Page 59 of Love is So Mean
“No, Rami, not today.”
Nasir runs towards me as well and nods.
“Rami is right,Am’matyYasmi, you’re not even wearing heels. Is it because of what Baba said to you?”
Lena grabs both boys and gives me a small smile.
“I’m sorry, boys go sit down right now.”
They say sorry and go sit down where they were before.
Lena follows my lead as we walk to a secluded area. We sit and she gives me a sad smile.
“Amir knows I told you, by the way.” She begins and I shrug.
“It was bound to come out, right?”
“Yeah but that would’ve been your choice. Your parents aren’t happy with him and he knows it. The house has been a cold front ever since the news broke. Look, Yasmeena, I’ve never had an issue with you and you’ve never had one with me. You’ve always been the best aunt you could be to my boys and I appreciate that. Telling you wasn’t me trying to get somethingfrom you or a favor for a favor. I just felt like for once, I didn’t want to be associated with the schemes to hurt you that my husband was part of.”
“That’s what you came to say? You could’ve texted.”
“Yes, I could have but I wanted to apologize in person. I wanted to look you in the eyes so you can know I’m being sincere. I don’t ever speak when it comes to things with your family because I know how it is with Babas, especially ones set in their old ways but Yasmi, they don’t deserve you or your help. Stop helping Amir in anything.”
“I haven’t helped him lately.”
“Good, I’m taking Nasir and Rami for a vacation to Kuwait to visit my parents. Amir knows this and so do your parents. We need some time away from this. Amir isn’t a bad father but he’s not a good brother or son. He needs to figure things out and after what your husband did to him…” Lena looks away and then back to me with a smile. “He deserved it. I wish I could’ve seen it myself. You don’t need them, they need you, Yasmi. I need you to know that.”
“It’s something I’ll consider. Do you need money?” I ask her not because she’s asking me but because I know how stingy Amir is.
“No, my parents are paying. We leave, first thing tomorrow. When I called my Baba, he didn’t think twice about my vacation idea and you know Amir can’t say no to my Baba.” She’s right, he’s Amir’s father in law that would’ve been too disrespectful. “Just know this,” she reaches out and grabs my hands in hers. “If you ever need a vacation, my parents would accommodate you. Even if it’s to hide from your family. They wouldn’t alienate you, not you, Yasmi.”
“Thank you,” I tell her. “I won’t hide from them but thank you, I appreciate it, take good care of my nephews, will you?”
There’s nothing else for me to say to Lena but we both stand and she reaches out giving me a tight hug. My eyes widen because she’s never done this before and I pat her on the back. After that, the boys run up to me and both hug me. I caress both their heads like the books say to comfort a child and let go.
After that, they’re gone. There’s still a lingering effect from the hugs that the boys gave me as I take the elevator back up to the penthouse.
The guys stop talking as soon as the elevator doors open.
“What?”
Chapter 34
Enrique
The moment the elevator doors closed the guys were in my business.
“That kiss didn’t look business only, boss.” Jeeves points out before he shoves a fork full of pasta into his mouth. “Mmm,” he closes his eyes as he chews.
At least I know it’s good and Yasmeena wasn’t just being polite. I laugh at my own thoughts.Polite?Yasmeena is honest to a fault. I don't know if she would have been able to lie if it didn’t taste good.
“I don’t get it, but I don’t need to get it.” Matthew admits as he stirs his food.
“Get what?” I ask but he’s already put food in his mouth. I move the wine, warm bread, and butter to the table and sit.
“This is very good, Enrique,” Matthew tells me between bites. “You and Yasmeena. You were very much in love with Emily.”
“And the elevator yesterday and the ass grabbing goodbye kiss suggest far more than business purposes only.”