Chapter Seventy-Nine: Fall:

With Ami, I got to enjoy culture. We went to the movies, libraries, museums, and the park. I never got tired of it. It’s like finding something new in whatever city we were in. Ami didn’t stay in one place for too long.

“I would get bored if I didn’t move around the world,” she said. We were in Paris in Fall of 1963. Now, this city wasn’t exactly my favorite. Ami made things that much better. I leaned my head on her shoulder.

“Come on,” she said. “Stop.” I looked up at her, pouting.

“Ami!” I wailed.

“You are a grown man,” she said. “Don’t act like a child.” I pouted at her.

“Why do you have to act so cold?” I asked. Ami giggled and patted me on the head.

“There, there,” she said. I gave her a little smile.

“Where are we going today?” I asked.

“The Louvre,” Ami said. How times have we been here? Still, I wasn’t bored. Ami was going to show me something new today.

Not many people noticed us. It didn’t bother me. I was getting tired of attention focused on me. Everyone blames me for everything, you know? I didn’t make them do bad things. That’s on them. They just blame me when they don’t want to take responsibility for what did. Because of this I’m seen as “evil”. I clicked my tongue at that thought.

“Is something wrong?” Ami asked. I looked at that sweet face staring back at me. I shook my head.

“Just some dumbs things that are making me mad,” I said. “Don’t worry about it.” Ami didn’t say anything. She turned her attention to another paining. I followed behind. My art collection was bigger than this. Mona looked just as fine as usual. I’m just enjoying Ami taking in the beautiful artwork. Last month, she was in Spain. I loved to follow her on her journeys.

“Hey Ami,” I whispered. She glanced over her shoulder.

“Hm?” she asked.

“Can we go by that café that just opened up for lunch?” I asked. “We don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

“Sure, that’s fine,” Ami said. I walked up and put my arm around her waist. She moved in closer to my body. I followed Ami up the stairs.

It didn’t take much for me to be happy with her. Sure, Ami and I did sleep together, but that was just a side thing. The trips to artistic things and coffee were like highlights of our time together. It didn’t have to be that. I just needed her and everything was better. Now, that I think of it, Paris looked so much better in the fall because of her.

We went down to the café for lunch. I turned to Ami at the doors.

“Are you are sure you want to do this?” I asked. “We don’t have to stay long.”

“I don’t mind,” she said. I shrugged.

“Alright,” I said. “After you.” Ami gave me a small bow.

“Why thank you,” she said. I followed her into the café. That day in fall was one of the best that I ever had. We had coffee and smoked herring with French onion soup. I listened to Ami talk about her travels and life in Heaven. I almost forgot what my old home was like.

“Can we stop by and get cake?” Ami asked. I gave her a charming smile.

“Of course,” I said. “Anything for my lady.” My beloved angel giggled. I could already see where this was heading. She would enjoy me back to her apartment. I would have to be the one to make the first move. Somehow, I was okay with that.

“I love you,” I said. Ami looked up at me.

“What?” she asked. I quickly sat up in place.

“I said that I love you,” I said. “Is… that a problem? Too soon?” She sat there blushing.

“Oh… Um… Uh… Uh…” Ami said, looking around. I frowned. I think I over did it. I waved her off.

“Forget it,” I said. “Just forget.” Ami took me by the hand. I looked to see her looking into my eyes.

“No,” Ami said in a low voice. I was about to speak when she stopped me.

“It wasn’t too much,” she said. “And I know.” I drew my mouth closed. Ami drew back her hand. I don’t know how this happened, but the mood of our date changed. All because of three little words. Did I end up dooming her because of them? I don’t know. I am still debating that in my head. It might have been the start. There were other factors that would come into play, but I was more focused on saving the date.

“It’s fine,” Ami insisted. “Don’t worry about it.” I forced myself to smile.

“Right…” I said. I picked up my cup and finished my coffee. I would be the one to pick up the tab.