22 Two Wishes (2/2)
It can afford a dungeon like this, but it can't afford an overpriced beverage?
”Well then, I'll have some- ”
She cut me off and said, ”No, have some ambition and stick with it. Never go for a substitute when you have your eyes set to the top. You need to fight and hold your stance until your wish is granted.”
Where is this exposition coming from?
Did I hear trumpets going off behind her?
I was confused over the confusing piece of education Amaan had thrown my way, so I decided to pay in kind.
”Do you want me to stay thirsty, fight you over a drink, or whine until you buy me a glass of whiskey?”
Amaan and Mad look at my confused look and burst out laughing. They spray their hands over the bar and continue laughing hysterically. I didn't realize but I was laughing too.
After a hearty laugh, Amaan pressed a button on her side of the bar and her background spun once more. While rotating, something caught my eye.
”Ms. Habib, if you don't mind me asking, is that your bedroom behind this bar?”
”Yes, Ms. Kiyomi. I like to keep the better spirits for my personal use, as well as anyone who is a guest inside.” After a pause she continued,” Now that the secret is out, you may ask for any kind of liquor. I'm sure I'll have it.” She stirred her glass of champagne and emptied the rest of it in one gulp.
”You see, Ms. Kiyomi, I'm a woman of taste myself.”
My eyes were stuck to her.
What was I looking at? Her face? Her body?
I pulled my gaze away from her and peeked at the collection of liquor behind her.
I knew it was a superb collection, because I wasn't familiar with even half of the brands available. I stuck with Blue Label, and received my glass filled with whiskey.
As I was sipping my beverage away, Mad diverted our attention to the matter at hand.
”Amaan, I'm here to apologize. And for a request. I hope you can indulge in it with us.”
”Yes.”
”I'm sorry?”
Amaan pulled a whiskey glass from behind her and started pouring herself some Chivas Regal. She spoke as she was turned, ”I say yes to everything you have to say. You want my forgiveness? Yes, I forgive you. You want a wish granted? Yes, I'll do that. You want me to be your sugar mama? Don't tell the neighbours, and we can work something out.”
Mad slammed her fists on the marble.
”Goddamnit Amaan. I'm serious.”
”So am I, darling.” She said while she swung back towards us. ”But you have to understand, everything has a price.”
Mad and me were looking at her. my eyes were filled with curiosity, but Mad's eyes were filled with dread.
”What do you want?” Mad asked.
”How much does your wife knows?” Amaan answered with a question.
Madonna fell silent.
Amaan lifted her left hand and raised her first two fingers, ”Two wishes. Grant two wishes of mine, and I'll grant any number of wishes of yours.”
Madonna looked into her eyes. This time they were filled with hopelessness.
”What do you want?”
”Number One. We will tell the story together. in continuity. Isn't Miss Kiyomi curious why you came here in my mansion? To answer all her bubbling questions, you will go to Pokhara, fetch Mr. Brad Witman, and come to my place.
Number Two. Take all the time you need to heal yourself. Because you will be making this journey alone. I want Miss Kiyomi to accompany me for the time you are gone.”
The last statement came as a shock to me. I looked at Mad's face.
She seemed defeated.
Amaan finished her drink and clapped her hands together. Squinting her eyes and broadening her already bright smile, she said,” Now, I'm off for some dinner. It's Italian tonight. Feel free to join me, or else, you know where the exit is.”
She came out of the side of the bar and went behind it. I could hear her going up the stairs.
Suddenly, it was all quite again.