I had never been to Paris before because I typically avoided traveling abroad, but the view from the airplane window was surprisingly soothing and enjoyable. I had been so engrossed in my work that I didn't even realize we had arrived in Paris. Honestly, I had lost track of how many hours we had been flying; time just seemed to slip away when I was focused on my work.
The captain's announcement that we were about to land brought a surge of anxiety. I had always been nervous during take-offs and landings, which was one of the reasons I rarely ventured abroad. When the plane finally touched down, I hastily unbuckled my seatbelt and stowed my laptop in my bag, eagerly awaiting the opening of the cabin door. Thanks to Cindy's arrangements with the airport personnel, I didn't have to deal with the chaos outside.
Media outlets were swarming, anticipating my arrival, but the airport staff had it all under control. I arrived at the hotel late in the evening.
"Good night, ma'am," the receptionist greeted me, to which I simply nodded.
As I reached my suite, I swiped my keycard, and the door swung open. Collapsing onto the plush bed, I heaved a sigh of relief. It had been a long day, and I was in desperate need of rest. At home, I seldom enjoyed a full night's sleep; work always seemed to keep me up late into the night. Perhaps it was time to put work aside for a while.
Dragging my feet, I unpacked my suitcase and grabbed my pajamas. Before I could get some much-needed sleep, a call woke me up, and I groggily searched for my phone.
"What is it?" I grumbled, only half awake.
"Sorry to disturb your sleep, but the company just wanted to thank you for the break. That's all. Bye, Ires," Cindy's voice came through the phone, and I could detect a hint of mischief. She had a tendency to tease me about my lack of a boyfriend and my reluctance to marry, despite being thirty years old.
I tossed my phone back onto the nightstand and trudged into the bathroom. Staring at my reflection, I looked like a zombie, as expected. Lack of sleep was taking its toll, but I followed my usual morning routine before changing into black jeans and a white spaghetti-strap tank top. I grabbed my coat and purse, knowing it would likely be chilly later in the day. After locking my door, I made my way out.
My stomach had been rumbling since I left the bathroom, so I needed food. Unlocking the car that Cindy had arranged for me during my stay in Paris, I started the engine and drove to the restaurant she had recommended. She knew my taste well. Parking the car, I got out and headed inside.
Upon arrival, a hostess was already waiting for me, and there was no need to state my name; she recognized me immediately. After all, it was my restaurant. It was odd that Cindy had insisted on my visiting my restaurant in Paris, even though I had someone managing it for me. Nevertheless, I followed her to a table on the balcony, next to the entrance.
"Thank you," I told her as I took my seat, appreciating the pleasant view of the city.
"Your welcome," she replied with a nod before leaving me to my own devices. I sat back, taking in the beautiful view. This was exactly what I needed—some time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Maybe Cindy had been right all along; I needed a break.
"Oh my gosh! Natalia, my friend!" a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Yeah, it's me," I chuckled as I turned around.
"I thought Cindy was joking when she texted me about your visit to Paris," my friend said as she sat beside me.
"Well, then, she wasn't joking. How's the restaurant?" I asked her.
"It's doing well, but we need some renovations both inside and out, and we should replace some appliances in the kitchen and add more tables. Other than that, it's been good. Here's the report, just as you would ask," she said, handing me a document. I scanned through it, noticing the need for renovations to attract more customers.
"I can see that you haven't suffered a significant loss in profit this year. Renovations seem to be in order, and make sure your staff is friendly," I said after reviewing the report.
"I'm sorry about the staff. We hired a new employee, and she's a bit intimidated by you. You do have that intimidating aura, you know," my friend joked, making me laugh.
We discussed the business and renovation plans further, and when the food arrived, I couldn't help but praise the delicious and elegant presentation.
"I can see why this place is always filled with customers. The food is both delicious and classy," I commented, and I meant every word. The presentation was exquisite, and the taste didn't disappoint.
"The chef is really talented and artistic," my friend added with a wink. She had been managing my restaurant in Paris since we graduated from college. She pursued her dream of becoming a chef, and I had supported her wholeheartedly. When she finished her culinary studies, I offered her a job, which she initially refused but eventually accepted after much persuasion. Now, the restaurant was highly rated online and had become one of the most popular places in Paris.
"You're still a workaholic, I see. That's why you don't have a boyfriend," she teased.
"You know me well; I just don't have the time," I replied as I sipped my wine.
"You do have the time, Talia. Since you're here, how about we enjoy the night?" she suggested, clearly not convinced of my reasoning. It was the kind of pressure I didn't enjoy, but my friend was known for her lively and unstoppable nightlife, while I was more reserved.
"Alright, I'm in. What time?" I asked, and her smile widened.
"7 o'clock in the evening. I'll text you the location."
"Sure, no problem. Anyway, it was nice catching up with you, but I need to head back to the hotel. Send my lunch and dinner to the hotel, as Cindy must have informed you," I said.
"Yeah, she texted me about it. It was nice catching up with you too, boss. Thanks for visiting the restaurant," she replied playfully, making me laugh. I handed her the money before leaving the restaurant.
I started the car's engine, honked, and drove off. I wasn't actually heading back to the hotel just yet. First, I wanted to visit the mausoleum and explore it before returning to the hotel.
The drive to the mausoleum took longer than expected; I had thought it would be just a 30-minute trip. An hour later, I finally arrived. Parking the car, I turned off the engine and made my way inside.
I wanted to visit the mausoleum to see some of their antiques and, especially, their artworks. I was aware that the mausoleum was hosting an art exhibition, and I figured it was an excellent opportunity to explore. The designs, blending antique and modern elements, were intriguing. I wondered if it was just a coincidence that they were holding an art exhibition during my visit. Regardless, I decided to join the tour and listen to the guide's explanations about the history and significance of the various pieces on display.
The exhibition proceeded smoothly and came to a close with enthusiastic applause from the tourists, myself included.
"Thank you for visiting our France Mausoleum. We hope to see you again on your next visit to Paris," the guide said, and we all clapped in appreciation before dispersing into the crowd.