chapter 13

I watched as Jane and Sara lay on the hood of Jane’s car and talked. Sara was curled up on Jane’s side; they looked so serene in that moment. A sigh escaped my lips as I turned and went back to the computer. Dang Rodrigo Puskás was hard to get a hold of when one was not rich as kings. Jane had asked me if I could get in contact with him and see if Sara could meet him. Apparently Sara’s birthday was coming up and Jane wanted to do something super special for her. So now I was at Jane’s house trying to get in contact with Rodrigo Puskás.

Rai had yet to let me go back to the house and I had many voicemails from my father. He was not happy about me staying at Rai’s house. I was in for a great punishment when I got back and though I could stay away; I didn’t want to let my mother deal with Father’s wrath.

“What are you doing?”

I jumped when Mathew’s voice came from behind me. My heart was about to burst out of my chest. With my hand clutching my chest, I turned to face a smiling Mathew.

“What is wrong with you? You almost gave me a heart attack.” He laughed when I glared at him and I stuck out my tongue only making him laugh harder.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you I was just curious.” He said as he tried to calm his laughter.

“You know what they say curiosity did to the cat.” My mind was quickly trying to find a way to retaliate. The intention was probably in my eyes because he threw up his hands and backed up a step.

“Jane sent me up to check on you”

I narrowed my eyes and stood to look out the window Mathew was leaning against. Jane looked up and laughed out loud when I glared down at her. The next hit was going to be mine and it was going to have to be devious.

“You’re going to help me Mathew” he looked at me with a wary expression and looked towards the door as if contemplating an escape. With a wicked smile on my face, I blocked his escape.

“I don’t know what you are planning but I don’t think I want to be a part of it” he said it with a little apprehension and his eyes darted around looking for another escape. Then a scheme popped into my head as I remembered how I got Rai to let me have my way.

“Please” I pouted and widened my eyes innocently as I asked softly. Mathew froze and stared at me in bewilderment. It was probably a shock for me to be doing this and that made me want to laugh out loud but that would probably ruin my ploy.

“O…okay I’ll help” he sounded breathless as he agreed to help me in my scheme though he didn’t know what I was plotting.

“What are you coning my brother into helping you with?” Jane asked me in a suspicious tone as Sara and she entered the living room. She had an arm around Sara’s shoulders and was looking at me skeptically.

“Nothing you need to worry about” I said in an innocent voice but mumbled under my breath “yet.” Jane had heard me though and was about to retort but then the computer beeped and I rushed over. It was Rodrigo Puskás and he had finally answered me. Quickly I responded to him about the favor I needed.

“Who is that?” Mathew asked as he leaned over my shoulder to read the email. His breath brushed across my cheek and it made my heart jump. I was about to complain to him about it but when I turned my head to face him, I was speechless. His wavy brown hair reached down to his eyes and I was tempted to brush it away as he read. High cheek bones accented his firm jaw line that had cream colored skin stretched across it. A small scar was visible just under his jaw and my hands itched to trace it.

“Is this what you want me to help you with?” he asked as he turned his jade green eyes on me and it seemed as if time stopped. Why had I not noticed what color his eyes were? Was it me or were we too close?

“You guys are taking forever to read one email. Or are you two doing something else behind that computer screen?” Jane asked with mischief in her voice. Both Mathew and I pulled back and looked away quickly.

“Jane, leave them alone. What they decide to do in their free time is their business.” Sara said with amusement lacing her words.

“Bull, it’s my business since he is my brother. Isn’t that right Adel?”

I blushed furiously but didn’t say a word as I stood and walked to the kitchen that was just beside the living room.

“I should ruin the surprise you have” Mathew threatened Jane as he walked out of the room. Jane didn’t seem bothered because I heard her laugh out loud.

“Why do you tease them?” Sara asked in a hushed tone since she knew I was in the kitchen.

“You know why” Jane’s voice sounded sad when she said this. They were hiding something but I wouldn’t push to know what it was. If I wasn’t meant to know I didn’t want to know. When they went quiet I knew they were either making out or something like that. So I decided to cook and contribute to something in this house. A song came to mind when I was fully engrossed in what I was doing. Without thinking about it I started humming to a song that my mother used to sing when she was cleaning or cooking.

“Do you sing too?” Sara asked from where she stood in the doorway of the kitchen with a bright smile on her face.

“Not really, I just hum every now and then.” She nodded and then came to dip a finger in the dish I was making. Without thinking, I swatted her hand away then froze, thinking she would lash out. Instead she just laughed and put her finger in her mouth.

“Mm this tastes really good. What is it?” she asked as she pulled herself up on the counter and began to swing her legs. I smiled broadly at her and began the long explanation of the complicated concoction I was making.