Page 60 of Arranging Ayra
How stupid of me. “Of course. Yes. I know that. It’s just that... well... Oh, okay. You’re right. I did think that Moon Manor was your life. I mean, you’re always there.”
“Well, before Moon Manor, I worked in London as a student, went to Oxford, then worked in finance, then tech. When that got a little dull, I got to work on my own little start up that I later sold.”
“Wow. That’s quite a life’s journey.”
“Right. So, you can understand why I was happy to end up at Moon Manor. It’s a completely different pace, a whole new look on life, and I love it.”
“I can tell.”
“So,” he said as he opened the passenger side door. “Would you like to join me and my pals, or would you prefer I bring you home now.”
“I don’t want to impose... you know... the one girl with the guys.”
“Don’t be silly. Besides, not only will they love you, but you won’t be the only girl there.”
“Oh. Well, if it’s okay with you, I’d love to join you.”
*****
“THIS REALLY IS A COOLplace,” Jai said. “They serve finger food, great beer, colorful drinks and they have great music.”
We walked into the club that was unimpressive from the outside, but cool and inviting on the inside. Bright colorful lights sent sparkles everywhere, and the large dance floor was already filled with enthusiastic dancers. Small tables for four were set around the perimeter of the dance floor while bright blue booths seating up to ten people hugged the back of the room.
“There they are,” Jai said as he pointed to a couple on the dance floor. He quickly waved them over.
“Hey, Jai,” the tall lanky fellow said.
The woman at his side came to give Jai a friendly hug. “Good to see you, Jai.” She looked at me, a warm smile on her cute, round face. “And who is this?”
“Jen and Ron Hawkins, this is Ayra,” Jai said. “Ayra, these are the two best people you could ever hope to meet, know and work with.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said to the ginger-haired pair.
Jen immediately shot her hand out to grab mine. “And it’s so nice to meet you,” she said with all the warmth in the world. “Come on. Our table is over there.”
We joined them at the small plexiglass table and sat down. Two tall orange-colored drinks were already on the table.
“Singapore sling?” Jen said as she held up her glass. “It’s an oldie but a goodie.”
“Take mine,” Ron said. “I haven’t touched it. Besides, I’ll just have a beer.”
“Thanks,” I said, drawn to the tasty looking drink.
“Two beers,” Jai said when the server came around.
With our drinks in hand, Ron leaned closer to Jai. “So, how are things out at the Manor? Any regrets?”
As they chatted, Jen scooted closer to me. “Those two always have to talk business and work when they see each other. How did you and Jai meet?”
“I’m working out at the Manor. I’m with a production company that’s filming a movie there.”
“Oh,” she said with a bright smile. “You’re the girl who’s crazy aboutPride and Prejudice.”
“That’s me,” I said, a little surprised that Jai might have mentioned me to his friends. “It’s really good of Jai to allow us so much freedom out there. Making a movie... well... we can be quite an imposition. We’re spread out all over the place.”
“It’s always been in Jai’s nature to be generous and helpful. We’ve often told him that he has to learn to say ‘no’ sometimes, or he’ll get stepped on.”
“I know what you mean. He really is too sweet a guy.”
