Chapter Seventy-Seven
Days pass, blurring into one long ache, the absence of Kai almost a physical thing. I know I’d still miss him if I had work to occupy me every day, but at the minute, with nothing to entertain me and no Kai around, it seems so much worse.
This visa issue is such a pain. So, I can’t work or travel—this I already knew—but since Kai left on his business trip, I’ve also discovered that without a valid visa, my local driving licence is invalid. It’s such crap! At least I have Rashid to get about, even if it is a bit awkward. I mean, anyone would think he’s my bodyguard, like he’s been charged with protecting me. I can’t open doors by myself and can’t carry bags. And to be quite honest, it’s driving me nuts.But it’s better than catching the bus.
I talk to Niamh when I can, but of course,shehasa job. She also lives a ways away and is dating the roommate of a person I feel certain I should avoid.Matt.She’d told me when she’d mentioned my marriage to him, he’d looked like he was going to explode, storming out of the room at the first opportunity. She also said there looked to be a small dent in the wall outside the door the next day, suspiciously knuckle-shaped. I’m not sure if she’s being a drama queen, but I suppose it’d be best to avoid him, just in case. It was the reason I’d taken Kai up on his suggestion that Rashid accompany me back to my flat while I collected the rest of my things. Not that there was much to pack; mainly fancy undies and stuff like that.
But yes, I’ve been bored. There’s only so much you can read, believe it or not, and only so many hours you can devote to TV. I’ve had lunch with Mishael a few times in the two weeks Kai has been gone, but I don’t want to be the needy weight hanging around her neck. The woman has her fingers in so many philanthropic pies, I feel guilty distracting her. Plus, she’s offered to oversee our wedding plans, which came as a huge relief, because I wouldn’t know where to start out here. Left to me, we’d probably have soggy sandwiches and cheap fizz, and I’d probably be wobbling down the aisle in a pair of jeans, because I’m pretty sure Kai would go ape if I suggested wearing the dress I planned to marry Shane in.
I think I have wedding fatigue. After all, I’ve already planned one wedding this year.The one that didn’t go ahead. Mishael is being an absolute darling, though she was pretty bummed when she discovered she and I wouldn’t be heading to Paris to order my dress because of my visa issues.It would’ve been couture, too.I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the same. But in true Mishael fashion, she’s decided the mountain can travel to Mohammed as long as I’m on lockdown. I’ve already had my first appointment with a designer who’s been flown in from Milan. Just for me.
I feel a bit like Beyoncé.
Less booty, but just as glam.
Bitch, after this taxi ride, you’d better have wine.
I’m stoked because Niamh is coming to see me today. Apparently, she’s having a shitty cab ride.
When the doorbell rings shortly afterwards, I barely get half way down the stairs before my ever—never?—friendly helper beats me to it. She leaves Niamh on the wrong side of the half-open front door as she shuffles away.
‘Who the hell was that?’ Stepping into the hall, Niamh closes the door behind her as I reach the bottom stair.
‘Thatwas the delightful Martha,’ I reply, crossing the hallway.
‘Arthur?’
‘Martha,’ I repeat, as the said delight slams a door somewhere distantly.
‘Nah, too many chin hairs. She’s got an awful puss on her.’
I halt in my tracks. ‘She got a what?’ I shake off the madness that made me just hear Niamh mention that woman’s wrinkly old nether regions.
‘She’s got a face like a bulldog licking piss off a nettle.’
‘A-ha-ha. Miserable, yes. You don’t know the half of it.’
Miserable? Try murderous. Christ knows what the cow has against me. In front of Kai, she’s been nothing but sweetness. Though I did notice she doesn’t answer in English, even when Kai addresses her so. For some reason he hasn’t noticed the mode of her reply. It seems petty to point it out, even if it gets my goat.
It’s the same reason I haven’t told him that she’s become the biggest pain in my arse now that he’s not around. Or that she goes out of her way to make my time in the house generally difficult.
First, there was the TV remote from the snug. It seems to go walk-about continually. None of the others have the same issue, just the one from the place I’ve taken to prefer. Next she chased me out of the laundry room, snatching the basket out of my hands with a hiss, before she washed all of my new undies with a pair of jeans. Seriously expensive lingerie now floor-cloth-grey.Very derro chic. When I tried to tell her not to wash my clothes from now on, that I’d take care of my own laundry, she feigned not to understand. Funny that.
I especially thought so when she ruined my new silk blouse.
Next, the sushi I’d ordered in found its way from the fridge to the bin. Though to be fair, this time when I’d asked if she’s thrown it out while I’d showered—as opposed to who, Casper, the friendlyDjinn?—she’d answered in English. Sort of.
Holding her nose, she’d disdainfully muttered, ‘Too much pish.’
My sentiments exactly, darl.
By this time Niamh has followed me into what Kai calls themajlis, and I callthat big room, because as well as being epically posh, it’s way too large to use for anything other than, say, a party or game of netball.And the reason I prefer the snug.
‘You found the place okay?’
‘Cab driver did. The cab driver from hell, by the way. He kepthorning his honkall the way—his words, not mine. But I brought wine ‘cos—’ A long whistle stops me in my tracks. ‘Would ya... check this place out.’
Still looking over my shoulder at her, I try to see it from her eyes. I suppose I’ve become inured to the place, especially having lived here for all of ten days. But she’s right, it is mega posh. From the gleaming black and white marble floors to the multiple and matching leather sofas placed around the edge of the vast room, easily able to seat twenty-five arses. The huge modern chandelier hanging in the hall is matched by two more raindrop-like ones in this room. Stone archways lead into further rooms, parlour palms and more art deco tables housing pale coloured lamps finish the effect. Other than the massive stone fireplace dominating one wall, it could be the foyer of some hip hotel.
