Page 83 of The Man Handler

“I’d rather not discuss it,” I state, “so, let’s change the subject, please.”

“Okay, you got that. I know when to back up, and mind my own business.”

“Thank you.”

“So what are your plans for the holidays? Jacki wanted me to invite you over to spend Christmas Eve with us. She’s cooking a big dinner, and we’ll be lighting the tree. We’re expecting about twenty-five people.”

“I wish I could. It sounds like it will be fun. But, I’m going to be away.”

“Away? Where?”

“Egypt.”

“Egypt?” he asks, sounding surprised. “When did you decide to go there?”

“A few weeks ago.”

“Wow, how long is the flight?”

“Eleven, twelve hours, I think. It’s six or seven hours to Frankfurt, then another five or so hours to Cairo.”

“Sounds exciting. When are you leaving? And how long are you going to be over there?”

“Yeah, I’m excited. I’m leaving on the twenty-third.”

“Cool. How long will you be gone?”

“I’ll be there for ten days.”

“Well, you make sure you stay safe.

“I definitely will.”

“Who you going with?”

“Myself,” I say.

“Wait a minute. You’re going to a foreign country by yourself? Are you serious?”

“Tyler, I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine.”

“The hell you will!” he snaps. “I’m not comfortable with you flying across the ocean alone. You need me to come along as security.”

I laugh. “Boy, you silly. I promise you, I’m gonna be fine. The adventure will do me some good.”

“Well, you make sure you leave your hotel info, and check in every night so that I know you’re okay.”

I shake my head. “Yes, Dad. Anything else?”

“Yeah, I love you.”

“I love you more.”

“Call me before you leave.”

“I will. Give everyone a hug for me.”

The minute I hang up from him, my BlackBerry vibrates, alerting me that I have new emails. I pick up the device off of the kitchen counter, then scroll over to my Nutcracker69 address. There are two emails, one from Dickudownallnight and the other from Jamil. Nigga, please, I think, deleting Jamil’s without opening it. I open Dickudown’s: What’s good, baby? I’m still waiting to hear from you. Hit me back, Marquise.

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