by Gus Leodas
“I don’t know how to face him.”
“You haven’t told him yet?” Alise shook her head. “Is that why you didn’t answer the phone?”
“Did you call me?”
“At least six times.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know how to tell him. He came to my door but I wouldn’t let him in pretending I wasn’t in.”
“Tell him. What’s he going to do, kill you? Tell him you’ll schedule for next week or the week after.”
“I’m sure he’s worried as I was.”
“Your comment is unrealistic. Face up to him with the truth.”
“No, I can’t face him.”
“Then I’ll tell him.”
“No!” Panic filled the reply.
“You’re absurd. Don’t run from the problem.”
“I’m going to lose him.” Alise wore a crazed fright, a trembling insecurity.
“No you won’t. Have the abortion later.”
“I don’t know if I can go back.” The phone rang. They exchanged looks knowing Ali was at the other end. Laura approached the phone. “Don’t answer!” Alise yelled. Laura froze and watched the phone ring until silenced.
“You’re in bad shape, Alise. If you stay in this apartment by yourself you’re going to go crazy.”
Alise regained control. “If I lose him I’ll go back to being a prostitute.”
“Don’t be an idiot.”
“No. I’m going to need money to support my baby.”
“Support your…no abortion?”
“I won’t kill my baby.”
Laura collapsed in the chair opposite Alise.
“I’d better sit on that one. Good. Have the baby. I’ll help you as much as I can. I’ve extra money.”
“You mean it?” The future brought a grin to Alise’s distant thoughts. “Oh, Laura, wouldn’t it be great? I want to be a mother.”
“Sure, but you should tell Ali. Stand up to him with conviction: no games, no bullshit. I’m having this baby and that’s final.”
“And then I’ll give him the finger and say – Up yours!” She was excited.
“Right.”
“I can’t.”
“Let me call him. If you want, I’ll go with you. We can face him together.”
“No, no. He’ll never tolerate the meeting.”
“Does he know I know?”
“Yes, I told him.”
“What’s the problem? I’ll be the mediator.”
“It’s best I face him alone.”
The phone rang.
“Shall I answer, Alise?” Ring. “Well?” Ring. “Answer me.” Ring.
“Okay.”
Laura lifted the receiver. “Hello.”
The voice was alien to Ali. “I must have the wrong number. Alise?”
“This is Laura Johnson.” Alise signaled – I’m not here. “Alise is in the shower. Hold for a minute. Who’s calling please?”
“Ali.”
“Hold on, Ali.” She repeated the name for Alise’s ear. Laura covered the mouthpiece and whispered, “Come on.” Alise never budged. Laura stalled then said, “Hello, she’ll be right with you. I hope you didn’t call earlier. We just got in.”
“I did. I’ve been calling for a few days.”
“She came down with a fever after going to the clinic. I brought her to my place to care for her. She’s fine now. Hold on. She’s coming.” Laura covered the mouthpiece. “You have an excuse. Tell him you got sick there and had to leave. That you’ll go back in a week or two. Buy time. Will you come on? Be bright and positive. Don’t let him know he’s got you against the wall.”
Alise approached, accepted the phone, inhaled a deep breath, and emoted a smile.
“Ali?”
“You scared me to death.”
“I did?” He inspired happiness.
“Why didn’t you call? You should have told me where you were. I came to your apartment and pounded on your door. I was scared never knowing what happened to you.”
“I didn’t think you’d react that way.”
“How did you think I’d feel? Or say – Good, she vanished from the earth? Can I see you? How do you feel?”
“Much better thanks to Laura.” She smiled at Laura to signal all was right. “Why don’t you come over?”
“I’ll be right there.” They hung up.
“He’ll be right over. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“I knew you could handle him. Being shut in creates depressing feelings. Sounds like you won’t need a mediator.”
“I’ll be all right. Thanks for the excuse and concern. I love you. Ali’s defense minister arrives next week. Can we double date one night – you know…dinner or something? I understand he’s handsome.”
“I don’t dare look at another man at this time until I pacify Adam. I want to meet him though, maybe in a few weeks after I spend at least two weekends with Adam. I love, love him, the possessive bastard. Okay, in two weeks?”
“That’ll be fine.”
“What’s his name?”
“Fateh Kabani.”
“I know about him. I’ll join you after I soothe Adam. Kabani is a potential warmonger, the perfect Achilles Heart candidate for discussion. You should work on him and include poverty and hunger.”
“That goes without saying. I feel good again.”
“Change your thoughts and you change your life. I’d better go. Go put a new face on and brush your hair. Look good for him.”
“I’ll have him melting at my feet.”
Alise looked forward to seeing Ali. Laura was pleased for her but doubted Ali’s motives.
When Ali entered the apartment, he hugged Alise off her feet.
“I can’t tell you how much I worried.” He kissed her long and hard and squeezed. “Are you all right now?”
She kissed him. “Never felt better. Come, let’s sit.”
She led towards the sofa. He yanked her back into his arms, forced a long kiss that signaled – Let’s go to bed, a familiar signal.
She clasped his hand and led him into the bedroom.
“My mind goes into a different dimension when we make love,” Alise sighed.
They lay in bed looking at the ceiling, holding hands, exhausted. Their lovemaking had more passion than usual.
“Does that happen to you, Ali?”
“I never thought about loving you that way.”
“Did this time feel different to you?”
“I always feel like the first time. I enjoy your intense passion.”
Now that he was loved and contented, she thought the moment perfect to tell him.
“As Laura told you, we had an appointment at the clinic the other day. I wasn’t feeling well and the nurse told me to come back later.” The lie came out fast.
“What’s the problem? Next week or the week after then.”
“For a moment I thought different. That differs from what you wanted the other night.”
“I did want the abortion right away, but now…just as well. I missed you at the office. Kabani arrives on Monday. He’ll stay in New York for two weeks, leave for Washington for a week then return for another week, maybe. Wait until he leaves for Washington before you return to the clinic. This way we can entertain him as we should or as I should. The office needs you. If you go to the clinic you may be unable to work or socialize.”
“Abortions aren’t like giving birth. You’re up and around the next day. It may mean we can’t make love right away. How are you going to survive?”
He leaned over and kissed her.
He kissed her again.
She pulled away suspicious.
“How do you plan to entertain him?”
“We’ll go to the theater a few times, dinner at his place one night, and various ambassadorial socials. I’d like to find a date to occupy him evenings. Then we don’t have to act as chaperones.”
“Where do you get this date?”
“I don’t know. Do you know anyone?”
“I don’t know anyone who’d sleep with him. I asked Laura Johnson to join us for dinner one day. If satisfactory, I’ll schedule her.”
“Don’t you have friends who won’t mind having fun with him? I can’t ask just anyone. You know that. Discretion is priority. After all, he’s important to my career.”
“Are you hinting I volunteer?” He didn’t respond. “Ali?” She sat up abruptly. “Answer me. What did you mean last week when you said I should be friendly and sociable to him?”
“Calm down. I’m too jealous to share you.”
Ali pulled her close and she rested her head on his chest facing away from him. Alise didn’t believe him.
She turned to face him. “Maybe he’ll find his own companion.”
“I doubt he’ll have time.”
“Why do you feel you have to run his love life?”
“It’s good politics. Women are more memorable than routine diplomatic visits. If I take care of him, he will remember. He couldn’t care if I planned a thorough and comprehensive itinerary. He expects that. He’s the future in Syria. And I don’t want to miss any opportunities that will benefit you and me.”
“Then we’ll have to find a companion.”
“Where?”
“How about someone in the office?”
“They’re all pigs or old. We need someone beautiful and intelligent.”
“Don’t worry. By next week, someone will turn up.”
“I don’t see how or where.”
“Find a discreet professional. Plenty of top services in New York.”
“I won’t sleep nights.”
“We don’t tell her who he is.”
“She may see his picture in the papers. Blackmail or something may happen then I am out. No good.”
“I can act friendly but no sex. I’ll give him the warm glances and soft touches when he’s around. I can turn him on to me, as far as I’ll go.”
“Absent anything else, teasing can’t hurt.”
“Ali, I’ll do anything for you except have sex with another man. A former professional is one thing; in love with you another. Am I understood?”
“Why do you keep bringing it up? I don’t want you involved.”
“I hear you, but deep down you want me to.”
Defense Minister Fateh Kabani arrived on Monday as scheduled. The first week proved hectic. In addition to Ali’s itinerary, Kabani received numerous invitations to socials occupying all his evenings that week. By Monday, he suggested the coming week be less intense. On Monday night, he chose privacy to relax, to write reports. Tuesday was theater evening. Ali and Alise accompanied him. He enjoyed the theater and requested tickets for other shows. Wednesday night, they had tickets for Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic. Ali scheduled a small gathering for Thursday, in Kabani’s suite at Royale Hanover on Park Avenue.
Constant entertainment and daily involvement maintaining and keeping ahead of Kabani’s schedule distracted Alise from her problem with Ali and the baby.
Alise felt the past two weeks brought Ali closer. Her cordiality towards Kabani pleased Ali. Kabani appeared delighted in her company. He grew fonder of Alise and told Ali. On Tuesday, Kabani and Ali had a long talk about Alise. After the conversation, Kabani paid more than cordial attention to her. Alise felt she was getting to know Kabani better and responded with gestures, squinting her eyes when he made her laugh, and the soft touches conveying an ‘I enjoy being with you’. Due to the busy schedule, Laura agreed to join them for dinner and theater when Kabani returned from Washington.
The gathering at Kabani’s suite on Thursday was a reception for sixteen Syrian embassy employees. Cocktails started at six o’clock and a buffet dinner at seven-thirty. The invitations read from six to nine. The last guest left at nine-thirty. Ali and Alise remained. Kabani looked pleased.
“Ali, this evening was an excellent idea and opportune to give my speech on how well they’re performing their duties. You were right. This is a better atmosphere as opposed to a cold conference room. Alise, you have a great boss.”
Alise smiled at Ali. “I agree with you. He’s an outstanding ambassador and why I work for him.”
“He’s lucky to have you. When you return to Syria, I am instituting first claim on you to work for me.”
“I may hold you to your word.”
“I want to make a toast.” Kabani filled three champagne glasses and passed one to each. “Here’s to Alise Diab, Syria’s first lady in America.”
“My goodness, thank you, I’m flattered.”
“As efficient as the ambassador is I’m certain things wouldn’t have gone as well for me without you.”
They drank the toast then discussed the party and guests for the next fifteen minutes. Ali bolted and searched for something.
“I have to go back to my office for a minute. The staff got together and brought you a present to commemorate your first visit to the United States. The evening wouldn’t be complete if I don’t get it.”
He headed for the door. Alise followed him. When out of Kabani’s hearing range Alise inquired, “What gift? I didn’t contribute anything.”
“I did for you. You were busy and out often I forgot to tell you, a plaque. Look, I’ll be fifteen, twenty minutes the most. In the meantime talk to him about his interests, something. I wouldn’t leave him alone except with you. Say nice comments about me. It’s opportune.”
“That’s easy.”
“Back as soon as possible.”
Ali left and closed the door. Kabani watched her graceful figure as she walked towards him and the sofa. She sat and crossed her legs, dress falling two inches above the knee.
“Ah, Alise, alone at last.” He laughed. Kabani was handsome, same size and age as Ali, with a moustache.
“Have you enjoyed your stay, Mr. Minister?”
“Yes, and accomplished a great deal. You added tremendously. Since Ali is unmarried, that makes you a first lady of sorts. We should have all beautiful women working in our embassies. They speak well of Syria.” He lifted his glass again. “Here’s to a beautiful Syrian lady.”
“So many compliments in one night, Mr. Minister, will spoil me.”
“We know each other for eleven days. Call me Fateh. After all, no one else is here. I’m sure Ali will approve if you called me Fateh.”
“Do you mind if I discuss a cause I’m involved with here at the UN, with UNICEF?”
“Please do.”
“It will be simpler if I showed you a piece of literature UNICEF is distributing around the world.”
She opened her purse and passed the literature to him. She watched as he read looking for impact signs. He winced a few times then passed it back.
“I wasn’t aware the problem was so extensive. About time the world did more to eradicate the scourge.”
She returned the piece to her purse. “What’s going on in this area is a tragedy. Hunger and starvation also exist in our homeland. Are you aware?”
“Yes. But I don’t know to what degree.”
“I’m uncertain of the percentage to population but it’s high. Is there anything you can do?”
“I don’t think so, far from my area of responsibility.”
“Do you know whose it is?”
“No.”
“That’s because our government doesn’t have an anti-hunger program.”
“Surprising.”
“I assure you the program is nonexistent. Do you know why?”
“No.”
“Syria’s money is going into defense spending. Most is pumped into military defense against an attack that will never happen.”
He sat up, surprised. “Alise, you don’t know what you’re saying. I’m the defense minister and it’s my duty to prepare our country from attack.”
“Israel will never attack Syria.”
“That’s an incredible statement. Tell me how you arrived at the intelligence.”
“Israel is not a warmongering state. It
s posture is defensive.”
“I don’t agree with you.”
“If I’m getting personal, Fateh, please stop me. My intent is to have an open discussion and not to offend.”
“You won’t offend me by what you say. I don’t agree with you. Israel isn’t the only country we must defend against. I won’t explain tonight the defense posture or policies of our country.”
“I think I aggravated you.”
“You didn’t.”
“If our money wasn’t needed for defense more would be available to feed the starving and to improve living and educational standards.”
“Alise, continue to work with UNICEF. Do not attempt to understand the affairs of State of a great nation. We have much to do first. Our country has other economic matters plus civil strife matters, and sanctions added to the problem.”
“I understand a country cannot be great without a solid economy. If money keeps flowing into armaments instead of the economy, future growth and foreign investments are improbable. Look at North Korea, an economic disaster compared to South Korea.”
Kabani was impressed. “I can’t argue with that, but enough politics. Let’s have more champagne.” He poured two glasses. He then sat next to her. “Here you are. Here’s to you again and to Syria’s future guaranteed with defense spending.”
“I see you want the last word.”
“On this subject, yes.”
He lifted the phone. “I’m ordering another bottle of champagne. Excuse me.”
“I hope you’re not ordering for me. I had more than enough.”
“I’ll order anyway.” He placed the order.
Alise left for the bathroom. What more to say to Kabani? It was useless to talk about hunger. He defended defense, his status in life. Ali should walk in any minute to help with further conversation. She delayed returning for a few more minutes then returned.
“Alise, do you enjoy living here?”
“New York is nice. I share an apartment with a girlfriend from The Democratic Republic of The Congo. She returned home for a month on vacation.”
“Do you miss her?”
“When she left, you arrived. I haven’t had a chance to be lonely.” She offered a light laugh. Alise knew he wasn’t married but asked to maintain conversation. “Are you married? Do you have a family? Divorced? Single?”
