Page 75 of Royal Pain

The hamburgers were definitely a hit. Belinda knew the kids would enjoy eating “American style”. But so did the grown-ups.

“I’ll help clear the plates,” says Nubia.

It surprises Belinda and Miranda, but not the rest of us. That’s one of the effects of being raised in this environment. The lot of us have manners.

“Who’s up for Pictionary?” I ask.

You would have thought I offered free bicycles or unlimited candy. They go crazy.

“I’ll get the easel,” I say, headed for the guest room where I stored it.

“Hey, brother. Got a minute?”

Kwai comes up so quietly, it startles me.

“Shit! I didn’t know you were there! What’s up?”

“What do you think of Miranda?” he whispers.

“I think I’ve never seen that look on your face. Is she putting it there?”

“Yes. I can’t believe it because we just met two weeks ago. But she turned my mood. You can see it, right?”

“I see it.”

“I know what you’re thinking, Zan. But I feel like she’s something special. It’s like something I’ve never felt before.”

“You don’t know what I’m thinking, because I’m happy for you, Kwai. Really happy. I think I’d be a hypocrite to feel any other way. How do you think it was for Belinda and I?”

There’s a moment where he looks at me with, with…I think it’s gratitude. He’s so used to being criticized for bad behavior he almost expects it. In a surprising reaction he gives me a bear hug. And I return the gesture.

“Hey, I’m really glad you aren’t holding this whole thing against me.”

He knows what I’m talking about without any other explanation.

“I’m not. You know me. I’d never be happy with that weight around my neck.”

“I know that.”

“In fact, Zan, ever since I found out it’s been fucking freeing. I mean it. I feel like a different man.”

This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Fuck. Is that a lump in my throat?Don’t fucking cry, you fool.

“I’m really glad to hear that, brother. And I was thinking, Kwai would you be interested in establishing an arts council or I don’t know what you’d call it, but you’ll think of something. Mozia needs to encourage the arts. Not only for the children, but for all the citizens. You’d preside over it, of course.”

The look on his face is priceless. I don’t even need to hear his yes.