King Kong Tycoon
The car should be at your place in twenty minutes.
I lost track of time.
Michaela
I’ll be ready.
King Kong Tycoon
Looking forward to getting to know you better.
I swallow.
Michaela
See you soon, Phoenix.
King Kong Tycoon
See you soon, my little feline.
I roll my eyes.
I clench my phone against my heart and lift my eyes to the ceiling to where I’m sure my mother is enjoying a martini while chatting up God’s ear.
I’m doing this for you, Mom.
Conscious I have little time to waste, I jump to my feet and rush to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Then, I run to the bedroom to change.
We were supposed to meet for dinner, but Phoenix is eager to get some answers, so he suggested a late lunch instead. I was tempted to be spiteful and tell him my afternoon was booked solid, but I decided against it. Putting this meeting off is only delaying the inevitable.
My life as I know it is a thing of the past.
Done with.
Bye, bye, bye.
Finito.
No más.
Sayonara.
Au revoir.
Hasta la vista, baby.
I heard everything my father had to say, although it’s not computing fully yet, I accept my new reality—I’m his only lifeline.
Sigh.
Deciding on something to wear when time is ticking would’ve taken me far longer back home given the size of my wardrobe, but here, I only have a few items of clothing to choose from.
In no time, I’m dressed and move my attention to my makeup and hair. I have a love-hate relationship with my short pixie cut. It’s in the growing stages. Most times I don’t recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror because my hair was literally a curtain. Given I’m pressed for time, I’m glad I don’t have to fight with a mane that always seemed to have a mind of its own. I touch up my makeup, applying a more in-your-face lipstick color and slide into my high heels. I give myself one last inspection and nod, satisfied with the end result.
Not bad.
