“I wish I could say no, but it’s kinda unique, so I get compliments. It’s a rare defect, actually.”
“Way to kill the moment.” Ravi laughs. It’s a hearty, friendly laugh that makes me feel more at ease with him. “Defect or not, they’re extraordinary, and so are you.”
“Thank you,” I say, taking another sip of my smoothie.
“So, Kennedy, what do you do back in Oxford?”
“I’m an artist, I paint actually. I’m in the process of looking for gallery space, collaborating with some local artists.”
“That’s fascinating. I can’t even draw a stick figure.” he says.
“You’re exaggerating.” I roll my eyes.
To prove me wrong, he asks the truck owner for a pen, uses a napkin, and draws what is probably the worst impression of me.
“You’re right, you suck.” I giggle.
“Told ya.” He leans back in his chair, satisfied to prove me wrong.
“How about you? What is it that you do?”
“A whole lot of stuff, import and export. I also help my father with his financial advisory firm. We consult with companies independently.”
“You don’t come across as the stiff business sort.”
“Oh, I’m pretty stiff when I need to be.” He winks, and I cover my face to hide a blush I know is creeping up my cheeks.
“That is wrong on so many levels.”
It’s still early, but the sun is higher in the sky, and I know I should be going. I look at my Fitbit on my wrist. “This was nice, but I should get going. My friend and I have plans for the day.”
“I know we just met, but I have this thing tonight, and I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me?” he asks.
I know it’s Amy’s dinner tonight, but I figure it’s a more intimate family gathering and I doubt she’ll mind. Also, I can’t fathom sitting through it, with Sai around. “That sounds pretty cool, actually. I’d love to. I’ll text you the address.” We exchange numbers, and I wave goodbye to him, unable to wipe the smile off my face. Maybe a summer fling is in the cards, after all.
At five, Amy rushes into my condo, “You can’t let me sit through this dinner alone! I know, I know you have plans, and I am so happy you met a guy. But, I need you, Neddy.” She’s red-nosed and looks as if she’s been crying for hours. She flings herself on my bed, and I lay next to her, stroking her hair.
“Amy, if dinner with the man and his family, sets you off like this, How are you going to marry him?”
“I don’t have a choice.” she sniffs, lifting her face to meet my gaze. “It’s just the way things work around here.”
“What aren’t you telling me?” I have known Amy for long enough to see that she’s hiding something.
“It’s just this whole arrangement. And, I miss Henry.”
“I know you both had plans. I guess we all did. But knowing Henry, he’ll be hurt, but he’ll understand, Amy. He cares so much for you. Especially when you explain the whole situation.”
“We’re so far away from Oxford.” She says gently, and it makes my heart ache for her.
I lay my head back on the soft pillows, grabbing Amy’s hand, and squeezing it in mine. “I’ll reschedule anything for you.” I turn toward her. “I am so sorry, I wish I could do more, but I have no idea how to help. This is just so out of my depth.”
“This is my life Neddy, I grew up understanding that my life was not my own.”
“You deserve so much more, Amy.” I kiss her forehead.
I grab my phone from my bedside and text Ravi. Chicks before dicks, and all that. I set my phone down once I’m done. I don’t even have the words to give my friend comfort, she’s in too deep. I’ve never had my free will threatened, so the truth is, I have no idea what she is going through. “Let me help you get dressed.” I offer.
She throws her hands around my neck as we lay on the bed, and we squeeze each other till we’re slightly out of breath. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”
