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“Yeah. I know. Who would’ve thought you’d be Vice-President? Definitely not me. And for the record, Grandmother didn’t see that coming either,” I said sarcastically. “I mean if you’re going to predict the future, you’d think that would’ve been top of the list.”
“You’ve made your point. I’m putting too much weight on what Grandmother said. I guess it’s just that things are going so well. I hate to use the word, but I’d say things are perfect.”
“Orion, you and I have seen our share of misery. Our mother abandoned us. Then we lost our grandfather. We live in a country where many crumbled to temptation instead of standing their ground. But we made it through it all. We’re both successful without doing anything...illegal or immoral. And now, you’re about to get married in a few days.” I placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to be happy.”
He nodded. “It’s harder to get used to than you’d think. Kind of feel guilty because there are still so many people who are still struggling. Even Raya struggles with her past. Did I ever tell you that she had an older sister who either left or disappeared and was never heard from again?”
“Damn. No, you didn’t. I wish I could say that it was something unheard of, but unfortunately, it’s way too common of a scenario in Tabiq. The one big positive right now is that our next generation won’t have to carry the weight of such experiences as we do,” I said.
“I am glad now that Raya didn’t bring Joey here when she first divorced her husband years ago. Tabiq has changed a lot in the past ten years. Joey wouldn’t have the same opportunities here as he did back in the United States. Even now part of me debates whether this is the place for him to grow up.”
“What are you saying? Are you... thinking about moving?” I asked, shocked. “To the US?”
“Raya had told me once before that she wasn’t in Tabiq long term.”
“Like how long ago? A month? A week?” I asked.
He shook his head. “It was when I first learned of Joey’s existence. She informed me that she was reluctant to bring him here.”
“Not surprising for a woman who had grown up in Tabiq. Why would you want to expose your child to the place you couldn’t wait to get away from? Hell, I’ve met her parents. Not what you call warm and fuzzy. They didn’t even acknowledge Joey. Fucking sad,” I snarled.
“I know. Good thing our grandmother has accepted him as her grandson. It is amazing that after school, he likes to come home and spend time with her. At first, they just played cards, but now Joey has her outside working in the garden, and I even saw her playing catch with him. I think Joey really misses his baseball team. I wish it was a sport we had here.”
“Once again, you’re the VP. I’m sure you have the power to make that happen. Build a field. Make it a school sport. Playing with our grandmother is not like playing baseball. And he really needs to be out there making friends his age,” I reminded him.
“I know. I’ve tried, but he only wants to hang out with Alex and Ziva’s kids. I think he feels the connection there because they travel so much to the States that they understand each other. Baseball is a team sport. A perfect way to get him involved with other kids here. I have no idea why I didn’t think about that?”
“I would say it has to do with planning a wedding and running a country. You have a lot on your mind. But I have no problem with taking credit for mybrilliant idea.You can even dedicate the field in my name,” I joked.
“I’ll have to ask thePresidentabout that,” he replied in such a serious tone.
“Oh, good thing I’m the one with a sense of humor. This brings me to ask, is Raya’s friend Kathy still flying into Tabiq tomorrow? I’m looking forward to meeting her. From what you told me, she’s something else,” I said.
“Yes. I am trying to see if Bennett can pick her up as Raya and I are both busy at that time.”
“I’ll do it. I’m free. And why didn’t you ask me first?” I questioned. “I’m your brother.”
“Yes. And as my brother, I know you. You and Kathy are much alike, I’m not sure if putting you in the same vehicle is a good thing or not,” he explained.
“Sounds like we are going to be the life of the wedding reception,” I grinned.
He rolled his eyes, handed me his empty beer bottle, and said, “Now I really have something to worry about.”
I laughed. At least I got his mind off something going wrong. “You know, I heard there are TikTok videos of the best man and maid of honor doing some outrageous things at the reception.” Tapping my chin with my finger I said, “I wonder what the two of us can come up with in just a few days.”
“Mayson, I’m warning you. Best behavior. Not for me, but for Raya. And of course, President O’Connor will be in attendance as well,” he warned.
“Fine. I promise to behave. But I can’t promise what Kathy will do,” I said.
He huffed. “Don’t even plant that seed. I doubt she needs much encouragement. She already informed me that the ladies are taking Raya out of a bachelorette party.”
“Sweet. I think I like that US custom. How about we do a bachelor party to keep your mind off what the ladies are doing?” I suggested.
“This is Tabiq. What can they do? Go bowling? Have a little bit too much to drink? It’s not like we live in the United States and Kathy is taking her to a strip club.”
I grinned. “Feel like leaving the country for a couple of days? I mean, just to follow US tradition.” I couldn’t help but tease him. Not very nice of me, because he was so stressed, and what do they say, humor is great medicine.From the look on your face, I’m going to really need to bring it. Might need Kathy’s help after all.“So, what time do I need to be at the airport?”
With a sign, he said, “Ten. Don’t be late.”
