The things I had to do to get what I wanted. It would only make the final moment worth it. Endurance built anticipation, after all.
“I must say,” Kareem started, rolling his vowels, and clipping endings like he was in a rush to reach the point, “when I invited you, I didn’t think you would show.”
“Hm.”
“Why did you show up?” he asked, curious.
I swirled the contents of the glass. “There are two cats in my suite; it was either me throwing them into the ocean or coming here.”
Kareem laughed like my words were coated in pink fluff. “You have pets.”
“No. My… friends have pets.”
“The things we do for friendship,” he mused aloud. “Are your friends here tonight?”
“No.”
“Why didn’t you bring them? This party might be elite, but it is open to friends of my friends.”
I finally looked at him. “I will bring them to the next one,” I said, even though I had no intention of coming to the next one… or any other one. Ever.
Kareem sighed with satisfaction, and I watched him look around with a big smile on his face, taking in the crowd of people all gathered around, carefree like the rest of the world didn’t matter—only this moment.
I had felt that way several times, but the scenario always featured a book or the woman I never hoped to see again. Once this deal with Kareem is implemented, I will ensure no one else gets to the painting before me, and after I have completed my goal, I will arrange for the gold to be sent to Street on my behalf.
“Mexico,” Kareem said. “There’s always this air of liberty in it. The night is always alive, and the people’s smiles are so contagious it could make any sad man smile,” he said, a wistfullook in his eyes. “I am glad I came. Thank you for approaching me with this deal.”
“It benefits the both of us.”
“Yes.” Kareem grinned. “The Garza manor is not inviting because it is grand and ancient. It was the man who lived there, the people who cared for it. The love and the smiles on their faces when they maintain it, the children who wander the halls and get awed by the artworks and sculptures, family portraits and endless stories.”
“Indeed.”
“When I reviewed your plans, I was filled with joy. I knew I had to look into it. I knew Arturo would want that. And coming from you, whom he spoke highly of; who was I to turn down your proposal?”
I nodded.
Kareem’s grin turned into a small smile. “I see a brightness in you, Elio.”
I blinked at him. The sudden change in the conversation’s direction caught me off guard.
“You look surprised.” He chuckled richly. “I know a good person when I see one. I am not blindsided by what you do or what your business truly entails. Politics is a dangerous field, and you would have to do equally dangerous things, but I see past that. Just the same way Arturo had.”
I wondered what that man had told this one about me. But I didn’t want to ask. I did not truly desire to know.
“You are set for great things, Marino. Your name should be more than what it is,” he said, looking at me like he was looking through my soul, seeing the person I barely recognized anymore. “You should be setting paces, examples; if you can just touch upon that part of yourself, you will do good work.”
I indulged him by nodding, hoping he was finished talking.
He watched me as though he was seeing things I couldn’t.“Ignore the rumors here and there about you. Only you know who you truly are.”
I nodded yet again.
“If there is anything you need, even if it is my prayers, or a cleansing, give me a call, or an email, I will answer.”
“Of course.”
He grinned at me, refilling his glass as I looked around, his words playing inside my head, clashing with every intention I had for myself. It made me feel open, uncomfortable… I did not like it, and the reason was still a blur to me.
