𝐢 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 | lando norris

4.

Madeline held her camera close to her body as she made her way towards the direction of yesterday's grocery store. Today's agenda included exploring the streets of Monaco. Her head was held down as she looked closely at the directions her phone gave her. She pulled her coat closer to her body, trying to protect herself from the chilly morning.

"I don't think I have the greatest idea of where I am headed right now." Madeline spoke closely to the lens of the camera. "This is gonna be interesting though. Monaco is not too big so I think I'll be ok."

Madeline wanted to get comfortable with the city as soon as possible. She wanted to find spots where she could possibly film throughout the week.

Camille had shown up to Madeline's apartment yesterday after all. Their evening consisted of cheesy rom coms and the wine she had gathered from the grocery store. The movie acted as background noise as the pair were engulfed in a conversation about Camille's hair stylist. Apparently, after they had seen each other at the store, Camille had made a hair appointment for both of the girls.

The girl looked back down at the camera, "Camille and I are going to meet at a hair salon today!" A small smile crept up onto her lips, "I'm supposed to get us coffee beforehand though. Which is where I'm actually walking to, if my phone is correct."

She spotted the coffee shop she had chosen, sitting across the street. "I've arrived at my destination." She paused, looking both directions for any oncoming traffic. "I want to get something for the wonderful lady that will be doing my hair today but I'm not sure what Pascale would like."

Pascale was the name of the hairstylist Camille had met when she first moved here. They had grown close during her years living here and soon Camille had become a regular client.

Madeline opened the door only to be immersed by the smell of sweet homely coffee. She smiled at the barista as she looked through their menu. Ultimately, she decided to get all three of them the same drink. "bonjour, puis-je s'il vous plaît avoir trois cappuccinos à emporter?"

Growing up in Canada, Madeline was aware her French could sound a little broken to the barista. When she got her total and the barista went off to make her drinks; the girl turned to her camera and let out a small breath. "I don't think I've had to use my French to order coffee before." She walked to a small table and made her camera face her. "Living in Toronto, I was taught French in school but I never really used it." She was catching her followers up on Monaco, when her order got called.

She smiled and quietly thanked the barista before leaving the cafe.

Madeline crossed the street once again and turned towards the salon's direction. She knew the salon was near the Cafe from what Camille had told her. She gave the camera a nervous smile, "I'm kinda relying on Google maps right now." She had made it to a small plaza where she then had to go down a flight of stairs to find the hidden salon. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't out of shape.

The scent of hair products greeted her when she stepped into the salon. A blonde lady smiled at her, "You must be Madeline! It's such a pleasure to finally meet you!" The woman engulfed her in a hug. "I'm Pascale, Camille is just waiting over there" she pointed to where her best friend was already seated.

Madeline smiled and undid her coat before turning back to the woman. "It's lovely to meet you Pascale, I've heard wonderful things about you!" She handed Pascale her cup before handing the other to Camille, "I've brought us all coffee to give us a bit of energy." She laughed, "It might be a long day"

The women all chatted as they made themselves comfortable with each other. "So Madeline, what do you plan on getting done today?" Pascale asked as she brushed the girl's hair.

"I think I'll just get a haircut today. Some face framing layers would be lovely"

Pascale nodded and got to work. For the entirety of the appointment they all gossiped and talked about their lives. Madeline knew she would have to cut out most of the conversation for privacy reasons but she didn't mind.

"I just don't understand why people you're age aren't more out there" Pascale had spent a good portion of the conversation, explaining to Madeline why Camille and her son would be a great match.

"Yea Camille, I don't understand why you aren't taking the offer up here." Madeline turned to look at her best friend who had pieces of foil in her hair.

Camille laughed and rolled her eyes, "I'd have to get to know him."

"So why don't you let Pascale set you up on a date"

Pascale only nodded in response.

"I mean," Camille paused and started laughing "I don't see the harm in trying?" She looked to Pascale, "Didn't you say he travels often? When is he coming by?"

"He's actually here until late February, that's if he hasn't decided to go on vacation with his friends." She began to pull the foils off Camille's hair. "Let's get you washed up."

Pascale was shampooing her hair when she turned over to Madeline, "And you? Have you met anyone here yet?"

A sigh escaped Madeline's lip while a laugh escaped Camille's. "I don't know, it's weird." She took a large sip of her cappuccino. "In a way I got stood up but it wasn't really- I don't know I'm lost myself"

By the time Madeline had walked out the salon and was on her way home, she was far more confused than she was the day before. She had stopped filming a while ago. The last clip she was able to film was her saying goodbye to Pascale and Camille. Madeline knew she would have to film the end of the vlog later but for now she was lost in her thoughts as she walked home. Something buzzed in her coat's pocket. Her apartment was just a couple feet away and when she had decided to look at her ringing phone, she collided into a body.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking." She began to gather all of her and the stranger's items off the floor. Whoever decided to call her better have a good reason.

"Madeline?"

Madeline looked up to find a pair of blue eyes looking directly at her.

Lando.