Page 44 of Felix and the Spy
“Yes. I’ll visit you at seven. I didn’t get to talk to Rina last time either. I’ll get her something nice.”
Felix wasn’t sure what Amara was trying to do here, but if she wanted to visit and smooth things over, he wouldn’t stop her. “Whatever makes you feel better. I would love to have you again.”
They finished the rest of the meal quietly and exited together. They parted ways at the entrance. Felix had to go back home and start preparing for tonight’s dinner. He had to get hold of Max and make sure everything was fine. However, he stood outside for ten minutes, watching Amara leave, studying her profile, remembering all the ways in which she’d changed his life. Just being around her made him feel so happy. He wanted her to feel just as happy.
There was no doubt about it. He was in love with her.
* * *
Fifteen minutes before seven, Max got back home. Felix had finished cooking. Rina had helped him set the table. He’d gotten to spend more time with her and concluded that she was a delightful girl. She was cheerful and friendly, and Max could use a lot more cheer in his life. When a knock resounded, she got the door.
Max stepped in dressed in a thin coat and trousers. His hair was messy like he’s been out all day.
“Welcome back.” Rina hugged him and Max hugged her back. When he raised his head, he noticed the brand-new tablecloth and shiny china that Felix had pulled out for the occasion.
“What is going on here?” He stepped in Felix’s direction. “Are we expecting someone?”
“I’m glad you’re back, “Rina said. “Amara is coming over for dinner. We can finally greet her properly.”
“What?”
“I invited her over for dinner,” Felix said, dressed in a new white shirt and trousers. “She wanted to get to know you.”
“You want me to meet her? Are you serious about her?”
“Of course,” he said. “Your first meeting wasn’t ideal, but once you get to know her, you’ll see how delightful she is.”
“Delightful?” Max scoffed. “Do you know where I’ve been all day? I’ve been asking around about your lover. I thought that perhaps I was judging her too harshly, but it looks like I was right.”
“Max, what are you trying to say?” Felix was annoyed.
“Did you know about her past, father?” Max asked.“I’ve been enquiring about her around town and the people here don’t think very well of her.”
Felix didn’t like where this was going. “That’s their problem. Perhaps you’ve been asking the wrong people.”
“Her landlady says she brings men over to her apartment frequently. Once, she even broke something in a fit of anger. Did you know that?”
Felix was silent. “None of that changes the fact that you owe her an apology for your behavior last time.”
“Apology? I was right. She is unsuitable for you. I understand that she’s young and immature, but I thought you’d at least choose a woman of good character.”
“There’s nothing wrong with Amara’s character.” Max’s insistence on vetting his relationships was giving Felix a headache. In recent years, Max and he had drifted apart. He could no longer understand what was going on in his son’s head. “She is an excellent spy and a very interesting woman.”
“She’s a whore.”
“Max!” Felix and Rina raised their voices together. He turned away, slightly embarassed, but the fight hadn’t gone out of him.
“Mind your language!” Felix’s voice rose above his son’s.
“I’m very disappointed,” Rina echoed.
“I hope you behave better when she gets here. She deserves nothing less than your respect.”
“I’m sorry for my use of language, but you know I’m right. She’s slept with every man I chanced upon, and none of them have good things to say about her. They say she’s prone to anger, unreliable, and never lasts long in a relationship. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“While I appreciate your concern, Amara’s past is none of your business. Perhaps it is those men who cannot recognize her value.”
“You’re blinded by your sorrow. You’re a spy, father. Look at the facts. Tell me if you really believe that she is worthy of your affection. Because I think you’re making a mistake. The only reason you like her is because she distracts you from your pain. You’ve been living in a coffin for too long, and she is just the easiest way out.”
