Page 93 of Caleb
We each grab a plate of paella and bread and sit down to eat. After tasting it, I know I need to text Red immediately.
Me:This year’s paella is better than the last. Chef Bellin finally got it right.
Red:I know, right? But none like my mom’s.
Me:I wish I could’ve tried her paella.
Red:You would’ve loved it.
Me:I’m sure I would. Happy birthday, Red.
“Drop that goddamned phone and tell me everything!” Aaron says with a laugh, tossing a piece of bread inside his mouth. He shakes his head and smiles as I put the phone away.
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“Start at the beginning.”
April 12, 2009
Ambassador Murphy asked me to meet his lawyer at his office in the 17th arrondissement to sign the proposed paperwork before heading to the airport. The contract was as tight as I expected it would be, and I let it be because that way, he thinks he won. And in a way, he did, but I got what I wanted. So I guess I should be satisfied with it being a win-win situation rather than total annihilation. I need to remember that the chances of me being the annihilated one were high. Plus, he’s still my boss, so we’ll have to be able to coexist after this. But he’s a businessman all in all, and to him, I’m sure this was nothing more than another business transaction.
Me:It’s done.
Aaron:I’m glad. I’ve already called Gus to let him know he should drive you directly to the airport. There’s no need for you to come back to the Residence. We’re about to leave anyway. We’ll meet you there. All your stuff is packed in the SUV. I took care of it.
Me:Thanks, man. I’ll see you there.
I put my phone away and climb into the passenger seat with Gus.
“All done?” Gus asks, putting the car in drive and turning the blinker on.
“Yeah, thanks,” I say. “All done.”
“Airport, right?”
I nod. “Yes, please.”
Gus and I spent the short thirty-minute ride to Le Bourget airport talking about UFC and European football. I’ve known Gus for two years, but I’ve never really talked to him that much before.
I like him. It’s one of those situations where you realize something, but it’s too late for it to matter. I’m sure we would’ve been good friends.
He pulls up next to the curb, and I grab my backpack and shake his hand. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Of course,” he says with a smile. “Good luck, Caleb.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” I step out of the car, shut the door behind me, and start toward the terminal entrance. Aaron texted me the information I needed to find them once I arrived. Since we’re flying private, I’m unsure about where I need to go, so I ask for assistance.
A kind woman in her mid-fifties guides me through the airport and informs me that my party arrived around twenty minutes ago and must be boarding by now. She leaves me with another airport employee, who invites me to hop on his golf cart to bring me closer to the plane.
I see Aaron standing by the aircraft’s stairs, waiting for me. He nods when he sees me and presses his lips into a tight smile. I hop off the golf cart and head to where he stands.
“You ready?” He claps his hand against my shoulder blade and smiles. I nod. “Let’s go, then.”
He turns around and grabs the handrail to climb the stairs, but I stop him. “Aaron?” He turns around and wordlessly waits for me to speak. “Just … Thank you. For everything. For taking a chance on me four years ago. This job really changed my life. I—don’t know what I’d be doing right now if you hadn’t called that day. Where I’d be or … I just can’t fathom the idea of this not being my life. So thank you.”
“I knew you were the right person for this job, and I’m glad my instincts didn’t fail me. But shit’s about to get real in New York, so you better brace yourself.” He lifts a brow, and I know exactly what he means. Red’s all grown up, and I will have no choice but to take deep breaths most of the time to keep my cool. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. It gives me peace to know that I’ll be there, by her side, to ensure not only her safety but her happiness too, if she allows me to continue to be there for her. “But you chose this, right?” Aaron turns around and resumes his walk up the stairs.
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
