Page 34 of Royal Pain
Chapter 12
Belinda
“I’m jealous. I need an African adventure too,” Soraya teases. “It’s so exotic!”
She moves the laptop to the side of her desk and puts her feet up. My chair is angled to take in the narrow view of Manhattan’s late afternoon skyline.
“I can hardly believe I’m going to be staying on the Compound. Zan’s house is on the grounds. All the brothers have homes there.”
“This time tomorrow you’ll be halfway there!”
“I’ve never flown first-class.”
Soraya smirks. “Oh, you’re going to get used to it real fast. When Graham introduced me to the finer things in life, it was a revelation. There’s a reason it costs so much more.” She chuckles. “What airline?”
“British Airways. I’ve a stop in London. It’s only for eight hours, but he’s booked a hotel room for me so I can nap and regroup.”
“I love how he thought of everything to make this a great experience for you.” My wide smile is the agreement. “Take pictures!”
I shake my head in response. “No can do. The list of do’s and don’ts was provided. There’s no discussion. In exchange for proximity to the Royals and their private residence I’m required to abide by the rules. No pictures are allowed on the Compound. None without their permission, anyway.”
“Are you going to do any interviews? I know you want to dig deeper.”
“Not sure. Zan says I may not even see the king. Apparently he’s very busy. But the queen will be dining with us at least once. Anyway, I’ll get the lay of the land and go from there. If they don’t open up to me voluntarily, it’s just another piece based on confirmation of things other writers uncovered.”
“True. Did I tell you Zan sent Graham an email yesterday?”
“He told me he was going to start the conversation.”
“Oh, he did. They exchanged several over the course of the day. Graham was impressed with the scope of Zan’s knowledge. It’s going to be a good connection for both of them, I think.”
“What a plot twist for you and I. First of all, that I’d have an African prince as a boyfriend and secondly, that he and Graham would have so much in common.”
“It’s destiny, pure and simple.”
I get up to leave. “Thanks for the loan,” I say, gathering the evening bag and international plugs she’s letting me borrow.
Soraya stands and comes to me for a bon voyage hug and cheek kiss.
“Safe travels, friend. Let me know when you get to Johannesburg. And don’t do anything stupid like get married and become a princess. I need you here.”
* * *
The utter chaos that is my room is stunning. It all started beautifully with very organized piles of meticulously folded clothes. Underwear and lingerie in soft stacks. Accessories were placed next to planned outfits. That’s when it all started to unravel. Having to pack for colder weather sucks. The opposite seasons thing requires sweaters and coats. Good thing it’s just the end of autumn there. Zan says it’s not too cold yet.
It becomes obvious I have to condense. First the excessive jewelry goes. I’m taking one pair of silver hoops and one gold, and my one silver and gold braided bracelet. The shucking of the shoes is the worst of my jobs. Do I eliminate the tan heels that work with almost every dress or evening outfit? Or the black ones that are required for my favorites? Shit. I bite the bullet and bring the count down to five. Tennis shoes, neutral heels, hiking boots, tan flats, sandals. Oh Lord. I’m going to hate myself when I don’t have the perfect ones. But it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make to be able to make it through customs and unfamiliar airports with the least baggage possible.
One big suitcase, a carryon and my big purse. That’s what I’m aiming for. I don’t want to be schlepping multiple massive suitcases from my apartment to the Uber, into the airport and up to the check-in. Then when I arrive in London and Africa, having to do it all over again. No. I’m going to make it easy on myself.
The cell pings and it takes me a few beats to uncover it from under my pants pile.
Zan:Evening, baby. Are you packed?
I look around at the mess and realize how behind I am in this process. Yikes, I’m going to be up till midnight.
Belinda:Hi! Oh yeah, I’m ready to roll.
Zan:Good. You need a proper night’s rest because once you’re here you won’t be getting much sleep.
