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Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

Mayson

There really had been no point in lying to Crystal. Granted, I was working, but nothing that I couldn't have blown off to spend the day with her at the beach. It was the location that bothered me.

I couldn't believe it. It was rare that I turned down an offer. I'd dated more women than I could count. Most of the time we just went to dinner and exchanged a few kisses before I dropped them back home. Even though that wasn't the reputation I had, I didn't care. Maybe people thought I was a ladies' man. It didn't bother me. Orion wasn't thrilled with my reputation. Yet that never stopped me either.

So why did I decline her offer? Even now, as we made our way to Orion's house, there was an awkward silence between us. This was not the way I intended the night to go. And if I didn't fix it fast, Raya was going to hop all over it and I'd never hear the end of it.

"How was the beach?" I asked.

"I didn't end up going," she replied.

I shot her a quick glance and asked, "Why not?" Please don't say because I wasn't there.

" I felt horrible yesterday being so tired that I had to go back to my room and rest. I didn't want to risk the same thing happening tonight," she replied.

That was a good excuse. Not sure I believed it, but it was at least believable.

"I'm sure they would understand if you couldn't make it," I said.

She shrugged. "I know, but I want to be there. Raya and I spoke briefly this morning, and she really sounds like a wonderful person. And Kathy had me in stitches on the flight here. Why would I want to spend my night alone in my room when I could be surrounded by such...joy?" I didn't say a word and she asked, "Unless you didn't want me here. Because if that's the case, you can turn your car around and drop me back off at the resort."

Cocking a brow, I asked, "Why would you think that?" Even though it's partially true.

" I'm a nurse. I'm used to reading people."

I laughed. "Isn't that a detective, not a nurse?"

"You would think so. But as a nurse, I need to be able to read whether you're telling me the truth when I ask if something hurts, or how you're feeling. You'd be surprised how many people lie about such things, even when they come to the doctor's office willingly," she explained.

"First of all, I'm not a patient. And secondly, I'm glad you're here. It means I will have time to sit with my brother and catch up instead of being dragged into the conversation with the ladies," I stated.

"I have a feeling that you can't be dragged into anything you don't want to," she replied.

You are good at reading people.

" True." We pulled into the driveway, and I noticed Orion's SUV wasn't there. "But you haven't seen Kathy and Raya together. They don't take no for an answer. Good thing I get to go home at night. My poor brother is stuck living with the two of them for more than a week. I hope they don't scare him away from getting married."

She gasped. "You're joking, right?"

I nodded. "Of course, I am. Orion is crazy about Raya. But more than that, they are really meant for each other. Not that I believe in such things, but if there were such a thing as a soulmate, I'd say that's what they are to each other."

"It is real. I haven't experienced it myself. Guess that's obvious since I'm single. But I have friends who have met theirs."

"I guess you have to be looking to find it," I said. And I'm not looking.

That's not right. Actually, it's the opposite of what I know. Your soulmate finds you when you're not looking. It's a matter of fate, or the universe, or whatever you believe in, that brings the two of you together," she sighed. "Really very romantic when you think about it."

Romance? God, I'm going to be sick. Changing the subject, I said, "Speaking of couples, we better get inside before they come looking for us."

We got out of the car and headed for the door. Raya was there to greet us. "Hi." She looked around us and said, "I was hoping Orion was with you. Have you heard from him?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Are you worried?"

"No. I'm sure he's just stuck in some meeting with the President. Reesa seems to be putting more on him lately. I should be more understanding, with her baby being just a few months old, but we're getting married in two days. I guess I'm feeling a little needy and selfish," she huffed.

Crystal reached out and touched Raya's arm. "You're the bride. You have every right to feel as you do. And I'm sure being here with you is what he wishes he was doing."

"I hope so. I mean, I'm...I'm a lot," she sniffed.

Damn it! Are you about to cry?

What had I missed? Orion was late. Not like it was the first time. He's the Vice President, for goodness's sake. She knew that.

"Do you want me to call him?" I asked.

Both women blurted out, "No!"

Then Raya looked at Crystal and burst into tears, and Crystal wrapped her arms around Raya.

"It's going to be okay. He'll be here soon," Crystal said.

"And what if he isn't? What if he's changed his mind?" Raya sobbed.

I knew my brother. There was no way he was changing his mind. He'd give his life for this woman. "Raya, you know he loves you."

"But...but what if he changed his mind?" she said again.

"Why would you think that?" Crystal asked.

"Because I'm...I'm..." she cried, unable to finish.

Kathy came outside, her eyes wide open. "What's going on? What did you say?" she said, looking at me.

"I didn't do anything," I raised my hands.

"And Raya's just crying for no reason?" Kathy said, crossing her arms.

"Ask Crystal. I said nothing."

Crystal came to my defense. "It's true. This has nothing to do with Mayson. She's just...a bride-to-be. You know, the days before the wedding when you get the jitters."

Kathy shook her head. "Wouldn't know. Never been married before."

That only caused Raya to cry even harder. Looks like you're a lot of help.

" Why don't you guys go in the house? Raya and I will be inside in a few minutes," Crystal suggested.

She didn't have to tell me twice. On my way in, I ushered Kathy along with me who wasn't thrilled about leaving Raya's side. Once inside with the door closed, she had no problem letting me have it.

"I don't know who you think you are, but Raya's my best friend. I should be with her," she snarled.

"Maybe what is going on is not something she wants to talk to either of us about."

"We tell each other everything," she stated firmly.

I looked at Kathy and asked, "Then why don't you know why she's crying?" She didn't say anything, just glared at me. "Right now, she needs Crystal. Let's give them some space."

"She has me. Why does she need Crystal?"

This wasn't going to be easy to hear, but it was the truth. "Because sometimes you just need someone to listen to you, and you're never quite enough for anyone to be able to do that."

"That's not very nice to say. I love Raya. I'd never hurt her," she said angrily.

"Never said you would. But you will just have to trust me. Crystal isn't out to hurt her either. She's a nurse. Caring for someone is what she does," I said. Not what she expected to be doing tonight, but at least she won't regret being here.

" She's a nurse? How come I didn't know that?" Kathy asked. Before I answered, she said, "Because I talked so much that she never got a chance to tell me. Guess you made your point. So, what are we supposed to do while they are outside? Listen at the window?"

I hoped she was joking, but with Kathy, I wasn't sure. "How about...have a beer in the kitchen?" I suggested. Away from the windows.

She didn't argue and followed me to the kitchen, laughing. "Are you sure you don't want to talk?"

"Positive," I said, opening the refrigerator. I grabbed two beers and handed her one. Then sat at the kitchen table.

She sat down across from me and said, "I know you said to trust you, but I'm worried. I haven't seen Raya breakdown like that in many years."

"When was the last time?" I asked.

"When her ex-husband left her and Joey for another woman. It crushed her."

"Wow. I had no idea what happened to their relationship. The guy is an asshole. Do you think she's worried that Orion will cheat on her? Because I know for a fact, he's not that kind of guy," I stated firmly.

"She knows that. I think it's more about her. I mean, even though the failed marriage was not her fault, she said she still feels guilt. As though if she had tried harder, it would've worked."

"You mean she still wants to be married to that jerk?" I questioned.

"God, no. But no one likes a failed marriage. In the back of your mind, you can't help but wonder if you had done something wrong, even though we know that's not the case with Raya," she explained.

"And what does Orion being late, have to do with her crying now?" I asked.

"Probably nothing. And with any luck, Crystal will tell you what they talked about when you bring her back to the resort later. And then you can tell me," Kathy said giving her usual mischievous smile.

Somehow, I knew Crystal wasn't going to share any of their conversation with me. I wasn't even going to bother asking. "I think the best thing we can do when they come back inside, is pretend like nothing happened."

"That's such a guy thing. You never want to talk about difficult things."

"Sometimes not talking is better than rehashing everything and fighting all over again," I reminded her.

"You think Orion and Raya are fighting?" she asked.

"No. I think it's just as Crystal said. Wedding jitters."

And this is why I don't want to get married. It doesn't look like any fun at all.

A few minutes later, I heard the front door open, and laughter filled the house. One of those voices was Orion. Things were back to normal. Whatever that may be.

Kathy got up and left me sitting in the kitchen alone. That is until Crystal came in to find me.

"Thank you for understanding that Raya needed some privacy," she said.

"No problem. And I'm glad you were able to help her. She's got a lot going on. Not just the wedding, but even being back here in Tabiq is a lot. I don't know if you realize it, but she has only been here for one year."

"I know she is Tabiqian, but she did mention living in the US for ten years before returning. There are many differences between the two countries," she said.

And you know this after just talking to Raya for a few minutes? I don't think so.

There was something she wasn't telling me. "Have you been here before?" I asked.

"No. My first trip here," she replied.

I knew that most people in the world didn't even know Tabiq existed. How would a nurse know our differences? We don't advertise them on the internet. If anything, we hide as much about ourselves as possible.

My sweet Crystal, you have just raised a red flag.

I was regretting my words to Kathy. Maybe I shouldn't trust Crystal. Maybe none of us should.

There was something in her eyes that said she couldn't ever hurt even a fly, never mind any of us. It was just my grandmother's dream that was creeping into my own mind now.

Getting up I walked over to the fridge and grabbed two more beers. I opened one and handed it to her. "Then let's make this trip memorable."

She took the beer and clanked it against mine. "Cheers to that."

"You know that Raya and Orion are getting married in two days, right?"

She nodded. "Seems to be what everyone is talking about."

"How would you feel about being my date?" I asked.

She almost choked on her beer. "Date? What about Kathy?"

Now I almost choked on my beer. "Kathy definitely is not my date. She just happens to be the maid of honor."

"Does she know she's not your date?" Crystal asked.

I sure in hell hope so.

"I've never given her a reason to think she was. And if you don't want to, then feel free to decline my offer. I was just thinking that you might want to attend the wedding. Why not with me?" I said.

Because this way I will not have to worry what you're up to.

For some reason, I couldn't get her out of my mind. Until I figured out why, I wanted her with me as much as possible.

"Are you sure? I mean, you haven't even asked them if taking me is okay," she said.

"I wouldn't have asked you if it wasn't. So, what's your answer?" I pushed.

She smiled. "I'd love to. But that leads me to asking you for a favor."

"Sure. What is it?"

"Would you mind skipping the beach tomorrow? I think I need to go dress shopping instead. A formal wedding wasn't on my agenda when I packed," she stated.

"Then consider me your chauffeur for the day."

"Thank you, Mayson. I'm really looking forward to it. Just wish I enjoyed shopping as much as I do weddings," she said.

I had my doubts about Crystal, but that somehow didn't stand in the way of my attraction to her. So, for now, I would continue lying to myself that the sudden invitation was just so I could keep an eye on her and not for the fact that she was easy on the eyes.

I could only imagine how painful the dress shopping was going to be. The only positive was getting to see Crystal in them all.

Slipping my hand to the curve of her back I guided us to the living room to join the others. But what I really wanted was to stay right here, just the two of us.

Grandmother, are you sure you didn't dream about me? Because this woman is dangerous, but in all the right ways.

If this is how I think with just a brief touch, I'm fucked if we ever kiss.

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