Page 74 of Royal Pain
She hooks her purse over the barstool and takes a seat. “At church.”
In my mind the needle scratches its way across the record. I look at Kwai who’s grinning wide.
“I’ll have a beer too. And no, I wasn’t actually inside the church.”
I chuckle and Belinda joins me.
“I was next door at the music store. When we were passing I saw their advertisement for the Alvin Ailey performance that’s coming in August.”
“Oh, I’ve seen them in New York. You’ll love it,” Belinda says.
“Miranda and I are going to see them.”
“I’m so excited! I’ve never been to a dance performance, other than my six-year-old niece as The Teapot. I’m not sure if you all caught it. It was the Rochester Grammar School’s production ofBeauty and the Beast.”
I like this girl. How the hell is she attracted to Kwai? I mean I guess he’s good looking and he’s got the hard-earned muscles. But does she know about the other stuff? He’s looking pretty happy. Maybe she’s good for him.
“I’ve told Miranda about the concerts we have at the amphitheater, and the plays. She hasn’t been to any of them. I’m so excited to take her.”
“You sound like a patron of the arts, Kwai,” Belinda says, passing the glasses of beer to my brother and Miranda.
And as they begin to talk, and I listen to the passion coming from my brother, I get a great idea. There’s a need in Mozia and I know just how to fill it.
The doorbell sounds and with it the laughter of children.
“Our other guests have arrived. Batten down the hatches. We’re about to be invaded.”
Belinda goes to the door and greets the guests. The little ones rush in ahead of my mother.
“Hello to the troops!” Belinda says.
We exchange hellos all around, but my mother’s eyes are on Kwai and his date. Yeah, Mom. You’re seeing right.
“This is Miranda. Miranda, this is our mother, Queen Ayana.”
The poor woman. She didn’t expect to meet the queen. But Kwai seems pleased it’s worked out this way.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Your Majesty.”
Very good. She may be nervous, but she sounds relaxed and sure of herself. Of course, I can tell my mother is actually pleased. I haven’t seen that smile for a while.
“Thank you, dear. I’m so happy you and Kwai were able to join the festivities. Unfortunately, I have to miss it tonight.”
“Grandma has to have a meeting,” Kojo says with an innocent smile.
“That’s right. The president of South Africa is calling at eight. It can’t be missed. But keep a few drawings for Grandma. I want to hang them in my bedroom.”
This makes the two youngest kids so excited they start doing a happy dance. Gugu grabs Kojo’s hands.
“Okay. I’m going to head back. You kids have fun.”
“I can’t tell you how encouraging it is to be called a kid,” Kwai chuckles.
“It’s something only an old person would do, son. Everything is relative.” The queen laughs.
* * *
“Pass over that last pickle,” Kwai says.
