Page 14 of Isn't She Lucky
I glance up at him and say, “You know what…this isn’t the way this was supposed to go down this evening. This was supposed to be a quick, enjoyable evening—”
“And it is,” he cut in to say. “I’m having a great time getting reacquainted with you. The evening is going just fine. Now, back to what I was asking, what problems do you have that you can’t pay for?”
“Problems that everyone has. Bills, car repairs, paying $22,000 a year for a one-bedroom apartment, and still having to make sure I have enough to cover my mother’s bills—normal stuff.”
“Hmm,” he says, then finishes off his wine. He places the glass on the table while still clutching the stem between his index finger and thumb, spinning the glass. “Maybe I can help with that.”
“Nope. Absolutely not. I only told you that stuff because you kept asking. I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it all this time and—”
“Wait…hear me out. What if I told you I’d pay you a million dollars to help me get out of an unfortunate dilemma I’ve found myself in?”
I laugh, and then that laughter grows louder. However, when I notice the serious look on his face, I stop immediately and say, “Wait—you’re not serious, are you?”
“Actually, I am.”
“And what exactly is yourdilemma?”
“My parents left me the business, but I cannot access any of the money they left me until I’m married. Once I have a marriage license, the money flows into my account and life proceeds as normal. I only need someone to do the deed with me.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I kid you not.”
“If this is true, how is it that you’re able to keep up the maintenance on the property?”
“Those tasks were pre-arranged.”
“And how are you able to pay for this dinner?”
“I get paid from my job, and it’s a good amount, but access to my inheritance is being withheld.”
“And you want me to do what exactly?”
“Marry me.”
“Are you—?” I stopped talking when I realized how loud I was screaming, garnering the attention of those closest to our table. In a much milder tone with an edge to my voice, I ask, “Are you out of your mind?”
“No, but I am desperate.”
“Then go find somebody with that same energy,” I say, pushing away from the table. “I’m not the one.”
“I don’t want just anybody. I want you.”
“Why?”
“Why not? You know me. You know my character.”
“No, I don’t, Kasim. I knew you when we were children. I don’t know you now. You’re trying to get me to commit…fraud. As if my life is not in enough turmoil.”
“It’s not fraud.”
“Then what is it?” I ask, crossing my arms.
“It’s a way around the system.”
“Like I said—fraud.”
“Giada—”
