Surviving the Dreams

Chapter 21 - Plans and Memories

Greg and Susan looked at each other as they left the offices of the United States Embassy. Greg now had a paper identification document also, which identified him by name, though his was gold. In addition, they also each had a document that connected them to a case number in the Ambassador’s office. It felt like a step forward because it was finally something official, but it was also two steps back. Now they were legally prevented from leaving the country. If something happened now, they had no place to go.

“Well that was expensive,” Susan commented as they boarded their flight back to the resort.

“And we’re not even done,” Greg reminded her.

Their entire visit had taken only two days, and in that short, they’d managed to burn through half of their savings again.

Susan sighed as she looked at the figures for what they had left. “This is so discouraging,” she murmured. “We spent most of our savings from Telleron just to get here. Now between my medical bills and our legal fees, not to mention our lodging, we’ve spend most of what we’ve saved since January in only two weeks.”

“It’s not so bad,” Greg told her. “I’m working again, so we’re not completely dependent on your disability payments. I don’t get paid much above room and board until the end of July, but even at an impersonator’s rate, its good compared to what we’ve previously made. And with this, I can start earning as me by the middle of August. It will make for a short season at the performers rate, but it will help.”

Susan looked up at him anxiously. “I suppose I could ask if they would let me finish up some of my projects for them. That would get my income back up to my full rate.”

“Why, when I can finally support you again?”

“Greg, we have to come back to the capital at the beginning of September. Even with what you’ve made working with Richard, that is going to take a big bite out of our savings again,” Susan pointed out. “And it’s going to shorten how long you can work at the resort afterwards. If there’s going to be a trial, I doubt it will be over fast.”

“It may only be a hearing, which means we may only be there a week or two at most. Maybe Alex can set up an appearance or two for me the next time we’re in the capital to help absorb the costs,” Greg suggested. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” she offered.

“Susan, no. Please let me do this,” he insisted. “I want to. Besides, you still need to take it easy for a while, and we won’t be here all that long. Why don’t you experience the resort as a guest for a while?”

“As a guest?” she asked uncertainly. “Greg, I don’t even have a swim suit.”

“Well then maybe we should get you one. They have some nice ones in some of the shops here,” he told her.

Susan looked at him uncertainly.

“Let me dress you up,” he asked.

Susan smiled shyly. “If you want to,” she said. Then her smile broadened. “I’d like that.”

c

The very next day that Greg had off, he took Susan shopping. He seemed to enjoy outfitting her in the latest in beach and loungewear as they took in the scene near the beach. Greg continued to work most evenings, but they still made time for their after dinner walk along the beach before every show. 

Two weeks later, Greg and Susan walked along the beach in their new beach wear, enjoying the sensation of the sand beneath their feet on the one night a week they had off when Richard called to them as he trotted over to join them.