Chapter two
Darryl
I couldn’t get her out of my mind and it was lucky that she was with Amelia during the flight. It was disgusting to even think of her in a romantic way. It didn’t stop me from fantasizing and wondering how the bed would light on fire with our bodies twisting and writhing in ecstasy.
“I will give you a penny for your thoughts.” Amelia was sitting beside me and there was no doubt the reason why I had found myself enamored with her. I had played my luck by announcing my intentions and was shot down after an awkward kiss.
“There’s not much to tell. The site has not been disturbed. My friend has kept it that way and requires my expertise. I don’t know what we’re going to find, but it is a good teaching lesson. I was quite stunned that I was able to get the green light to go. Funding has been terribly hard to get in most departments.” I knew the only reason why they gave me the thumbs up was that there was a possibility of the university getting notoriety for the find.
It would be a shot in the arm and an increase in those looking to pay for tuition.
“That’s not what I was talking about. Do you really think I’m blind? You have to get over me by getting underneath someone. I don’t begrudge you your happiness. I want only the best for you and I will do what I can to help you accomplish that.” I felt like she was trying to tell me something without saying anything at all.
“You may as well spill it and you know that I’m just going to get out of you eventually anyway. I’m not sure I require your services in the romance department. I never had any problem in the past.” I was oblivious to those girls looking at me as more than their teacher.
“It’s not my place to say anything, but don’t expect me to stand back and do nothing. You really do know nothing about women. The signs are right there and you refuse to see them.” She had my undivided attention and I was waiting for her to reveal what was tantamount to gossip.
The safari vest was snug over my well-defined pectorals. I found the only way to get over any kind of loss was to throw myself into a workout program.
When things got too much to handle, I would pick up a weight and watch the progress happen before my eyes. I mistakenly thought this kind of transformation would give Amelia ideas.
“You surprise me and you’ve never been one to show discretion. I could force you by tickling the truth out of you, but I’m not going to resort to those extreme measures.” I had walked past Juliet on the way to the bathroom and I could smell her perfume which was quite intoxicating.
“I think that I might be turning over a new leaf. I’m better off on the sidelines meddling in my own way. I don’t consider myself a matchmaker by any means. If it doesn’t work then there’s no harm done. Just keep your eyes open.” I never had any problems with the ladies, but they were the ones that had to make the first move.
My ex-wife was the one to get down on her knees. She probably thought that I was never going to and she was probably right. She proved my suspicions about matrimony correct when she served me with divorce papers. She told me that she had found somebody with goals to accomplish.
“It feels like you’re having fun at my expense and I don’t like it. I would say the kiss we shared was magical, but we both know I would be lying. There were no fireworks and I was quite startled to learn we were better off as friends.” I kept thinking about the site and then I flashed on the image of Juliet leaning over in her seat on the plane.
“Every girl deserves her secrets, but don’t be surprised when you learn something quite astounding. I’ve said more than enough. We should go to the hotel and get a fresh start in the morning. Invite some of your favorite students to dinner.” The look in her eyes told me she was up to something, but I had no idea how to confirm my suspicions.
“I couldn’t eat anything on the plane and none of it was edible in my opinion. I wonder if that makes me an airplane snob. I’m usually accustomed to the finer things like first class and caviar with lobster. I had to degrade myself by staying with the little people.” My parents were jet setting across the globe before I was even out of diapers.
“I wouldn’t show them the silver spoon in your mouth unless you want to choke on it.” The architecture of the area was steeped in tradition and something to see up close and personal.
“I don’t know how you can stand the heat.” I was lucky that my deodorant was standing up to the test of the elements.
“I’ve lived with it all of my life, but I do admit that you look pretty damn good in those shorts.” My legs were pale and I was hoping the blazing sun would help to give me some color.
“It’s not nice to make fun.” I could’ve easily made arrangements for a private aircraft. I had a sizable fortune which I had barely dipped into. I was trying to avoid my Father’s disappointment by fending for myself.
“I find it cute to see you uncomfortable. You’ve always been quite confident and this is the first time I’ve seen you like a fish out of water. Don’t worry, I’m not going to let them eat you up and spit you out.” Amelia was a blind date on the Internet and I thought that we had a lot in common.
She was the one who flew out to see me to find out if the chemistry was anything like the verbal sparring matches we had on different topics.
“I want you to be there at dinner. Introduce us to some of the local cuisines and don’t be shy about making us try new things.” She mumbled something under her breath and she was shaking her head like she was holding onto something which I had to know.
“I’m sure I can come up with some interesting dishes which are not on the tourist menus. I hope you’re not squeamish. Egypt is a place of many mysteries and delights. You just have to know where to look for them.” There was a restaurant inside the hotel, but we were going to have to share hotel rooms. I could make a couple of suggestions, but I didn’t wanna put anybody in an untenable situation.
“Do your best, but do remember that I am accustomed to traipsing across the globe. My parents were never one to sit idly by and do nothing. They were always pushing the envelope. They were ambassadors and it afforded us hot and cold running servants. They introduced me to many delicacies including fried cockroaches. You haven’t lived until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes.” We got to the hotel and it had this quaint quality with old world charm.
The streets were busy with people peddling their wares and kids with their hands out looking for whatever they could find. There was no air conditioning in the taxi and I could only hope the rooms did not have the same problem.
“Dar… Professor Jenkins… I see that you weathered the trip in good spirits.” Juliet’s scent was delightful and standing close to her had a profound side effect on my anatomy.
“I’m glad you came with us and I’m looking forward to seeing things through your impressionable eyes. I have to say that I was a little surprised. You did say that you couldn’t go and you never gave me a clear explanation for the reason why. No matter, you’re here now and we may as well enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow is going to be a big day with many hours slaving in the hot sun.” She was adorable and her green eyes shone with the brilliance of an Emerald jewel.
“I didn’t come here for a vacation. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up.” She sounded rather defensive and I was worried about getting on her wrong side.
“I will show you the ropes, but tonight is about celebrating the culture all around us. Amelia has promised us a feast of Egyptian delicacies. Check into your room and then meet us down in the restaurant in exactly 20-minutes.” I was a dedicated professor with tenure. These kids were in for some culture shock.
I could see in her eyes that she was quite taken with her surroundings.
“I’m not shy about trying new things.” I couldn’t understand why Juliet was blushing when she said that.