Page 86 of Miss Typed

After finishing up the call, I sat back in my chair, satisfied. Sure, it hadn’t produced an adrenaline rush like when I’d stood up to Tom, but how could it? This was my mother who I loved. And I’d found a compromise I could live with while not giving up on my dreams or future. I felt like a heavy weight had been lifted, and I couldn’t wait to tell Aiden.

* * *

At three o’clock, Aiden messaged me to come into the main conference room, one floor up. This time he wasn’t alone. He made the introductions to the two other men in the room.

“Chloe, this is Gerald Walters, the managing director for the Abu Dhabi office, and Matthew Mott, the director of personal security.”

I greeted the older gentleman first, shaking his hand before turning towards Matthew, who appeared to be Aiden’s age. He was a handsome man about the same size as Aiden, dressed impeccably in a business suit. “Please call me Matt. Nice to meet you, Chloe.”

“Nice to meet you both, too.”

“You ready for the mosque tour?”

“Yes. Absolutely.” I was excited about seeing it.

Matt smiled. “You’ll love it. You can wear long sleeves and long pants, or we can rent abayas and head coverings. You’ll have to ensure your hair is covered.”

This made sense. Inside of any mosque here, both skin and a woman's hair had to be covered. I was used to it by now. I’d brought appropriate clothes for both the tour and dinner. “I’ll dress for it.”

Aiden slung his laptop bag over his shoulder. “We’ll go get checked into the hotel, then meet you guys there.”

We didn’t talk until we were in the elevator of the hotel located next door. I was tempted to tell him about my conversation with my mom, but he seemed off. “You all right?”

“Yeah, fine.” The elevator doors opened on our floor. Our rooms were located across from one another.

“Okay. Meet you in ten minutes?”

“Sounds good.”

He was abrupt, and I couldn’t figure out if he was upset for some reason about the coming tour or if perhaps his meetings hadn’t gone as expected.

After quickly changing over into black slacks, a long-sleeved, burgundy blouse, socks, and shoes, I walked out to find Aiden already standing in the hallway. He’d changed, as well, opting for gray trousers and a black, button-down shirt.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes.” After a pause, I decided to ask, “You sure everything is okay?”

His expression softened as we got into the elevator, his hand reaching out to stroke my face. “Just a long day. Just kind of fried. Nothing else.”

My relief came as quickly as my smile.

The car dropped us off a short time later in front of a magnificent site. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was incredible. As we approached, I grew even more awed with the domes, the marble, and the sheer massiveness.

We met the group from the office near the visitor’s entrance. Matt came up quickly to greet us. “Did you wear socks? I forgot to mention there are no shoes allowed inside. I can get you some if you don’t have any.”

“I’m wearing socks, but thank you.”

“Great. Through that entrance, you can leave your shoes in a cubby and cover your hair with your scarf.”

I proceeded into the women’s changing room to put my shoes away and ensure I covered my hair properly. When I came out, I walked up to where Aiden was talking with Matt.

“You both ready?” Matt asked.

I was anxious to go inside and automatically said, “Yes.”

But Aiden surprised us both. “I’m afraid I have to sit this one out. I have a call.”

My head whipped towards him. “You do?”