Oliver.
~
Spending time with rich old man, even if they are basically family, was boring as hell.
The Great Hall of Josea was famous worldwide for a reason.
The insides were gorgeous. Frescoes on every ceiling 100 ft above us, left behind from thousands of years ago. Statues 40 ft tall predicting ancient gods long forgotten surrounded the walls. The glassworks, beautifully coloured and exquisitely made.
The entire place had a mystical effect..even for someone like me who didn't really care about religion or history.
After all my party on our very own island will be bigger .. better than anything they could think of.
" Oliver, you smile like a deranged person. "
" Sorry, brother, Yary.. I was thinking how much he'll love this place. "
The others hearing me shared a confidant smile. I turned towards the meeting taking place a few feet away from us.
Asin's grandfather was a master.. he talked to the prime minister like an old friend. Which he was.
If fact the reason his political party enjoyed continued power was the support of the house of Martell.
Money allows unlimited power in the right hands.
" I hope Seline will find out something and we able to buy a better present.. unless you are willing to share some of your wisdom..dear Oliver? "
Asin's father was a shroud man. I throw him a bone.
" .. The cake. Make sure it's the biggest strawberry ice cream cake the world ever saw, no historical battle depictions of any kind ... he likes that. "
Last year, he almost choked on the marzipan figure they got on the 7 ft long chocolate cake with the title..
The triumph of Asin Martell.
It was just a battlefront really made entirely out of candy.. even I was depicted as a soldier beside him.
We ate ourselves.
Just because something considered a work of art doesn't mean it tastes good or even safe to eat.
" Oh no .. he didn't like himself as a WW2 soldier? " Yary laughed.
" .. Only Kings should be allowed here, I'm telling you. "
Hassop Konore was in awe by everything inside the hall.
" When is Marie's birthday, Hassop? "
He stopped stretching his neck and looked at Uncle Yanam.
" November dear in law. I'm thinking of something similar with such timeless elegance as this place carries. " he smiled.
" If I know anything about our son in law .. he will make it the grandest night of the year. " Marie's grandad proclaimed.
The old man was right on point.
The way they got more attached to each other..
I saw no limits of what he would do when we arrived there.
Soon enough, Uncle Erwing came back with everything settled. The dozens of security for both parties, us and the ministry started to line up like ducklings as we headed outside.
" We invite everyone who's anyone in the city. Not to mention all the people from abroad..
They started to discuss guests already. We still had some time .. and more importantly, I needed to do the same thing they're doing now.
Getting everyone on board and arriving in time on the island, not to mention talk to Uncle Ivan about the party they wanna throw..
Adjustments with the crew about schedules and making sure neither his parents nor even the council knows where we spend the weekend.
Need to help with Ayshe with present.. I was sure it's coming at some point.. need to talk Kol down about his plans to invite his celebrity musicians for entertainment..
Every year.. It was busier than the year before.
" .. the grand Duke daughter, you say? "
I paid attention hearing Hassop. Valerie?
" Yes .. she was devastated hearing when he got married, so we didn't expect his father to call.. I guess she wants to see whom she lost against. " Uncle Erwing laughed.
Oh brother.. more work for me.
~
Ayshe was finished with brunch, so I took her for some shopping on our own and told her about the location of our next race.
" I can't believe I get to go home .. I missed the town. " She turned around. " How's that? "
She wore the hundredth dress.. and I was done with it.
" I swear you showed me this. "
" No I didn't but whatever. How much can we spend? " She sneakily asked.
" We .. you can get whatever you want and then some. " I assured her.
I suppose with wealth like the Martells, my bank account was just unimpressive.. and Asin sometimes brought up idea the of burying his money..
Why?
He saw a documentary about Pablo Escobar and liked the idea. That was a hard night..
Anyway, Asin was as far from a normal person as a human being could be.. when it came to money, at least.
All that said, I had nothing to be ashamed of. At the tender age of 19, I was a self-made millionaire. So buying things was never an issue.
Once we bought the shop and its employees pound for pound, I realised something..
Ayshe was a little insane.
Well, at least the shop owner was happy.
" Anything particular happened at brunch? " I asked, eating my cone.
We decided to take a walk inside the mall before we linked up with the others.
" Asin will never hear the birthday song. " She smiled.
" What is that supposed mean? " I asked.
She couldn't tell much since the secret keeper was someone formidable.
" Aunt Derya will go nuts if someone forgets.. but why he wouldn't he wanna hear the song? Never had a problem with it before. "
Ayshe shook her head.
" I don't know .. the others' ideas are included. A private plane, his mother. First edition trading cards. My mother and granny. ..
" That's actually pretty good. Make sure it's rated 10, and he will love it. " I injected.
" .. damn it. Could've been mine. Anyway.. the girls will get something based on what Marie will be able to tell them .. and that left .. your girlfriend. "
The way she emphasised her title.. the time has come.
" Well .. as his best friend and the actual keeper of his secrets ..
" Oliver, please.. " she asked.
" .. fine. Get him black diamond apples. We used to love those. Get us some as well."
" What are ..
" That's what's the Internet is for beautiful.." I put my arm around her. " Include Marie if she is struggling. "
" She has the ultimate present. " she gave a pointed look.
" Ultimate? As ..in .. Ohh! " I finally got it. " Alright, sister Marie. Good for them. "
Asin hadn't been with anyone since ..
" By the way, his fan will attend the party at the Hall. Princess Valerie of Swabia. Marie might wanna know. "
" I'm sorry the who? " She asked, confused.
——
Marie.
~
" What did you just say!? "
Ayshe got so much smaller than her actual self that she was single handedly proving humans could shapshift.
" Some Dukes daughter from Bohemia. "
Ayshe asked help with her eyes but my friends couldn't help her.
" What kind of relationship..? "
Ayshe again.. got smaller.
" .. Oliver said they were friends with .. benefits. " She turned away. " I swear that's all I know! "
I had to close my eyes and find my breathing.
I was under no illusion that he .. well, you know. Wasn't some virgin. But meeting his .. piece .. was disturbing.
" Someone search for her! "
I heard three distinct noise as they opened their phones and waited.
" Oh .. she is .. super ugly. "
I opened my eyes hearing Lilly, but I just got angrier.
She was beautiful. At least on the pictures at public events her family attended. Lilly couldn't stand my look and went back to her screen.
" Who cares who she is? Or how good does she look? You are his wife, sweetheart. Remember? " Henny shook me.
Right ..
" Absolutely.. but why is she coming? " I turned to Ayshe again.
She went back to normal size, which made her look somewhat bloated.
" Oliver said just .. to check you out. " She muttered.
Hmm.. Good.
" Well, let her see then .. I show her a sight she won't forget. "
Still.. I felt annoyed just knowing that she would be there. I guess refusing the RSVP from some royal family from Bohemia would be unwise.
" That's the spirit! ... look at me. " Ayshe turned me around. " This was inevitable. If not on his birthday, it would've happened sometime later. At least you can prepare. "
Her words worked. I felt the irritation in my chest lessened with every breath.
" .. What else did you do? " I asked, looking at the dozens of bags.
She smiled and showed off some clothes. Oliver was nice enough to buy for her. At least she won't try and steal my stuff.
I took my phone out and dialled Asin's number.
" My love? "
I smiled, hearing him say those words. Its funny how I take something like that granted when it feels so great hearing them.
" Where are you? You missed an interesting brunch. "
" Oh oh .. me missing girl talk? Absurd.. I'm almost home. But tell me anyway.."
I could practically see his smile. Princess be dammed, you had your chance.
He was mine.
~
In the next few days, I noticed how aloof he became.
Like often, he just stared into the distance on the balcony. Something was clearly bothering him.
Eventually, I had enough.
" Listen, if you worry about all the stories that Princess will tell me, don't! All kinds of depravity come to mind when I think of ..
" Whoa Whoa! .. what are you unloading me for? " He put his hands up. " What, Princess? Who? "
" Don't play dumb. I heard all about your hook-up Valerie something or other. " I grabbed his shirt.
" Are you excited to meet her again on your birthday or disappointed that I will be there too!? "
With an expert move, he turned me around, pushing my hands together. " First .. she is nothing..less than that. Second.. I had no idea she was coming. Third.. you smell nice. "
He buried his nose into my neck until it made me laugh. I quickly gathered myself. He won't sweet talk me that easy.
" You won't just ..
" Hush .. come, come.. " he pulled me into a hug.
" Here I am, thinking about how we going to spend our time in your hometown and you attack me with someone so utterly forgettable and dull. "
I liked those words.
" Say more bad stuff about her. " I buried my face into his chest.
He also smells nice.
" I'm serious.. tell me stuff to do there. The place is named after your family. " he made eye contact.
" We need something to tell my parents and yours that is at least believable why we going back. "
That was a thoughie.
Loved my town. It's people.. but when you looked at it from an objective point of view .. there was really nothing to see there. No historical sites or pieces of art.
" Konore is small, babe. If you are trying to fool them into thinking we are going there to see stuff instead of ..Paris.. it's useless. "
He caressed my hair gently. " Oh Marie.. we will never go to Paris .. never ever. "
" Why!? "
" It's a no. As your husband, I have spoken! " He turned away.
Like this old age nonsense will work after your birthday. As a woman, I knew exactly how powerful of a weapon the promise or denial of sex was.
" Fine .. no Paris. But still, I have nothing. "
He sat down the comfortable couch that one day just appeared on the balcony, and I joined him.
" What are you so lost lately for? It's almost like you someplace else. " I turned his face towards me.
" Tell me now. "
He sighed and put his arms around me before answering. " We can .. invest. "
" What? "
" You know .. build an artsy hotel or state of the art hospital .. or I don't know mine coal or something. " he smiled.
" Hey! .. pfftt.. we are not coal miners. " I laughed.
" So your people never mined coal? " He raised an eyebrow.
" Go on .. "
So what? Konore had a lot of coal.
" You know what I mean. As you said, the town, while charming it lacks attractions. Let's change that? " He smiled. " You find something they could use, and I talk to my aunt. "
" Why your aunt and not your grandfather? " I asked.
" Let him think about that. " He showed a cartoon villains smile. " What? "
" Such a child.. you are. " I poked his forehead.
" Oh oh .. look at the adult. But seriously.. anything your town lacking? "
It was quite unreal. Building a hospital or high-end hotel was something so easy now. Being part of such a family provided opportunities real-life people just won't experience.
" That requires some time.." I nodded.
" Fine. But do hurry, we leaving is 3 days. " he kissed me. " I'm going to the tracks now. "
" Hmm, be safe. Oh, sweetie? "
" Yes? " He turned back.
" We have our date with Lilly and Kol tomorrow night.. be smart and don't make me angry. "
He knelt in front of me, looking heartbroken.
" Would I ever? But my good lady..
" Tchtch..Hush. " I put my finger on his lips.
" Remember, the longer they're apart, the more of these we WILL attend. "
I heard him grumbling until the door closed on our room. Poured myself some orange juice, checked for emails from the office, and put my work outfit on.
Then I headed downstairs for breakfast.
I knew Oliver was already on the track with their crew for a proper training session.
My sister was already at the table. With half the family at work and my own at their own house, these mornings were quiet.
" Come, daughter, and lend me some of your wisdom. " Mother Seline waived me over.
I smiled, giving a kiss to my mother and law, thinking Asin took a lot after her. Both theatrical and charismatic.
She was looking at pictures of private planes..that's right. A frigging private jet.
" I'm stuck, and the others are no help. "
The others are just Ayshe and Sister Zerile.
" I'm useless when it comes to such things. " Ayshe shrugged.
" I don't quite understand the need for it .. we have more than one already..
" Shush, you.. when your son is born and faces similar problems, I see how you handle it. " She quieted her daughter in law.
Sister Zerile puffed out her cheeks, making her look younger but then turned to me.
" What our mother in law didn't tell is that on Asin's party, the family will also handle the diamond ceremony. "
I needed a second to recall.. my life was a hectic mess.. but eventually, my conversation with Aunt Derya popped into my mind.
" Seriously? " I turned to Mother Seline.
She took a few seconds away from the tablet and smiled proudly. " It's such a blessing.. you two are perfect together, everyone can see. There is no point waiting any longer. "
That was a nice feeling.
Acceptance.
Looking back from all the way to the night, my drunken father told me about the marriage till I found out about his secret, till now. Just a week from sealing our marriage forever.
I felt red like I did lately when I thought of that night.
" Look at her blushing! " Zerile pointed at me. " I felt the same way. It was like yesterday .. Yary asked me to marry him in 8th grade. "
She stood our looks. " I obviously said no. But he never stopped.. the diamonds were .. like proof I was accepted. "
She was right. That's exactly how I felt.
——
Oliver.
~
It was such a nice day.
The last of the summer sun was shining, reaching that perfect temperature people paid good money to experience.
Our crew was excited about the upcoming road trip and the opportunity to work again.
Asin was faster than ever. Just .. more composed and ..Better.
Everything went well until my phone rang.
" A nice day on the tracks? "
I walked further away so no one could hear me.
" You know I saved your number as ghost, but I will change it to sad stalker. "
Desiree called, and I had a feeling what it was about.
" You sure work slowly.. lost your edge, Oli. " She paused for a while. " .. we had a deal. "
" Yes, we still do.. but I still can't wrap my head around the reason why... What if you slip up and he finds everything out? "
My fears did not leave me. Even with logic screaming at me otherwise.. it was still there. Couldn't shake the fear she will get angry and tell.. her tongue slips ..
It's all over.
" Calm down. Mutual destruction is not my style. I like to live Oliver.. have reasons to stick around. "
I listened while Asin had done his last laps.
" My meeting with Asin has nothing to do with you. Maybe you forgot..he was my friend too. "
" I remember.. "
As a good brother, Asin cut all contact with her after our breakup, and once I asked him not to mention her .. he never did. Not once.
" Set the meeting, Oliver. I need to speak with him. Do it before your next race. "
She hung up and I put my phone away.
This is inevitable. Has to happen.
I searched and soon spotted Kol among the other captains.
They have a double date tonight.
~
" .. Are you angry at me for something? " I asked.
" No .. I just wanted to meet your mother normal .. not being part of some deception. "
Ayshe still looked nervous, and we were already inside the elevator.
" Come on .. it's not about that. Think of it as two birds with one stone situation. Its an absolute win. " I joked.
She didn't like it.
" Oh, Oliver .. Oh!.. " she started doing circles inside.
" Okay.. okay. Look. " I stopped her cause I was getting dizzy. " You meet my mother.. and she loved you. She's been teasing me since the night we met. "
That did work. She rested her forehead on mine.
" I'm also worried about them tonight.." she said it quietly.
Yes .. tonight was all set up.
" Me too.. but we're out of time. Plus .. it's disturbing how much she knows. I'm starting to think we have another rat. "
Does she use people.. or technology? Either way, she knew where I was and what we were doing. Also deducted, we have a race soon and decided to act now.
The elevator dinged, and its door opened.
" Ready or not. "
She nodded with renewed confidence, and we stepped out.
~
" .. look at him. Can you believe once he had no glasses. "
" Awe..." Ayshe looked at me.
Oh, mother.. showing baby pictures are such cliché.
On the plus side, they were getting along splendid all night. Couldn't stop talking, in fact.
" My glasses are my choice. " I spoked up, pushing them up my nose.
I refused laser eye surgery, and contact lenses were a nightmare to deal with.. Besides what was wrong with glasses?
" Of course they are, sweetie. Wouldn't have you without them. " My mother reached over, pulling my cheek.
As they started giggling again, I cheked on my phone. No calls or text from Asin or ..her. Earlier today, I texted Desiree about the time and location they be and advised her to be cautious.
It was all her now.
Looks like I won't be able to relax until tomorrow.
——
Asin.
~
Double dates are the worst things that can happen to a human being during peace time.
Sounds melodramatic?
You obviously haven't seen people awkwardly flirt with one another for 2 hours.
" .. stop looking like that. " Marie whispered.
" Never been so bored eating dinner on a blimp. " I kissed her cheeks. " How do I look anyway? "
" Like someone pointing a gun at your back. Do you wanna lose bed privileges again? "
It was cute how she thought of it as a punishment.
" Fine.. Khmm! " I cleared my throat to gain their attention. " Kol, why don't you tell Lilly about your little hobby? "
He looked around as if someone was watching us.
" Are you sure? We can talk about the work stuff and all? "
" As long as you .. use your head, brother. Sure. "
His smile spread, and we were treated to another 20 minutes of the world of street racing.
Kol was .. unnaturally interested in racing legends from the past. Mostly people I never heard or cared to hear of, but I swallowed my opinion with the cheese cake I had for dessert.
They need to get married tonight.. I can't take these!
Marie often pinched me under the table when my face started to hurt from forced smiling and kept messaging my neck for support.
The evening stretched, but it's funny how a few drinks can create chemistry.
They were touching each other pretty suggestively. Like how Lilly kept caressing his arms.. him finding reason to keep removing her hair from her face.
" I'm going try and find a toilet. " I leaned over to Marie. " Maybe you can speed this up before they start bruising each other, okay? "
She clicked her tongue and left me with a taunting kiss. She tastes like ice tea she been nursing all night.
My wife made a promise she aimed to keep. No more getting drunk.
After some much .. much needed cold water over my head and some cleaning up. I felt awake again.
Outside, I took a better look at the Blimp. It was a funny word.. blimp.
I scanned the bar and noticed someone familiar. She had her back to me, but I was certain.. especially after seeing pictures of her just a few days ago.
" Morell? " I tapped her shoulder.
She looked around, surprised. " Martell? Hey! "
I returned her hug and was quickly lost in nostalgia.
" What are you doing here? " I asked, taking a seat.
She made a sour expression. " My date set me up."
" Nonsense.. never date blind people. "
She laughed the same she always did. " Still quick with the jokes. "
" God given. " I smiled.
" What about you? I saw your wedding. Very well streamed. " She joked.
Aye, right.. if faith turns out a little different, I would call her my sister. Yet .. we drifted badly. Watched my wedding on a screen. Different paths.
" Double date. Wanna join us? " I looked back at our table.
Marie was on the edge of coming here and .. attack her? Attack me? ..With her, it wasn't easy to tell.
" No.. being 5th wheel is just wrong. I tell you what.. I'm pretty down about my date. And this silly thing will soon land anyway. Breakfast tomorrow? "
I was contemplating.. Oliver might be mad, but.. he didn't need to know. It seems like he kept a few secrets as well.
" Absolutely.. I pick you up at school 9ish? "
" Deal. " She smiled.
After saying goodbye, I was treated for 10 minutes of ranting from my wife before it allowed me to explain.
By that time, she understood and wanted to meet her.. she was gone.
She is like a ninja.