Asin.
~
" I don't like this. "
" You said that .. I think. " I answered.
Marie was distrustful..even after showing old pictures of Desiree and Oliver together.
" It's not jealousy either. Maybe she wants Oliver back. " She said wide-eyed.
A week ago, I would've snorted hearing such nonsense, but now .. I don't know.
Still had no answers about those pictures. Maybe he ..found them there? Got nostalgic, maybe? But why would he destroy the interior?
Ayshe was there..I'm sure she was. Maybe she was the destroyer? None of it made any sense.
" Calm yourself, dear heart. Desiree is also my friend. Had to abandon her for the bro code and haven't seen or spoke to her in like .. 3 years. I'm interested in what happened to her. "
Marie kept pacing around me as I tied my shoelaces. " So .. just an innocent breakfast with an old friend? "
I took a deep breath and pushed the intrusive thoughts away.
" Yes .. it's an hour tops, with some polite chit-chat, by the way.. have you thought about an idea for the development in Konore? "
I could tell she was preoccupied, but we were literally running out of time, and she hadn't even started thinking!
" Fine.. I'll be back soon .. use that time to find something believable. If you can't.. I'll leave you all home. " I turned around.
" No!! Please .. " she caught up to me at the door.
" .. I promised, so I'll do it. Talk to my town folk, and we will find something by the time you get back. "
Her promise seemed empty as the one she gave before the double date. She promised an excellent time .. Also.. town folk?
~
" .. make a funny face. "
" You gotta be kidding me here.. "
Despite my words, I did make my best 'funny' face, and Desi clicked her phone.
" .. Perfect monfrère. This selfie here will boost my social media quite a bit. " She immediately uploaded it with a few captions. " Might even get me a makeup deal or something. "
We were having breakfast at a quaint little bistro midtown called Sevinch. I allowed her French.. she used to tease me with it endlessly back in the day.
" .. What need do you have for such deals? " I asked.
As far as I knew, her family was well off, and her father insurance firm was doing okay last time I heard.
She made a sour expression and went for a bite of her eggs before answering.
" .. I'm rent broke at the moment. I know, I know.. why not just ask for daddy's money?.. turns out I still have some pride left. "
With some egg still hanging off her fork and some on the corner of her mouth .. It was hard to believe such a statement.
I took a better look at her and saw some signs of her current financial state. Her shoes, dress, handbag.. all the public favourites, and more importantly, price friendly. No jewellery either .. her phone is at least 3 years old.
" How can I help? " I asked seriously.
She immediately shook her head, which was expected, but always annoyed me when people couldn't use common sense .. you can keep your pride and still make a smart decision.
" We're no longer children here, Martell. I'm supposed to take care of myself. " She objected heavily. " .. Instead, let's talk about you.. tell me about your lady ..
" Don't change the subject so easily here.. " I cut her off. " Look, I know we drifted apart..well, you know. "
I saw a twinge of the old pain appear .. it's hard to hide your eyes .. but it was for only a flash before she nodded, and I continued.
" But all that in the past, yes? " I waited until she nodded again. " .. Good. So talk to me.. what are your aspirations, dear? "
I leaned back, stuffing an entire doughnut into my mouth. Desiree was always a little conscious of money, if I remember her Aunt is still living in the 9th.
She could be considered my people by extension.
" You haven't changed .. you know the inside and all. " She pointed at my face. " .. the outside is still covered with something unhealthy. "
" ... Ah.. mah .." I made some audibles with my mouth still full.
" I have no college aspirations.. you know how I hated math .. "
I gave her an understanding smirk.
" ..I could use a job if you have any? " She leaned closer whispering. " .. Is GOD willing to take me? "
Uff.. uff..
" Desi I'm cook but not sure about Oliver, I doubt he would..be over the moon..
She quickly tapped my hand.
" I'm over the guy.. and if I heard correctly, he also .. swimming in fresh waters? .. know what I mean? " She raised an eyebrow.
" Dear .. the tortilla chips know what you meant. "
I closed my eyes and weighed. " Haven't you.. hated us doing it? Morell, I thought you might end up .. traffic police or something ..
I felt her kicking me under the table. " I would never betray you like that. "
" I know .. I know. " I waived her off.
She leaned back and looked deadly serious.
" I was a child Asin. My upbringing and Auntie Kimmy and the family are fully involved..
She looked aside, getting lost in her thoughts.
I remember now. Her aunt was a close friend to Aunt Krista. She is loyal and well, raised her sons to be that way.
Desiree gathered herself.
" .. anyway. The point is .. a lot of time has passed, and I heard all the great things you guys done in the Adans. People talk, you know? "
I returned her genuine smile, and she continued.
" I can help .. somehow.. unless Oliver has a problem. " She gave me her phone. " .. I promise I never push it if he is against it. "
" Daughter of mine... I have the guys number. " I smiled.
Desi looked a little shocked yet happy .. but as I took out my own phone, I didn't had my hopes up.
I don't know .. maybe.. Leyla could use some help?
Lord God.. what I'm thinking!!? This will probably be a disaster..
——
Ayshe.
~
" .. I still think a hospital is by far the best choice. "
After Marie told us about the upcoming road trip for the race, she also needed ideas about something we could build there.
" I think the most important thing .. is something you can name after yourself. " Lilly thought out loud.
We have been having a slow day and spent most of it on our now usual spot, the patio. The conversation has been repetitive since everyone wanted to build something different. Mostly nonsense and my hospital idea.
" It's too big of a decision, I should just let him come up with something. " Marie reached for her phone.
" Come on! How often does a choice like that come around? " Henny protested. " We still have a few hours until your lunch. I say we put it aside for now and let it come to us naturally. "
That was actually pretty good.
Not that we needed to do a lot until the trip. As far as packing and buying luggage or tickets are all done by others. Life sure became easier.
" How was the double date? " I asked the two who attended.
" Kol was a gentleman. There was live music, and it's me or food taste better among the clouds? "
Lilly had a certain happy glow this morning, I peaked at Marie, and her smile indicated she had a good time as well.
" Who you calling? " I asked my sister.
" Leyla.. " she said, walking away.
Thanks to me, she got her number in the hopes that her bribes would be enough to shake some information out of her. Oliver was strangely giddy about every time I brought it up.
Just as I imagined his face, my phone rang. It was him.
" It's funny how I just thought of ..
" Ayshe, I need to see you right now! Come out of the building. I'm outside. " He interrupted me.
Then hung up immediately, which meant Desiree stuff.
As I slipped away from the girls, I wondered what she had done to make Oliver this agitated.
~
I found him leaning on his car .. People around him made looks, probably thinking he was experiencing some kind of physical pain.
I walked right behind him without getting noticed and lightly tapped his shoulder. From his expression, I could tell it was really bad.
" What did she do? " I asked in a low tone.
He closed his eyes, smiling frustrated.
" What did HE do? You mean? " he waited a few seconds and lowered his voice before continuing.
" ...Asin want us to hire Desiree as an assistant to Leyla or something. "
I needed a full minute to process that.
How? .. and .. how!?
He explained a phone call he got half an hour ago that sent him this way and last night meeting that lead us here.
Desiree was either very smart or incredibly stupid.
" Sneaky girl. " I could practically see that breakfast unfold. " So what now? "
" What do you mean? " He asked, confused.
" How will this work? "
Oliver took a second to think. " . . I couldn't say no. He flat out explained, asked if I have a problem, and if I do just say no.. but I couldn't. "
As much as this frustrated and annoyed me, I also saw why he couldn't just say no and be done with it.
Which means, one way or another, we are going to see her from time to time.
~
Oliver couldn't stay, and after some consoling hugs, he left to dive head first into race preparations.
Marie did mention they met earlier, and I didn't even need to lie, Oliver did tell me all about her.
She looked a lot more relaxed seeing my nonchalant exterior. But after the most recent news.. I couldn't help but think, how everything gone exactly Desiree's way recently.
Her plan was simple but effective.
I found the girls still in the chairs, I left them drinking yet another coffee.
" Where were you? " Marie asked.
" Oliver came by.. just for a quick word. " I sat down, making myself comfortable. " What did I miss? "
Marie finally had some success.
" Oliver bought an island!? "
She nodded, almost sad. " Apparently is a dream of theirs. Either way, there is no competing against that, not even my present. "
I kind of remembered him mentioning that particular desire. How much an island could possibly cost? I guess it depends, but still, it has to be a small fortune no matter where I look.
" So .. he wants to have his birthday party on the very present he bought for him. Clever guy that Oliver. " Lilly nodded wisely. " I wonder what Kol will give him. "
I wished to have their problems.
To worry only about some present or preparing for a weekend at my hometown, spending the last of the summer heat surrounded by the ocean, the brilliant sun and my boyfriend.
Normal if somewhat spolied stuff.
——
Oliver
~
After my talk with Ayshe, it did helped a little but after getting out the second time of the car to get some air ..
I understood how deep and badly I'm entrenched in this lie now. It was like someone choking me lately.
Wished to go back in time and let Asin's parents handle them. It might have been cruel but at least ..
Now I have to play some act every time she appears when we are with the crew. Plus, she will have direct information on a lot of things she shouldn't.
Take deep breaths .. it supposed to calm you, but this time, it just cleared my head enough to let more problems in.
Like how her plan was probably this very scenario the entire time.
Like how maybe Corey was a victim of their games.
Like how Anna can appear now any day and cause untold chaos.
I could go on and on, but I was dangerously close to losing the ground under my feet.
Before I knew what I was doing, I already heard the sounds of phone ringing. Desiree answered after a few rings.
" .. Let me guess? Angry.. nervous maybe? "
Her voice sounded victorious.
" .. Would you betray him for your vengeance? " I asked in a low tone.
Her silence was deafening. Whatever face she was making, I would pay good money to see.
After some time, she finally answered.
" Asin never done anything but supported me, a friend..who was unfortunate enough to have you as his wing man .. my answer is no, Oliver. I wouldn't betray him. "
I let out a nervous breath and felt the tight grip on my neck loosen.
" Ironic, isn't it? " I couldn't help but ask. " You joined the very reason. You left me for all those years ago."
" Yeah.. it's almost as if I'm not some 16 year old kid anymore. Please don't worry I answer the real reason you called. I won't make you jump through hoops or jeopardise your position. "
" .. Why show me kindness? " I asked.
" .. goodbye, Oliver. "
As I put the phone away, I realised my near panic attack was gone. After some much needed water, I got back into an awfully busy day ..
I wondered how long before I long for these days.
~
Luckily, this race in Konore was too far ahead to having to include her or to even attend .. small wins I guess.
I informed Leyla about her new subordinate and asked to handle information carefully around her. Also gave over Desiree's contact information and let my assistant handle.. her new assistant.
Asin spent the day inside Adans and only arrived after dinner. Had to doge a few uncomfortable questions from Marie.
After getting to know Desiree somewhat, she gave me a few pointed looks and probing questions but mostly sisterly worries and such, but Ayshe helped out immediately. Calming her the best she could.
The problem was that if it's goes on like this .. inevitably, Asin's parents will hear Desiree's name, and that will lead to a lot of unnecessary interference.
We were taking a load off inside the main living room which like the rest of the mansion was out of proportion, oversized and waited for his arrival.
The girls with a little help from Zerile managed to settle on an idea.
" .. So we all agree yes? " Marie looked around.
" I told you a hospital will be the most obvious choice. " Ayshe bragged.
To be fair there hasn't been a lot of competition.
Marie wanted a theatre.. but for that, the town needed a dedicated troop of talented young actors that would perform. Not to mention a sophisticated crowd that was willing to attend week after week.
Lilly and Henny idea was more profitable but a little soulless..
A mall. Full of amenities and shop's competing with the Konore Orginal the only mall that stands today and its a relic from the 80's.
Ayshe's whole .. saving people was the obvious winner after Zerile mentioned how personal this is for their family since Asin's illness.
The family already had their own hospitals but owning majority ownerships is different than building it yourself from nothing.
Asin popped in just before midnight. At that point it was just us three who waited for him.
" Sorry for being late. Missed dinner too, darn it! " He slapped his own hand away. " .. what disappointment. Next time.. next time."
He give a quick kiss to his wife and slumped down next to her.
" Where were you all day? " asked Marie.
" Spent time in the wilds, time passed me by. Anything interesting happened? " He leaned back.
He gave me a quick nod, asking if I'm okay but I waived his worries away. He would've said no immediately if I object, but .. I couldn't.
I knew this happened only because of me.
" We settled on a hospital my husband. How's that? " Marie was looking for some approval.
" Yeah okay. .. " he shrugged but after a few second of his wife still staring .. he patted her head.
" Well done.. "
Watching Marie smile ear to ear.. I can't believe their relationship works sometimes.
" Any news? " I asked.
Asin smiled happily. " Talked to Maya. She is touching down next Wednesday. "
Finally some good news. She's been away for ages and silent for a while. Coming back one day before his birthday too..classic.
" Did she explain why the ghosting? " asked Ayshe.
" No .. she apologised. Gave no reason. " he nodded slowly. " All the same, she can't escape it for long. "
At this point Marie made an audible sigh diverting everyone's attention to her.
Asin started nudging her. " What was that? "
" Nothing .. my stomach.. " she tried to play it off.
Ayshe was quick to help her. " We had those .. mushrooms for dinner. Something Japanese. I think it's great. We rarely ate such delicacies back in the dayolmhppm..
Asin and I exchanged some looks and I gently put my hand over my girlfriend's mouth.
" You will tell me.. whatever it is. " he turned to Marie.
Seeing her backup silenced by me and without a clear exit route, she gave in and told us.
"" PREAGNANT!? ""
We rarely talked in a synchronised manner but such nonsense merited a spectacle like that.
" No.. you just wrong. " Asin turned to denial. " .. she wouldn't..
" That's right! " I stood up taking over before his mind goes to a really bad place. " Nonsense. Absurd..it's
" Oliver shut up!! "
I sat down since he already stepped over the edge. Good one girls..
" Babe calm yourself. " Marie reached over pushing his hair back. " I think at 26 years old it's non of our business when or who ..
Oh Maire you clearly don't understand your audience.
" .. as her younger brother she was probably afraid to tell you..Asin? Hello? "
She starting waiving her hand to gain back her husband's attention. He snaps back and forced a smile.
" Marie listen. You are my wife and that's nice.. but you don't understand what you're saying. Okay!?So please stop saying things.."
That was his polite way of telling her to shut up as well.
To be honest I can forgive her ignorance. She only ever been once in the 9th .. wouldn't understand having a child out of wedlock is a big no-no, especially since that woman is Maya Crigmasky.
Marie quietly pouted while Ayshe was trying to console her.
Asin was pacing while murmured to himself which was never a good sign even in the best of times.
Maya being pregnant couldn't come at a worst time.
Allegedly pregnant..
––
Marie.
~
There is something called a women's intuition.
Asin was just too close to the subject. My mind was still drifting among the clouds as we were getting closer and closer to Konore.
" .. This plane is fine. " I thought out loud.
" What was that? " Asin turned to me.
" Nothing.. "
Sister Zerile was right. My mother in law will blunder again with this year's present.
The Martell family had several planes, some smaller made for a small party, as we were travelling now and big airbus as well with actual rooms in them.
I suppose this what you call Rich peoples problems.
Our little group had an extra.
Kol and Lilly were fused together by the hips lately so it made sense for him to come with us and not with the crew.
Asin was still grumpy days after. He talked to Maya since then and danced around the question without actually asking it but from the looks she didn't understand any of his insinuations.
Through video call I was briefly introduced myself before he ripped the phone away. He was really touchy when it came to Maya.
I was able to see the resemblance when I saw her facial features. Beautiful young women, but her eyes were just as calculating and had the same hard earned wisdom Aunt Krista had.
" Your grandfather was sure mad. " I looked at my husband. " .. shouldn't push him. He is old. "
He snorted.
" It's his own fault. Aunt Derya took care of the approval and finance in a day and didn't ask probing questions or try to disperse unwanted wisdom either. " he pretended to spray something.
My husband just petty.
Grandpa Erwing was one of the most successful business man in the world, so it was hard to see such a man being devastated by leaving him out of the decision that he had to pay for effectively.
" Come on.. get your mind off the thing! " Oliver had enough of his mopping. " We have business to attend here unless you forgot. Maya can wait until she arrives. "
We were mostly telling him the same thing or close to it for day's but this time it actually seems to work.
" Right.. we here to relax and race ..
" Break ground on the hospital.." I added.
" .. yes. That too obviously. " he continued. " Let us raise a glass for another successful win..
" .. and the building of the hospital. " Ayshe injected.
" .. maybe we should've left them home. " he turned to Oliver nodding.