The Athlete
Page 18
“May you have a blessed and harmonic marriage.” Jonah gave Solomon a wide smile before we walked away.
“Oh, hey.” Emanuela had spotted Marco and Shelly. “It’s nice to see familiar faces in a group of strangers.”
Marco and I hugged and Shelly lifted her arm, letting her elbow point at me. My look of confusion led her to explain. “It’s my new way of greeting men in the Northlands.” She turned to Marco. “Help me demonstrate.”
Marco lifted his arm and let his elbow bump against hers.”
“Your new way of greeting Nmen is to do an elbow bump?”
“That’s right. I’m so tired of men refusing to touch me because I’m a woman. Any civilized society should have some kind of greeting that involves touching, and this seems to be perfect since there are no sexual undertones in elbows bumping against each other.”
“Okay, I guess we can do that.” Shelly and I bumped elbows and I had to laugh a little. “You always come up with the craziest things.”
Marco leaned in. “That reminds me, would you please tell Shelly to stop with her obsession about pregnancy prevention? The latest idea she came up with was some kind of torture device to strap around the man’s ball sack, and who do you think she wanted to test it on?” He pointed to himself.
My eyes widened. “You said no, right?”
“Obviously.”
“Are you two done?” Shelly was tapping her foot. “What’s the use of being married if you can’t have a little cooperation when you come up with a brilliant idea?” She looked from Emanuela to me and back. “Did you two test out any of the products I gave you?”
Emanuela turned crimson red in her face. “No.”
“Huh. So you’re still not sleeping together?”
My impassive face hid how my heart was hammering as I waited for Emanuela to answer that question.
“Ehh… roommates don’t usually sleep together, Shelly, and also, Hunter isn’t interested in a relationship with a colleague or someone older than himself.”
I narrowed my eyes wondering how she had come to that conclusion.
Shelly lit up. “Have you ever heard of the mating habits of the long-finned eels?”
Emanuela shook her head. “No, I can’t say that I have.”
“Well, it’s very interesting because the females get huge and very old compared to the males. In fact, they grow to be up to two meters long and can weigh up to fifty kilos. Can you imagine an eel that large? Anyway, what’s fascinating about them is that while the females live in a stream and can be as old as one hundred and twenty years old, the males live near the sea and are only about seventy-five centimeters long and live fifteen to twenty-five years.”
We were all staring at Shelly, who was beaming with excitement.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
My question had her turn to me. “Think about it, Hunter. It means that a female more than a hundred years old is banging some strapping young long-finned eel who’s at best a quarter of her age.”
“And?”
“And that makes your argument that you don’t want Emanuela because she’s older than you a bit silly, doesn’t it?”
“I never said her age was a problem.”
“How old are you?” Marco asked Emanuela.
“Twenty-five. There’s a little over two years between me and Hunter.”
Shelly smacked her tongue. “That’s nothing.”
Crossing my arms, I looked at Emanuela. “I never said it was a problem. Where is this coming from?”
“You said the reason you wouldn’t have sex with Donna was because she was older and you were colleagues.”
“Maybe I did say that, but I also said I wasn’t attracted to her because she treats me like a lab rat. That other stuff was just excuses.”
Emanuela looked a bit taken aback and was quiet when Jonah shook Marco’s hand.
“I didn’t want to interrupt your fascinating conversation on the sexuality of eels and roommates, but I’m Jonah, Emanuela’s brother.”
Marco grinned. “It’s very nice to meet you, Jonah. I made sure my wife voted for you.”
Shelly pushed her shoulder against Marco. “I was always going to vote for him.”
“But you wouldn’t have taken the time if I hadn’t reminded you seven thousand times on election day.” Marco planted a kiss on Shelly’s cheek before joking, “My wife is brilliant, but can’t be bothered by something as boring as calendars.”
Loud murmurs made us turn to see Khan, Magni, and Pearl come walking through the crowd. Their children were already spreading out to find their friends while the crowd of wedding guests spread to give way for the Ruler of the Northlands, his wife, and brother.
Elbowing Jonah, I muttered. “There’s Pearl for you.”
Like a kid watching snow for the first time, he was staring in wonder.
“You’ll meet her after the ceremony.”
Laura came jogging and took the hand Magni held out to her just as Khan steered them all toward the large tree where Solomon waited for them.
After exchanging greetings with Solomon, Khan turned to address the crowd. “We will perform the ceremony in a few minutes. Please get ready. I want all you men to form a half circle with women in front of you. The children can sit down if they want to.”
Children were called over as we moved into position. Jonah was on my left with Emanuela in front of him, Marco on my right with Shelly between his arms.
It was a beautiful early October day and even my resistance to my sister’s choice of groom didn’t make me blind to how perfect everything was. The rich color variations of green, brown, yellow, and red surrounded us. I leaned my head back taking in the way the fall sunlight was coming through the treetops, creating a softness that was amplified by the string music played by Darlene and her friends.
The collective sigh from Jonah and Emanuela had me look to the house, from where Willow came walking with Mila by her side. They stopped and Mila gave Willow a last smile before she moved toward the rest of us.
Every wedding I’d ever witnessed had been different, but I had once seen an old movie where the bride was walking toward her husband with her father on her side, and seeing Willow walk alone, I acted on instinct.
From the mutter behind me and the expression on Willow’s face when I reached her, I knew that they all thought I was going to stop her.
Instead, I held out my arm to her. “Let me walk you to him.”
Willow’s face melted and she teared up again as she hooked her arm under my right arm.
And then we walked at a slow pace to the middle of the half circle where Khan and Solomon stood waiting.
When we reached them, Willow rose up on her toes and pressed her lips against my cheek. “Thank you.”
I returned to my place between Jonah and Marco and listened as Khan spoke about second chances and healing the past.
“What a glorious place for two people to join together in matrimony. And what a beautiful day to make promises that will last a lifetime.” Khan’s voice was loud enough for all of us to hear. “With you as witnesses, I now declare Willow Darlington and Solomon Samson man and wife.”
Cheers broke out when Solomon wrapped his arms around Willow’s waist and made her feet lift from the ground as he kissed her hard and long.
Jonah was grinning and used both hands to squeeze Emanuela’s shoulders. “Isn’t this amazing? Can you believe we get to experience this?” His words were meant for his sister only, but I was close enough to hear it and when she looked back with tears in her eyes, it released a big batch of butterflies in my stomach. Did Emanuela’s emotional reaction to my sister’s wedding mean that she might be opening up to the idea of marrying in her own future?
CHAPTER 17
Meeting Pearl
Emanuela
The wedding ceremony was simple and short. I had nothing to compare it to, but I still felt certain that this had to be the most perfect wedding in the history of mankind.
Most of us Motlanders were dabbing at our eyes too, and it made the Nmen look straight ahead like they were uncomfortable with our public display of emotions.
Marriage was what Hunter had dreamed of since he was twelve years old.
But he doesn’t want to date because of the mystery woman from the club.
Guilt gnawed at me because of the secret I was carrying.
There had to be millions of women who would love to spend their lives with someone as amazing as Hunter. Women who would give him children and the family he dreamed of. He deserved all of that. To find a woman who would love him the way Willow loved Solomon.
I looked over to see Hunter’s reaction to the wedding. At first, he was listening to Khan’s speech with a serious expression on his face, but then his gaze locked with mine and his face softened. My stomach did a somersault and it felt like a small eternity that we held the connection between us, but it was probably only seconds.
I need to tell him.
The need to come clean was stronger than my fear of his reaction. Chances were that he would be furious with me, but maybe, just maybe, he would understand.
As soon as the ceremony was over, people flocked to congratulate the happy couple.
Jonah and I were a little overwhelmed by the crude comments and words flying around while the locals were laughing and slapping each other’s backs.
“It’s a good thing that we didn’t kill the little fucker when he was seventeen. He turned out a fine man after all.” Magni’s voice was gruff and to me he looked intimidating with his large frame, leather shirt, and black tattoo down his neck. “Oh hey, honey, I didn’t see you there.” Magni opened his arms to hug Mila. It softened his features when she pressed against him. “Hunter, good to see you decided to come.”
Hunter shook Magni’s hand and then that of Khan, who was standing next to his brother.
Khan held on to Hunter’s hand and placed his other hand on his shoulder. “Hunter, what did you think of my speech?”
“It was very good.” Hunter turned and swung a hand to me and Jonah. “Let me introduce you to Emanuela Cervicci, whom I play soccer with, and her brother Jonah, who is…”
“The first man on the Council.” Khan finished Hunter‘s sentence and reached out to shake Jonah’s hand. “We heard you were coming.”
Jonah gave a boyish grin. “It’s a great honor to meet you.”
Khan raised an eyebrow. “I was told you’re more interested in meeting my wife.”
“No, well, yes, I mean I’m excited to meet all of you. It’s just that I’ve learned about Pearl in school since I was young and I don’t think I would be on the Council if not for her passionate speech about equality.”
“Ahh, that might be true, but don’t forget that I was the one who negotiated with the Council after the earthquake. I was the one who demanded men on the Council in order for us not to attack.” Khan leaned back and crossed his arms. “So, really, it’s me you should be grateful to.”
Jonah chose a diplomatic answer. “As I said, it’s an honor to be here.”
With a satisfied nod, Khan scanned the crowd before spotting Pearl, who was talking with Solomon and Willow. “Follow me.”
It’s possible that he was only talking to Jonah, but Hunter, Mila, Magni, and I all followed.
“Pearl, my dear. Here’s the young man we spoke about. Councilman Jonah Cervicci.”
Pearl took a step forward and smiled at Jonah. “It’s so nice to meet you. May peace surround you.”
“May peace surround you too.” Jonah couldn’t stop himself but stepped forward reaching out his hands in a formal greeting.
Pearl took them. “Welcome to the Northlands, Jonah. Did you enjoy the wedding?”
“Yes. Very much. It’s the first wedding my sister and I have ever been to.” Jonah looked back at me. “Let me introduce you to Emanuela.”
Pearl let go of his hands and moved over to greet me.
Maybe it was because of all the years Jonah had raved about her that I was a bit in awe of Pearl. She was in her early forties with an elegant grace about her that made me feel clumsy in comparison.
“Emanuela, we heard about you from Ben. You are the soccer player who got in trouble for improper communication and had to buy a puppy to ease the public’s opinion on you, isn’t that right?”
“Yes.”
“And how is your puppy doing?”
“Very well, except Tiny is no longer a puppy. She’s a full-grown Newfoundlander who drives my mother crazy with all her drooling and shedding.”
Pearl’s smile formed soft crinkles at the edge of her eyes. “Tiny. What a fun name for a giant dog like that. I love Newfoundlanders, they are gorgeous dogs.”
“For sure. But they are a lot of work. I was lucky that my family already had two dogs and that my mom took mercy on me because of all my traveling to play soccer. Tiny is much happier living with the other dogs.”
“Yes, that makes sense.” Pearl gave me a gracious smile and turned back to Jonah. “Congratulations on your new job as a councilman.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ve been following your work and we’re pleased that you got elected.”
Khan made a sound of agreement. “We just need to have a talk about some of the things on your agenda. I feel like you could be a bit more ambitious when it comes to personal choices.”
Jonah didn’t answer at first. His hand was playing with the peace sign on his wristband. “My agenda is already seen as progressive and extreme by many.”
“Yeah, but that’s because they are idiots.” Khan placed a hand on Jonah’s shoulder. “You made a good point about eliminating some of the many redundant rules of your society. Tell me, which one are you going to fight first?”
“Well, there’s a whole list, but one is higher speed limits and the freedom to drink alcohol. I understand that some people had problems controlling their consumption in the past, but I still don’t think it’s the role of a society to eliminate all potentially harmful things from their people. Most things can be bad for you if you don’t balance them.”
“That’s right.” Khan squeezed Jonah’s shoulder and gave a satisfied smile. “Do you play chess?”
Pearl leaned against Khan’s side, her arm snaking around his waist as she looked up at him. “You’re not leaving the party early to play chess with Jonah. There will be time for that later.”
Khan frowned. “How long are you staying, Jonah?”
Willow answered for us. “They promised to stay for two nights.”
“Wait a minute.” Magni looked at Hunter. “You’re not staying here, are you?”
Hunter nodded. “Willow asked us to.”
Magni still had his arm around Mila. “I’ll bet she did, but they are newlyweds and need some time to enjoy each other. You three will stay at the Gray Manor with us.”
Willow pursed her lips as if she wanted to protest, but Mila was quicker and spoke first.
“I would love that. The house has been so quiet since all the performers left.”
“Quiet?” Khan scoffed. “I don’t think we live in the same house, then. I can hear kids playing and people running up and down the stairs. I’ve considered having my office moved to the basement to find some peace and quiet.”
Pearl smiled. “Magni is right, we would love to have you stay with us.”
Magni gave a sound of mock surprise. “Did you actually say the words ‘Magni is right’?”
Pearl chuckled. “I did.”
Hunter looked from Pearl to Khan. “Are you sure? We don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense.” Mila’s face was glowing. “The Gray Manor is only twenty minutes from he
re. If you stay with us you can still come back here and see Willow and Solo as much as you’d like. Or better yet, they could come to us and we could show Jonah and Emanuela the school where we all met as students.”
Jonah couldn’t stand still. “That sounds fun; I’ve read about the first experimental school.”
“I’m okay with whatever works best for everybody,” I chimed in.
Willow brushed her hands over her white dress. “Hunter, it’s up to you. Our accommodations can’t compete with the Gray Manor but you’re always welcome here.”
He frowned. “It’s not a competition.”
“I know, but all I’m saying is that I understand if you would prefer the mansion. There’s definitely more space.”
“All right. We’ll sleep at the Gray Manor and come visit you instead.”
Khan nodded. “Excellent. It will give us time to work on your priorities over a game of chess, Jonah.”
Before my brother had a chance to reply, Khan excused himself and left to talk to Finn, who was standing with Laura not far from us.
With him gone, Solomon and Magni were standing next to each other and it hit me how similar they were in height and looks. “Are you two related?” I was looking from one to the other.
“Fuck no,” they both said at the same time. It was a strong reaction and as a Motlander I wasn’t used to it, so I took a small step back and defended myself.
“But you look so much alike.”
There was an awkward silence, until Jonah stepped up and supported me. “It’s true. You’re both tall, blond, blue-eyed, and muscular. I agree with Emanuela; you look related.”
Magni crossed his arms. “To be honest, you’re not the first to point it out. But we can’t be related.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’ve done the math. When Solo came to the school he was fourteen and I was twenty-nine. That means I’m fifteen years older than Solo and we aren’t allowed to use sex-bots until we’re fifteen. Even if my sperm was collected from my first time using a bot, the timing wouldn’t match up. Fifteen years plus nine months of pregnancy makes for almost sixteen years and as I said, there’s only fifteen years between us.”