Page 19 of Twenty-Three Years of Longing

“I am very capable of taking care of myself. Even though I haven’t been in Tabiq for years, I am very careful. There are enough dangers in the US too. I’m in the habit of always carrying pepper spray with me.”

“What?” he asked, looking puzzled.

I slipped my hands out from beneath his and opened my drawer. My purse was inside. Searching for the small container, I pulled out the pepper spray. “All I need to do is point this in an attacker's face and spray. That gives me time to get help.”

“I am well aware of what pepper spray is, but do you really think that is enough to keep you safe? It might buy you a few seconds, but if someone really wanted to hurt you, it won’t be much of a deterrent.”

“What would you suggest I do? Quit and go home?” I asked, sarcastically.

“That’s not what I want,” he stated.

“Then what do you want, Orion? Because I can’t seem to figure you out.” Maybe he doesn’t know himself, because he was surely giving me mixed signals.

“Raya, I don’t want you to give up on your dreams. If this is what you really want, then stay. Do it. God knows that I wouldn’t back down from something I’m passionate about either.”

“Good. Because I have no plans of doing so,” I stated.

He looked me directly in the eyes and added, “I am just trying to tell you, I’ll be here to support you in any way I can. Your success also means the opportunity for success for all the students. The same goes for your failure.”

“I have no intention of letting them down.” Reesa had made it clear what she wanted from me, and I was going to deliver. “Now, if there is nothing else, I should get back to work.”

He stood up and was about to leave when he turned back. “Have you had lunch?”

“No. I’ll eat dinner later. That will be enough,” I replied.

“Same here. I know I canceled our dinner meeting tonight. Would you mind if I still picked you up at six?” he asked.

“Pick me up? I thought you were coming to New Hope,” I reminded him.

He chuckled. “You don’t forget anything, do you?”

Shaking my head I said, “Sometimes that can be a bad thing. But to answer your question, if there are things we still need to discuss, then yes, I am available.”

“I’ll see you at six. There’s a restaurant that has some amazing food.”

“Tabiqian?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No. And don’t ask. I’ll let it be a surprise.”

“Do I look like a person who enjoys surprises?” I asked.

“You will like this one. I’ll see you at six,” he grinned and left my office.

Something in his eyes had said tonight wasn’t about business. I easily could send him a text message backing out like he had last night.

A girl must eat. Might as well go.

Thankfully, I had plenty of things that needed to be attended to, so I wouldn’t need to be distracted by thoughts of Orion all day.

Just part of the day.

CHAPTER 7

Orion

My meeting with Reesa was going as planned. We talked about the announcement that would be taking place the next day, and she agreed to let me have Mayson in the room when it happened. Even though he wouldn’t have enough advance notice, he at least would be one of the first to know. And with him close by me, I didn’t need to worry that he’d get overly excited and share the news beforehand.

“I will be glad for this to be over. My leaving the school so suddenly has caused a lot of speculation. It will be nice to put an end to the gossip,” I said.

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