But Jacqui felt like the trip was a good thing. She and Khizar were growing closer, and she was learning more about her own family, something she never thought she’d have the chance to do.
She went through her morning routine quickly and when she walked out into the main cabin, she found a silver pot next to a white mug sitting on the table. There was a tray of pastries next to it, along with yogurt and a bowl of fruit. Khizar was already seated at the table, chatting quietly with the steward, but he looked up and smiled when she opened the bedroom door.
Khizar nodded at the silver pot. “Hot chocolate, just for you.”
“Thank you, Malik.” She smiled at the steward, who smiled back and nodded once.
Khizar raised an eyebrow.
“Where are my thanks? I made sure it was ready for you.”
Jacqui stopped by his chair and leaned down to kiss him lightly on the cheek.
“Thank you, too.”
She sat down and poured a cup of hot chocolate, then picked up one of the pastries.
Khizar said, “We’ll be landing in about forty-five minutes. It’s clear, too, if you want to get a good look at Nudushan from the air.”
Jacqui drank from her cup as she looked out the window. To begin with, all she could see was stretches of brown mixed in with stretches of green, but as the plane descended, details on the ground started to become clearer.
She got what Khizar had said about the desolation; even from the air, she noticed that a lot of the land looked barren. But there was something beautiful about it. Jacqui couldn’t wait to see it up close.
They landed and were met by a car and driver where the jet stopped on the tarmac. The driver took their bags and put them in the trunk, then opened the car door. Khizar held the door while Jacqui entered the car, then slid in after her.
“So, I thought we’d go stop off at my place, first. Then, I’ll show you around the city.”
Jacqui marveled as they drove through the sun-bleached streets. “I’m good with that plan.”
A few minutes later, the car stopped in front of a tall, modern-looking building. The driver opened the car door and Khizar helped Jacqui out of the vehicle. A doorman stepped out of the glass front door and gave Khizar a short bow. He held the door for Khizar and Jacqui, as the driver carried their bags into the building.
Khizar led Jacqui to a private elevator, and after a short ride, opened the front door of his penthouse apartment.
Jacqui was overwhelmed when she walked in. The view was the first thing she saw, and it was stunning. Khizar’s apartment was like nothing she’d ever glimpsed before. It was sleek and contemporary, all dark colors and metal.
She turned to Khizar and saw that he was watching her a little nervously.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s magnificent. A little overwhelming, to be honest.”
Khizar studied her. “Overwhelming good, or…”
“Good. I think I could stand looking out these windows all day.”
Khizar led her to a sliding glass panel.
“In that case, you should see this, too.”
He pushed open the glass and led her outside onto a terrace that overlooked the city. From this height, the bustle and noise of the city was a murmur.
Jacqui said, “Actually, this is where I could spend all day.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He was watching her with a frank appreciation that made her blush. “I’d like it if you were happy here.”
Jacqui trailed her fingers along the railing of the terrace.
“I think I could be.”
Khizar showed her the rest of the apartment, and then they went back out so that he could show her around the city. Instead of taking the car, they strolled through the streets. Khizar pointed out some of his favorite places: the coffee shop he frequented, the little restaurant run by friends of his parents, the take-out place around the corner, the other take-out place around the other corner.
Jacqui laughed. “Just how often do you order take-out?”
Khizar shrugged, but grinned back.
“I’m not the best cook, but I’m amazing at ordering dinner.”
“Good to know,” Jacqui said, tucking her hand into his elbow.
He pulled her a little closer as they walked through the crowded streets.