An Unexpected Debt – Chapter 30

Marcelo and I stroll through the streets of Primeiro, each holding a cup of coffee. I’m feeling just a tad hungover after an evening of celebration with everyone, including Saif and Takemo. Vivian called from Ossun to wish me congratulations, and I fell asleep listening to her talk about Ilaria and the farm. It was exactly what I needed after that tournament.

But just because the tournament is over doesn’t mean my days in the limelight are through. I’m dating one of the hottest bachelors on Rio now, and everyone is talking about it. A paparazzi drone buzzes past us, and I duck away from someone who tries to take my photo. The attention has been relentless lately. I hustle in front of Marcelo until we pass them by.

“For crying out loud, they are out in numbers today,” I say, getting back to his side. “I didn’t realize winning a Bridge tournament and dating Saif would bring me such notoriety.”

“It’ll die out in a day or two, I’m sure.” Marcelo saunters along at my side. “But you’ll be the talk of the town for good now that you and Saif are really dating. Not just friends.”

I sip my coffee.

“We should talk about something,” he says, directing me into a nearby park. I don’t like his tone of voice, but I should have guessed my happy day wouldn’t last.

We find an open bench not far into the trees and take a seat.

“There may be problems with his family due to your… change in careers.”

My stomach cramps, but I steel myself. I’m strong. I can figure this out. I knew this was coming, didn’t I?

“They thought Saif was being courted by a family with shipping connections. As you know, their jewelry is sold across the Duo Systems, and this would have been an advantage to them.” He brushes a puff of dust off his pants and sips his coffee. “There’s also the fact that you’ve become friends with India Dellis. India and Saif’s mother, Katal, don’t get along. Don’t ask me why,” he says, holding up his hand. “I have no idea.”

“Great. What about…” I clear my throat.

Should I ask this question? I am Skylar Kawabata, daredevil pilot and rogue enigma. I do not get my ‘feelings’ involved in decisions.

“Marrying for love?” Marcelo asks, barely holding back his smile.

“No,” I protest. Though, yes, I do want to know that. “What about the fact that I’ll make a shitload of money doing this? Like, a lot more than I ever would shipping goods across the Duo Systems.”

“Shipping,” he stresses. “They want their jewelry all over the Duo Systems without having to pay exorbitant fees for such a small cargo.”

“Yes, but money,” I stress in the same voice. “With money, I can start my own shipping business.”

He raises a finger. “But this job is dangerous, Ms. Skylar. Don’t pretend it’s not. Saif could fall madly in love with you, and you could be dead within a month.”

I blow air through my loose lips and wave my head. “I’ll be fine. Piece of cake. There’ll be protection, and I’ll learn to navigate the jungle, just like I do space.”

Marcelo’s eyebrows climb so high, they’re ready to take orbit.

“I’m serious,” I tell him. “With the money I’ll make from Athens and Patras, I’ll be able to set up Ana for a few years at least, and then I can afford these men you’ll introduce me to.” I shrug. “I need a nest egg. I don’t have much money, and nothing is coming in from the family anymore. There hasn’t been a deposit from Mom or Miguel in weeks, and Vivian is hardly keeping her head above water.” I pick at my pants and stare at a spot in the distance. “I’m glad I can go home to her. I’m glad I have any home now.”

I sigh and run my fingers through my hair.

“Sorry. I turned into a really shitty candidate for you.”

“I’ve had worse. Believe me,” he stresses. “You may make a lot of money doing this, but it’s not like you can explain it to his family. Athens will have you censured to high heavens. Saif may know, but Athens will keep everyone else in the dark. And the Bhaats do not marry for love. They arrange marriages for the betterment of their family — always have — going all the way back to Earth. We’ll need to sell it to them somehow.”

“Got it. I’ll get right on that.” I throw away my cup in the recycler next to our bench.

“Look at it this way. You’re already halfway to your first relationship network consort.” He places his hand on my knee and gentles his voice. “That’s exciting, Ms. Skylar. You like him, and he likes you. He wants to stick around. I’m proud of you. Really. This is a tremendous step.”

The warmth of Marcelo’s eyes defrosts a part of my cold, dead heart. He believes in me. Why is it so hard to believe in myself?

“I still feel like a failure. I’ve lost so much in the past weeks. How am I ever going to fix any of this?” The failure sits on my shoulders like a giant cat waiting to end my life with a slash of its claws. And I’ve had enough of giant cats to last a lifetime.

“This is not failure,” he insists. “This is progress. Soon enough, Kalvin will return to you, and I’ll get started on vetting your next candidate.” His lips pull up in a smirk. “Unless you’d rather date Takemo Diaz. You two have quite the chemistry.”

When I shoot him a look that could kill a small animal, he bursts out into a hearty laugh. I smack him on the shoulder.

“Ack, no. No, thank you.”

“Don’t scoff. He’s quite the catch.”

“If I didn’t hate him so much.” If he didn’t know so much about me. If he wasn’t a complete asshole. If he could even look at me without cringing.

That’s a lot of ifs.

“There’s still so much work to do,” I say, sighing and throwing my head back.

A new job, a new life, and new consorts. It all feels like a giant mountain to climb, and I’m stuck at the bottom.

“One step at a time, Ms. Skylar. We’ll put one foot in front of the other until we’re at the end.”

I nod and stare out at the expanse of Rio in the distance and the glittering rings hanging in the sky. This is where I may die soon. I may not have a long, storied life in front of me, watching my kids and grandkids grow old. I’m choosing a risky job because that’s the corner I got backed into. But I have to play the cards I’ve been handed, and not every deal is going to be a winner.

Fuck it.

I place one foot on the mountain and begin to climb.