The American (BWWM)

CHAPTER 29

I can't believe three months have gone by since Ethan and I had that dinner. Ethan is not back, and I don't have an idea when he might get back. I still don't know where he is, but at least I talk to him every day, and I know he is doing fine. Working at the company has taught me a lot about the business industry. I also found out a lot about Ethan's family. I found out that Patricia is Mr. Federico's secretary. This is why she is the first woman he fell in love with after his divorce from Florence. She was there to comfort him after his divorce, which led to him falling in love with her. I also found out why I have never seen Florence's husband. He died a few years ago while at service. He was a soldier. I am getting ready to go out for lunch with Khloe. I am so happy she is going to be in town for a few days. After we graduated, Khloe moved to New York. I walk out of my office and take the elevator to the parking lot to be on my way.

I arrive at the restaurant after a few minutes of driving. I park my car and walk inside to find Khloe already seated at the left middle corner of the restaurant.

"Hello, love," I say, hugging Khloe while giving her a peck on the cheeks.

"How are you doing?" She says, hugging me back.

"I am doing great, and you?" I say, taking the seat opposite her

"I wish I could say the same, but I am starting to think my life is complete shit," Khloe says, taking back her seat.

"Why would you say that? I thought you loved New York?"

"I do, but that was until I started working for your brother."

"Why don't you like working for my brother? And he seems to have a problem with you too. Did something happen between you guys that I don't know about?"

Khloe works for my elder brother, Khalifa, in New York. I helped her get the job, but I didn't think she and my brother will end up hating each other.

"I don't know what his problem is with me, but he annoys me. I am getting so close to quitting my job because of him."

"Wow, is the bad energy between you guys that bad?"

"You should see the both of us in a room; then you will know how bad it is."

"Do you need me to talk to him? I could talk to him if you want."

"No, don't."

"Are you sure because I don't mind?"

"Yes, I am sure because that will only satisfy him knowing he gets under my skin."

"Alright, if you say so, and I am starving, please let's order something to eat."

"Thank you, and you can tell me all about work while we eat."

"Sure," I say and call the waiter to our table so I can order food.

It's been hours since I had lunch with Khloe. I am waiting for Khloe to pick me up from work. I came back to the office with a cab. Khloe borrowed the car to run some errands around town. I am waiting outside when suddenly a car pulls up in front of me. A group of two scary-looking men step out of the car and start walking towards me. I begin to take little steps backwards. Something in my heart tells me to run for my life, so I turn around and run. They chase after me. Ya Allah, what is going on? Why are they following me? I am very close to reaching the office lobby when I feel a pair of hands pull on my scarf. I struggle to free my hair from the scarf and keep running when I feel a piece of clothing placed on my nose as I begin to feel dizzy. Subhan Allah, what is going on? I am not able to answer that question as darkness surrounds me.