CHAPTER 2 MABEL WELCOMED BACK TO THE UAE WITH COUSIN,ENCOUNTERS AMERICAN BUSINESS PARTNER

     The day before Mabel was to go back to the UAE, she received a frantic call from her cousin, Ami. Her cousin Rain’s bride search party was held the night before.

     “Hey gurl,” answered Mabel happily and then her tone changed when she heard Ami crying. “What is wrong, cuz, Didn’t Rain introduce you as her bride-to-be?” she questioned. “I heard him wrong”, answered Ami. I was so stunned yesterday that I only realized today what he actually said. He actually said he will introduce her to me today. How can I be so stupid Mabel?” 

     “Oh I am so sorry cuz. Where are you now and what do you want to do?” asked Mabel with concern in her voice “ 

     “I am at home but I wanted to ask if that post in your employers’ house is still open? I would very much like to go with you if it is possible.” Ami pleaded.

      “Shouldn’t you go and find out what really happened first? This isn’t you at all cuz but sure, let me call them and ask if it is possible to bring you with me today or tomorrow. I will hang up now and call you in a short while. Will you be okay? “

     ”Yes I will be okay,” answered Ami. I will pack whatever clothes I need and will wait for you at the back gate. I do not want to see Rain or any of their guests so please hurry!”

     When Mabel arrived, she helped Ami get out of the manor’s premises as quietly as they could although the sound of the car was not muffled when they left. She saw Rain running behind them but looking at Ami’s ashen face told Mabel something has gone very,very wrong. During her own misfortune two years ago, she and Ami had formed a tighter bond and she will do everything in her power to be with her now as she clearly needs a female shoulder to cry on, though Ami is not really the crying sort. On the way to the airport, Ami was very quiet and respecting her wish to be left alone for a while, Mabel indulged her cousin by just offering her snacks every now and then. Ami will always eat no matter what but she never gains weight. It’s like there is a secret pocket in her body where the food just goes to and then gets emptied.

     At the airport, after telling Ami how happy she is that she finally gets her dream of having her cousin and best friend with her on her way back to the UAE, she started to relax. However, when she turned her head, she saw a tall American coming their way. Mabel was stunned. She thought her employers’ partner had already left. She quickly averted her head afraid the man would see her. Too late though because after Ami said something, the American answered which agitated Mabel some more. She tried her best to make her cousin ignore him but it seems Ami is not getting her subtle signals. Although Mabel was agitated all the way to the airplane and tried her best to discourage the American from getting into conversation with her, she remained composed. Since he is a businessman and as rich as could be, he of course went ahead of the rest of them lowly humans. By the time they reached the plane entrance though, she and Ami were surprised to see him there greeting the passengers. She couldn’t hold her tongue any longer, she asked the stewardess in the most pleasant voice she could muster

     “Why is he greeting the rest of the passengers? Isn’t he supposed to be all the way there in his seat?”

     The stewardess smiled and said sweetly, “Isn’t he a Darling? He volunteered to welcome you all aboard with us. Such a sweet, wonderful and caring gentleman.” and Mabel couldn’t believe it, the woman batted her eyelashes. For some reason, that infuriated Mabel and she was confused with her feelings. She tried to be civil but inward she was fuming for whatever reason, she doesn’t know.

     As soon as Devlin saw them seated, he craned his neck to see where they were. After feeling confident, he went back to his seat grinning like a fool. He gave the stewardess a flirty smile which probably melted the woman’s panties basing on her flushed face. The stewardess though knows she will get nothing from such dalliances as she can see the man is clearly a high caliber businessman. She just tried to flirt discreetly with him until she saw the scowl on her supervisor’s face. She went away towards the economy cabin where she was assigned. She couldn’t help but envy the woman that the businessman had his sights on. She looked like a beauty queen, very commonly dressed yet very elegant and regal too. Lucky indeed, she thought. Not wanting to get the businessman’s bad side as she could still see the ruthlessness in his green eyes, she approached the two women in a friendly manner. She also noticed though that the woman next to the goddess is petite, she nonetheless has a figure to die for. She asked in a friendly tone, “Are you sisters, ma’am? Mabel looked at her in surprise and both laughed.  Before she could answer, Ami replied for them both.

     “I wish, but we are cousins, although it is quite surprising, where she is beautiful and tall, I am short and plain.” Ami said comfortably. The stewardess just raised her brows and left them alone.

     As they were both tired from their bus journey from Baguio to the airport, they both fell asleep. They were unaware of a certain gentleman discreetly passing by the toilet and going straight to their cabin. He wanted to take a photo of the object of his attention but the senior steward saw him and ushered him back. Feeling like a naughty kid, Devlin went back to his seat muttering. He was smiling though.

     “Ahhh, I can see the light,” he said aloud. Since the next seat was a bit farther from his own space, nobody heard him. He adjusted his seat so it turned into a bed and he laid down. He fell asleep as well. He dreamt of that episode in the sheikh’s salon a year ago, it was more than Mabel falling into his lap. In his dream, she straddled him and helped him remove his clothes. Devlin awoke with a groan. “Bloody dream!” he scowled. He has to exorcise the woman from his mind but he doesn’t know how. He will just intensify his efforts when they land in the UAE. How difficult would it be? 

     All too soon, the plane landed on time. Despite the rain in the Philippines, there was no delay. Much as Devlin wanted to accompany the ladies, he couldn’t do that as he and the rest of the business class cabin departed the plane first. Being a businessman with connections has its perks. He just waited patiently for the ladies to appear as he knew they’ll all be picked by the Al Fahezi brothers. It took longer than usual but he found out why. The petite woman with Mabel turned out to be her cousin and she is quite a looker as well but it was Mabel who got his attention first. The cousin seemed to have caught the attention of Mansour’s brother though. He couldn’t take his eyes off her when Mabel was introducing them to each other. While Mansour and Mabel chatted with familiarity and comfortably though, Devlin couldn’t feel but be jealous. Hell, she is not hers, yet but he does not like the idea of Mabel connecting or conversing with any other man. He wants her for himself alone and he’ll have her by hook or by crook. He won’t fight this obsession anymore if this really is an obsession, he thought. Surely, he could find a way to crack the woman’s wariness of him. She didn’t even acknowledge his presence, damn the woman. It seems she was purposefully ignoring him. When he tried to approach them, Ali stopped him. “Mansour, keep your friend out of my ladies’ sights, please!”

     “Bugger your brother, Mansour! Why does he reserve the right to keep the ladies while I ride with you? You ain’t a beauty.”

     “What has gotten into you, American? I always pick you up whenever we get the unfortunate luck of your visits. Why complain now?”

     “Mind your own beeswax Emirati.” Devlin returned hotly.

     Mansour raised his hands in mock surrender, being a friendly sort and always tries to avoid confrontations as much as possible.

     “Hey, mind the wheel, man. Are you trying to get us killed?” Mansour raised his brows at the guy next to him. Something rattled his friend and he has an idea who might be the culprit. Not above himself teasing, Mansour rattled in a sort-of-let-me-tell-you-a-secret way “I heard Mabel went home to meet her fiance, I wonder if that is true.” 

     As he expected, Devlin exploded. “Fiance?! Who?I did not see anybody with them at the airport.” Realizing that he fell for a bait, Devlin turned at Mansour and gripped his kandura. 

     “You crazy fool, don’t you dare tease me like that again!” 

     Mansour removed Devlin’s grip with ease and just flicked his fingers away. 

     “Be careful American, you are looking at your future business partner. I would hate for my father to know what kind of beast his partner is.”

     “You’re not telling on me Emirati, I know you.I have insulted you far more over the last two years and you never complained. But, just shut up will you. “ Saying that he glanced at the Ferrari’s side mirror trying for a glimpse of the Bentley SUV that Ali was driving but he couldn’t see them and then out of his left periphery, he noticed an SUV passing by the Ferrari.

     “I thought this was a fast car? How come your brother just passed us by.”

     “Ah Ali, he just wants to show off. He seemed taken to Mabel’s cousin for some reason. I do not blame him though, she’s quite a looker though diminutive. “ Mansour laughed but Devlin did not. 

     “I think it is quite derogatory to call someone diminutive, sounds like a piece of marble or structure. I much prefer petite because she is definitely that.”

     “Wow, getting defensive now, are we? Do you fancy her as well?”

     “No, you moron and it does not matter whether I like her or not. Just be more judicious with your words. Just keep driving, will you? Can’t you rev your AC higher? I feel like I am being roasted here.”

     “It doesn’t hurt to say please, you know. We may be Arabs but we know the importance of saying, please, thank you and you’re welcome. Anyway, why were you in the Philippines in the first place? I know you still have not established any business there, you are barely a newbie here in the Middle east, let alone the UAE. Any particular reason?”

     “Why can't a businessman have a bit of pleasure every now and then?”

     “Don’t tell me you got tired of your hot chicks all the way from the US?”

     “Very judgmental, aren’t we? I am not referring to the pleasures of the flesh, I am referring to simple relaxation by the beach and experiencing cold rain and foggy weather.”

     “Cold rain and foggy weather? I thought you went to the Philippines, not Scotland.”

     “There is indeed cold rain and foggy weather in the Philippines. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard of Baguio City. After all, your father’s PA is from there, isn’t she?’

     Mansour looked at Devlin in disbelief. He decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Why would a rich and successful businessman like him go on a holiday? It is a rarity in his opinion. Seeing that his passenger was no longer in a very chatty demeanor, Mansour shut his mouth and just concentrated on driving.

     Devlin for his part was thankful for Mansour’s silence. Another derogatory remark and he might throw him on his ears. He has always been sensitive about people mocking or teasing other people’s appearances. His mother was not a very tall and beautiful woman but she has the strength and compassion of a saint. Though Devlin was toughened by his criminal background, he always made sure he retained some if not all of his mother and stepfather’s teachings. Retain his humanity as much as possible even if his religious belief is not as strong as that of his parents and siblings.

     They arrived at the Al Fahezi villa a few minutes behind Ali and the cousins. By the time they arrived, the Sheikha was already hugging Mabel and Ami bidding them welcome. The Sheikh welcomed him when he saw him and Mansour arrive. It was the Sheikha’s birthday so most of the Al Fahezi staff were present. Devlin was impressed with how his business partners were treating their employees, if only it was like that all over the world, he mused. He too treats his employees with respect and fairness because he believes that if you treat a person right, they will treat you right. Treat a person like trash and they will trash you back. 

     After welcoming all three, the Sheikh turned to Ami and Mabel and introduced Devlin, forgetting that Mabel already met the man.

     “Ladies, may I introduce our business partner, Mr. Varrick Devlin from Sean Devlin Enterprises, Mr. Devlin, may I introduce my PA and my wife’s new PA, Maeve Blake Abelanco and Akemi Micah Abelanco respectively. They want to be called Mabel and Ami as their names are quite a mouthful. 

     Ami gave Devlin a sweet smile while Mabel just inclined her head. Devlin was puzzled by Mabel’s attitude towards him but he held his tongue. Before he could say something, the ladies were ushered out of the salon and into their rooms to refresh after the journey. He himself was escorted to a guest suite. He noticed though that while the ladies seemed to go up the stairs, he was escorted to another area on the ground floor. Well,he’ll just have to be very inventive if he wants to work out his plan in pursuing the difficult female. 

     Everybody enjoyed the Sheikha’s birthday party. Instead of the guests giving her gifts, she was the one who handed gifts to everyone. He gave the gift he received to a young man who needs it more than he does. No doubt he’ll send it to his home in Nepal. The young man told him he is working as an office boy in one of the Al Fahezi boutique offices. He is currently saving for his schooling. The young man’s English sounded pretty good to him and he learned that every Friday, he comes to the villa for tutoring lessons under Mabel. There were four of them, 2 Nepalis and 2 Vietnamese, all males. He said sometimes, they are joined by some of the other staff like the gardeners for instance. By the way he said Mabel’s name with reverence, it appears the young man is infatuated with the said woman. Devlin couldn’t blame him though, Mabel carries herself with elegance and regality like she was born a queen or a goddess. Devlin is a six-footer whereas he thinks Mabel is probably 5 inch 7 inches tall. Quite tall for a Filipina although he saw some tall Filipinas in the US. He also noted that the cousins have fairer complexion compared to those of the majority of the women he saw in his tour of Boracay and Manila. Well, he corrected himself, most of the ladies he saw in Baguio are fair-complexioned. The cousins seemed to have mixed blood though because at first glance, you’ll think they were Koreans or Japanese until they started talking. 

     He switched on his laptop and called his assistant via video conference. 

     “Larry, anything important that came up during my absence?”

     “Mr. Devlin, nice to see you. Nothing important, except, “ he stopped midway.

     “Lawrence, spit it out man. You know how I hate it when you give these unfinished statements.”

     “Sorry Devlin, “ his assistant managed to say.” There is a rumor about that brother of yours getting out of the underground and coming up to the surface, something about a men's fashion house.”

    “Just when did that son-of-a-gun start doing legal business?”

     “Just this week when a Russian boutique owner approached him and offered to be his partner. Does Alina Kournikova sound familiar to you?”

     “Ohh, that shrew? Why am I not surprised, sounds like she heeded my advice about seeking out Tire. Do you mind keeping an eye on those two?”

     “Not at all Dev although I think you should watch out. Rumor says Tire is flying to the Middle East to wrestle control of your business. Farinah Fashion House sounds familiar to you?”

     “No way! That is the business my partners and I just resurrected. Why would he do that? I never crossed his path, I never aggravated him. I left him alone and so should he. Anyway, just keep me posted.I will make my partners aware though. If there is nothing else, I would like to rest now. It has been a long journey. “

     “Noted Dev. Just be careful. Over and out.” Larry saluted him and then it went off.

     He was puzzled about that development but he was also exhausted. He decided to leave the matter for now and went to sleep.

     Mabel and Ami were in Ami’s room going over what happened to the latter. Mabel did not know what to say to comfort her cousin so she just listened to Ami’s rantings. After an hour, they both decided to give in to their exhaustion and sleep. Mabel went to her room. It was almost similar to Ami’s except hers is covered in lilac. Their employers were very generous and accommodating. When they learned that her favorite color is lilac, they had her room painted in lilac. She has a canopied bed like a princess and whereas Ami has a collection of miniature cars, she has a collection of books, fantasy, romance and adventure. She also has a balcony overlooking the front drive. She would have loved to have a balcony overlooking the back gardens but this is much bigger. The room with the balcony overlooking the back garden was given to Ami. It was much smaller but still spacious. Mabel always considers the Al Fahezi villa her second home. Her employers were great, the children and grandchildren wonderful and the staff, very respectful and loyal. She always feels welcome and comfortable in the villa. It was her place of solace when she came two years ago. Back then, she felt broken and directionless. She still feels broken but the pain was lessened. Before Ami came, her only friend was an Ethiopian nanny who surprisingly had a somewhat similar experience. The only difference is, the guy married her despite losing the child. The nanny went back home at the same time Mabel did but she sent a replacement who was as efficient as she. Mabel closed her eyes reminiscing her first time in the UAE and then fell asleep.