and saw her twice in the same day she might think I’m following her.

I kept up with the usual routine, going to the places she frequents. Such as cafes, restaurants, even a library. A full week has now gone and I haven’t talked to her yet, just friendly glances and smiles. I don’t want to be the one to initiate conversation for two reasons. One, it might look weird and suspicious. Second, if Mia does get upset I can say Andrea started it and she was the one who talked to me first and hopefully that will make her not want to kill me.

I have no idea how much this girl means to Mia but for her to still keep her around even if it’s already been a month? Must be some girl.

I decided to go to the park today and sat on a bench. I forgot to bring my book which absolutely sucked. I took out my phone and took a picture of the scenery in front of me. It was beautiful.. The grass was so green and the sounds of the water in the lake was the definition of peaceful. I let out a content sigh before leaning back on the bench and taking a sip of my coffee.

Some time passed as I waited for Andrea to come here. I checked the time on my phone and it was now 3pm. Maybe she wasn’t coming today. I was about to leave but then someone sat beside me. It was Andrea. Perfect.

I glance over at her and offer her another smile. “Okay this is just insane now, this is the fifth time I’m seeing you this week.” She smiled at me and I hummed in response. Finally she talked to me.

“Must be fate then.” I hold my hand out for her to shake. “Kaitlyn Prescott, nice to finally meet you.” She shook my hand as she scooted closer to me. “Andrea Diaz.” I nod, as if I didn’t already know that.

“I just arrived a few days ago actually, it’s my first time here in Paris.” I took my hand away from hers as I put it on my lap. I know I’m currently undercover but it’s actually true. It was my first time in Paris.

“Really? Well, I’d love to show you around, I live here.” She says with such enthusiasm. I hesitated for a moment because if this was a real situation would you really trust the first person you talked to to show you around? Fuck no.

She saw my hesitation and quickly reassured me. “Oh, I promise my intentions are good. I get it if you decline, I just really need a distraction today.” A distraction? Whatever for?

“Okay sure, Andrea. I’d love to be your distraction for today” I say the last part in a low tone. A smirk grows on my lips and I lean closer just the slightest bit before getting up.

We spent the day going around Paris, she really did show me around. Andrea seemed really nice and I have no idea what this poor girl was doing with someone like Mia. We were eating dinner outside a restaurant, this is my chance.

“So Andrea, if you don’t mind me asking,” I say before putting down the fork in my hand. “Why exactly did you need a distraction today?”

She finished chewing her food before responding to me. “It’s stupid, I really shouldn’t talk about it.” Oh please do. I tilt my head, urging her to tell me about it anyway.

“It’s just this girl I’m seeing, she’s so complicated.” She takes a bite of her food before shaking her head. I furrow my brows slightly, trying to act concerned.

“What about her?” I just know Mia’s giving her problems, that girl would be the worst girlfriend ever.

“She has been avoiding my calls, she’s currently in New York right now and I’ve called her countless times but I hear nothing back.” Her tone and expression filled with disappointment. This poor girl probably had no idea about Mia’s business. “Well, with her line of work she is quite busy so maybe she just hasn’t had time.” She puts on a forced smile and I narrow my eyes slightly. Or maybe she did?

“What exactly does she do?” I say nonchalantly. “I can’t really say.” She avoids eye contact and that tells me everything I need to know. She knew about what Mia did and she has no problem with that? Was she ever part of her crimes?

I nod in response, deciding not to push any further. We eat in comfortable silence until she decides to break it. “Are you seeing anyone, Kaitlyn?” I raise my brows as I froze while chewing. I haven’t dated anyone for the past two years, not even a single hookup honestly. I haven’t had anyone in quite a long time.

I clear my throat before giving a polite smile “No, I’m currently not seeing anyone.” She hums in response as a smirk grows on her face. “You’re lucky. Having a girlfriend is not for the weak.”

I let out a small chuckle at her words. I want to correct her and tell her she’s not even your girlfriend, but of course I don’t say it since it would just make things worse for her. Instead, I say “How long have you two been together?”

She closes her eyes momentarily before opening them again, giving me an awkward laugh. “I’ve only been seeing her for a month, I don’t even know if we count as girlfriends but she hasn’t rejected the idea completely so..” At least she got it right this time. They aren’t together. My heart kinda breaks for her though, she doesn’t know Mia’s true intentions. It’s not like I do either, but come on. That girl does not peg me as the type who wants to find love.

“So.. no commitment whatsoever?” I say in a low tone. I know they said I’m not here to seduce her but having a little fun won’t hurt. Plus imagine the shock on Mia’s face when she finds out her girl’s into me.

She can’t help the smile that pulls on her lips as she shakes her head “Nope, none at all.” I hum as I take another sip of my water.

We finished our meals and split the bill before walking around the city some more. We were walking to the station where we agreed to part ways at. “Listen, I had fun today. You definitely were a great distraction.”

“I had fun today too, thank you for showing me around.” I say as I continue walking, matching her slow pace. After a few more steps, we reached the station and we stopped in our tracks.

“Here’s my number,” She says before handing me a small paper with her number on it. “Give me a call if you ever need a distraction. I’d love to return the favor.” She leaned forward slightly as her hands were in her pockets.

Damn, it was that easy. Either this girl was too gullible or she’s really just that friendly. I glance at the paper and slightly bite my lower lip. I then look at her and put the paper in my pocket. “Thank you, Andrea. I’ll definitely keep in touch.”

She nods and smiles before walking away. I start making my way to the train I’m supposed to get on in order to get back to the apartment I’m staying at.

As I was on the train, my mind went back to the day I just had. Andrea Diaz was kind, I can tell she has a nice heart since she was willing to show me around Paris. Or maybe Mia’s messing with her way too much. She really needed that distraction.

I may not be here to seduce her, but who said it was forbidden? Who said I can’t have a little fun? She is my way into Mia’s circle after all. Getting with her while she was still somehow entangled with Mia is quite fucked up, but what is Mia Laurent if not fucked up? The more fucked up things I do the better, it just shows how I’ve completely lost myself after losing my job.

I eventually arrive at my apartment and I take the paper Andrea gave me out of my pocket. I’ll call her in a few days. Rushing into things never works, especially not in this situation.

So far, the plan is working. Slow and steady always wins the race, right?