Page 141 of Lau Ahi
I couldn’t understand why but I was furious with this woman who sat across from me. And this was only my second time seeing her. I wasn’t sure if it was because I could almost feel the weakness in her previous actions or if it was because I knew how her presence was disturbing Ori. Something else I found fault with her for. She was making me empathize with someone that I shouldn’t have. These emotions were wearing on my bloody nerves and I wanted to go back to the peaceful numbness that had been my life before I’d gotten involved in all of this.
Despite her willing absence from his life, Faith Franklin Nakoa still had a lot of connections. She’d used the number we’d exchanged in his hospital room almost immediately and wanted to meet with me. She invited me out to lunch and although I had no clue what her motivation was behind the gesture, I was intrigued all the same.
Something shifted. I knew it and so did Ori. The shift was driving me crazy. I felt my emotions threatening to release when I sat with him in the hospital room but when he checked himself out without speaking to me I retreated back in myself. I was worried about him. Worried for him and to cut me out so easily without explanation it pissed me off beyond reason. The back and forth that we kept going through was old. When it seemed like he was breaking through my walls I retreated to figure out what I wanted. And by the time I could understand myself he was somewhere else shutting me out. We couldn’t seem to get on the same page and it frustrated me to no end.
“I can’t fathom why you would think this was an easy task.” I laid my napkin across my lap my eyes sharply focused on the woman in front of me.
Her brows rose slightly as though she knew I was challenging her. Ori’s mother was a beautiful woman but I could tell by the way her lips dipped at the corner that she’d been perpetually sad for a long time. Her skin tone was a deeper color than her son’s and the smattering of freckles he had across his face was obviously inherited from her. Her hair was straightened and cut into a long rich chocolate brown bob that was incredibly stylish and fit her face perfectly. The sundress she wore was fitted to her curvy frame and she only smiled in response to what I’d said.
“I have to say I was surprised to find out that Ori was getting married.” She mimicked my movements by placing her napkin across her lap. The place we’d decided on for lunch was one that was a favorite for me and I felt more in control being somewhere that was familiar.
“Surprised that he was getting married or surprised that you were notified?”
Instead of a raise of her brows this time she only smiled. “You don’t bite your tongue do you?”
“Since our marriage is guaranteed and I have no one I feel the need to impress, no. Besides, I’m not one for that type of trite interaction under any circumstance. If speaking my mind and being authentic is something that offends the company I keep, I’d rather change my company than change myself.”
“Wow.”
My head leaned to one side as I studied her; the long ponytail I’d wrestled my hair into falling over one shoulder. “Do you find that shocking?”
“Actually—”
We were interrupted when the server came by and asked us for our drink order. I had a very specific drink order and despitehow nice this place was, I still wanted to ask if they had the components before ordering. It was late summer and I should have gotten water but I felt the need for alcohol to have this conversation.
“I normally don’t drink this early in the day.”
“It’s a celebration. Before I order do you haveVeuve ClicquotorTaittinger?” I didn’t want to get Faith drunk but maybe loosen her up. I had questions that I wasn’t going to ask Ori and she was the only person who had answers who might willingly reveal them.
“We have both.”
I glanced at Faith not wanting to be rude. “Do you have a preference?”
“Veuveis something we used to have at every organizational event.” Her smile was wistful but I took it as a sign that she’d be okay with my choice.
“Perfect. A bottle of Veuve and could I also order a French 75 with Indigo Gin please.”
“You want a bottle of champagne and the drink?” The server looked at me in surprise and I didn’t know if she felt I was a lush or simply wanted clarity so I didn’t take her question personally.
“Well, yes. You’re going to open the bottle to make my cocktail. I’m purchasing the bottle and my companion wants a flute of champagne. Works out well for us, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Lovely. Could I have a bottle of sparkling water as well, please? Faith, did you need anything else?”
“Water as well.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“French 75?” Faith looked at me quizzically as though she knew there was a story there.
My smile was tight not because of her question but the history left a sour taste in my mouth.
“Blame my mother.” That was one of the few habits that I’d picked up from Jacqueline Avery. Her drinking was something of legends and the French 75 was one drink of hers I’d had and actually liked. The woman had excellent taste in men, handbags and liquor.
“Not to be forward but when will I get to meet her?” Faith’s face was eager like she wanted to be included badly but I needed to disabuse her of the idea that dealing with my mother was a positive venture.
“If you’re lucky, never.” I gave her a look and the tension on her face increased.
