Page 94 of Lau Ahi
“Surely you don’t want your wife to be involved in something like that. William would never ask me to do something so menial as working within the family business.” She thought her words were a challenge to my ego but I wasn’t as fragile-minded as her son. Asha working wasn’t a reflection on my ability to provide and she knew that because our bank accounts far exceeded theirs. Why she felt the need to triangulate Asha into this squabble was because of her obvious jealously of her daughter but I was more than happy to shut that down.
“Probably because he knew you weren’t capable and he’d spend all of his time cleaning up your messes.”
Sasha gasped, WJ frowned, William Senior simply chuckled and Asha’s fingers brushed my knee in appreciation. If my reward for defending her was always going to be a physical touch on her part, I’d be beating muthafuckers up on a daily to ensure she forever granted me access to her.
But you’re not moved by her at all, right?
“Well, it seems you weren’t taught the proper way to behave in society. You shouldn’t speak that way to a lady. Especially not one that you don’t know.”
“Abo, I wasn’t aware that you’d made your way into the peerage. I guess Mother has finally gotten her wish.” Another sip of Malbec the same smile dancing on her lips as her eyes danced. Asha shared a look with her sister who was biting her lip but she was clearly enjoying the show.
“You know better than that, Mira. I’ve never been a man to chase meaningless whims and titles are only important to those who buy into the systems that give them power. That will never be me.”
His eyes met mine in silent solidarity as his wife fumed silently at how easily he brushed her off.
“Then, mother, you should really stop using those types of terms. Ori is actually close personal friends with Lord and Lady Bhaltair Merrick the Earl and Countess of Orkney. I doubt they’d just want anyone using those types of words in polite company.”
I knew she was flexing my connections in a way to get her mother to back off and I could appreciate her trying. It was clear the peerage was the key to her mother’s approval but I couldn’t give a fuck less about having it. I was there for her solely and no one else in her family truly mattered to me. It did something to me to hear her speak of my friend with ease. I knew that Jerrica didn’t give a damn about being a countess and they’d spoken for a while at the wedding. They’d clearly made an impression on one another.
“I know you were raised better than to speak to me like this in front of our guests. We didn’t spend a fortune on deportment lessons for you to forget to respect your elders.”
“Of course I haven’t forgotten. It was beaten into us, and me quite literally if we were ever a foot out of line. Hence the reason my father gets all the respect due to him. And of course now you, Pappy.”
She gave my grandfather a dazzling smile and I could tell he was falling under the same spell as I was. It wasn’t just becauseAsha was beautiful, that was a given. She had far more under the surface and I knew that my grandfather could feel the strength she possessed and that was why he was confident that we would do well together. I didn’t know if the well would ever be something more than a general truce and not trying to ruin one another the way my parents had but if this dinner was foretelling the future; he was right.
Taking back control of the conversation since he was just as aware as I was that it was about to go south, Pappy picked up glass and turned his attention to William Senior. Asha’s mother wouldn’t dare interrupt the men at the table so at least herpick me trad wifebehavior resorted in her shutting the fuck up for now.
“That is most appreciated, Asha. William, are there any traditions that you would want us to adhere to during the ceremony? I’m sure that Ori and Asha have discussed some, but there are a few that I wanted to include. Since I’m going to petition for something for myself I wanted to open up the door for you to do the same. That way I’m not the only one taking the heat for making requests.”
I could understand why my grandfather was such a charmer. He’d effortlessly changed the subject and taken the focus off the two of us. I knew it would circle back around and that I would easily handle it, but I was grateful that he was extending whatever protection he had over Asha. Pappy’s ass was now the one turning up the charm and I sat back and watched him work. It brought to mind that Asha and I hadn’t discussed anything in depth with the wedding and that needed to change. If she had expectations, I wanted to meet them for her. Real or not, we were only doing this once and I didn’t want her to look back on the day with remorse.
Trying to win fake husband of the year?
“I’m not even sure why we’re going through all these changes. This marriage was arranged and she doesn’t even have a ring. You should all go in front of a judge instead of going through such an expense.” Her mother was just talking all that shit about comportment but was behaving badly herself. I guess she was of the camp thatchildren should know their placeparenting.
“Worried that we’ll have to retrench on your shopping budget to cover everything? Abo, I think your wife is calling you broke.” Asha was laughing again but I was battling staying respectful. I could see the tightness around Asha’s eyes, despite how she kept joking. I was fooling myself into thinking that she was offended at the reminder that our situation had been arranged.
“Which is ironic since I’ve always been taught never to speak over money I didn’t earn. Our daughter is going to have whatever she and her fiancé desire for their wedding. Whatever traditions you bring to the table we are more than happy to observe.” William Senior raised his glass to the three of us and while Asha smiled I gave a simple nod of appreciation for the gesture.
“Forgive me if I’m being imprudent but are you Muslim?”
Sasha answered my grandfather earning her a smile from him. “No, we aren’t.”
“That puts my mind at ease. One of the biggest traditions is having a Kalua pig to roast. Or in this case several to roast given the size of the guest list. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone by having it present.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Mr. Nakoa.” Sasha was trying to play peacemaker but I knew the calm wouldn’t last.
He grinned at her and I swore his old ass was blushing. “It’s the least we could do.”
“O, are you having a stag weekend?”
I took a sip of my drink and continued to ignore the question that I knew was directed at me. I didn’t understand where this man got off calling meObut I was going to hurt his feelings.
“WJ, who are you talking to?” Sasha was looking at me and even I knew that stag meant bachelor party but I was going to play dumb since her bitch ass brother was trying to be funny.
“Ori.”
“Then address him as such.” Asha’s words were sharp and I had to figure out what their issue was. Besides jealousy, I needed to know what originated the discourse between the two of them.
