Inky shrugged. “Jess showing up the day before your birthday when you made plans with Reid has got to suck. I know we’ve had the dogs and bones conversation before, but just because it’s not allowed doesn’t mean the constant attention won’t mess with a bone’s head.”
Chloe took the room key from Inky’s outstretched hand and stuck it in the door. “So what you’re saying is, even though the dog is completely off the table, it’s understandable that the bone might think about things it shouldn’t as a result of the excessive amount of time they’ve spent together?”
“Exactly.” Inky nodded. “At least, I think so. The analogy is way more complicated than it used to be.”
“Tell me about it,” Chloe mumbled as she walked into her room. “Thanks for bringing all my things up.”
“You’re welcome. So me, Lincoln, and Chad are going out to grab a few drinks. I think Tom and the others are going to join us later. Do you wanna come?”
Chloe dropped her bag on the bed and turned to face Inky. “Not now, but will you text me where you guys end up so we can meet up later?”
“Absolutely.” Inky paused. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah.” Chloe smiled. “I’m good. We’ll catch up later.”
After Inky left, Chloe set about putting away her things and setting aside her clothes for the following day. She showered, washed her hair, and took extra time with her makeup. Anything to keep her mind off what happened earlier. She spent much of her time debating whether or not to go to the cemetery, but in the end realized she’d be an idiot not to go. With her map shoved in her back pocket, she left the hotel in the direction of Père Lachaise.
For the next several hours, Chloe immersed herself in the rich history of her surroundings. In awe, she walked leisurely down the winding pathways. Large catacombs, intricate headstones, and statues carved from stone towered around her, each engraved with names, dates, and inscriptions from loved ones. The endless sea of gray stone, cracked and weathered by time, created a somber atmosphere. Even the occasional burst of colorful flower arrangements did little to change the mood. It was everything she’d hoped and more. For the first time since Jess had showed up at the hotel, Chloe’s mind was calm.
A serene smile curved her lips as she came to a stop in front of Jim Morrison’s final resting place. It wasn’t like the pictures she’d seen from years before. The bust was gone and metal barricades now surrounded the area. Even still, dozens of flowers and notes littered the grave, proof that avid fans hadn’t been deterred. Chloe pulled out her camera and zoomed closer to snap a few pictures. She paused at one note in particular that read: Abney was here in spirit. She loves you, Jim.
Chloe imagined someone scaling the barricade to place the note there for a friend. The thought made her smile. After a couple more pictures, Chloe took a final glance over her shoulder before working her way toward the exit. The afternoon might not have gone as planned, but it was perfect nonetheless.
Later that evening when Inky texted about dinner, Chloe declined. Not because she was moping, but the exact opposite. She was content, happy. The last thing she wanted to do was listen to the others speculate about Jess’s unexpected visit. Instead, she spent the evening lounging in her hotel room, eating room service, and watching old black-and-white movies. She fought to keep all thoughts of Reid and what he was doing at bay as the clock crept closer and closer to midnight. Deciding to call it a night, she crawled into bed seconds before there was a knock at the door.
Her pulse thundered in her ears as she made her way to the door. Not bothering to ask who was there, Chloe opened the door. She hated the way her heart sank at the sight of the hotel employee. She should have known better. She did know better.
“I have a delivery for you, Ms. Bennett.”
“I didn’t order anything,” Chloe said, her brows pulled together in confusion.
“It’s from another hotel guest, ma’am.”
Chloe stood motionless until the guy lifted the silver domed plate toward her. Blinking, she pulled it from his outstretched hands and said thanks before stepping back and letting the door fall shut. She walked back to the bed and set the plate down. She knew what she’d find when she lifted the top. What she wasn’t sure of was if seeing it would make her feel better or worse. Rolling her eyes, she lifted the top, and as expected, a single cupcake sat in the middle of the plate. She grabbed the folded piece of paper along with the cupcake and moved the domed plate to the table. Taking a bite, she closed her eyes and exhaled. If nothing else, at least this part of her surprise was pure bliss. After another bite, she read Reid’s note. Her vision blurred as tears forced themselves to the surface. She blinked and looked away, refusing to cry on her birthday. Instead, she finished her cupcake, crawled into bed, and thought about anything other than Reid and Jess.