Chapter 2 – Pleasant Surprise
Hamoodi: "Tiffany, I need to go for a few hours. I have a business appointment to attend."
We had just properly finished our breakfast and gotten dressed.
I had thought that Hamoodi and I were going to spend the entire day together. Him giving me a tour of his humongous palace and maybe some shopping for a new wardrobe for myself.
I didn't think he was going to leave me alone to my own devices so soon.
Tiffany: "This is legitimate business?"
Obviously, I have to ask this considering that it was his previous business venture with Ridgemont Holdings that got me into this mess in the first place.
Hamoodi: "Yes, of course. That project with Ridgemonts was just me returning a favor to Taylor. I promise you that all my other enterprises are on the up and up."
Tiffany: "Is there any way you can postpone it?"
I pout a little bit.
Hamoodi: "Unfortunately, I cannot. It is very important business. But it should not take too long."
There is an odd twinkle in his eyes that makes me think that he could be lying.
But that could be because we really don't know each other that well yet.
Yes, and this is who guy I'm suppose to marry and spend the rest of my life with.
He was being vague and mysterious... But I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Tiffany: "Well I guess I have no other choice other than to wait for you until get back."
Hamoodi: "Explore the palace, there's bound to be a room that will interest you until I get back."
Tiffany: "Actually, I was looking forward to checking out your palace today."
He pulls on his suit jacket and presses a quick kiss to my forehead.
Hamoodi: "Excellent, I will see you soon."
He then exits our room.
Tiffany: "Well, I guess this would be best time to see if there are any secret rooms for me to explore."
I wandered listlessly through the palace, admiring the beautiful architecture and decor.
The pristine white marble, the intricately designed rugs and the jewel tone silk drapes are all absolute eye candy.
It's almost unbelievable that Hamoodi owns all of this.
Tiffany: "I wonder, after we get married do I get to be the official princess of this palace?"
Princess Tiffany kinda has a nice ring to it... We can definitely add that to the list of pro's when it comes to marrying Hamoodi.
Now that I was alone, I have more time to think about if I'm really ready to get to married. I have begun to formulate a mental list of pro's and con's. At this point, they were about even in measure.
Con, I would have to give up a lot freedoms that I'm used to, to live here in the Middle East.
Pro, but I would still get to travel and see the world with Hamoodi as his wife.
Con, I will never be able to date another man after I get married.
Pro, but I would get to wake up next to Hamoodi everyday...
The pro's and con's go back and forth in my head incessantly like a game of ping-pong. It's actually beginning to hurt my brain.
I look up and I find that I have wandered off into the palace courtyard.
There is a beautiful fountain at the center and not a penny or coin to be seen in its crystal-clear waters.
Tiffany: "If only I had pocket full of change right now..."
I could use some wishes right now.
Instead, I sit on the ledge and dip my fingers into the cool water.
A servant finds me and I stand up immediately, afraid that he will reprimand me for messing around with the fountain.
Servant: "Good morning, Sayedda Tiffany... The Sheikh has returned from his appointment and would like for you to meet with him in the library.
Tiffany: "This palace has a library?"
I hadn't seen anything that remotely looked like library while I was wandering around.
Servant: "Yes, and a tennis court, a private movie theater, a fairly large stable, an indoor heated pool, a rooftop pool, a conservatory, a solarium, a greenhouse garden, a dining hall, two ballrooms, three games rooms, 10 staterooms, and 35 royal guestrooms, which of one you are currently occupying..."
Tiffany: "Whoa... that's more rooms than they have in Clue. Can you maybe give me a map of the place?"
You see that a tiny smile forms on the servants lips.
Servant: "Of course, Sayedda Tiffany. But first, if you would just follow me."
Tiffany: "For sure. Just lead the way."
I follow him down a long hall way until we reach two large golden colored doors. He keeps one door open for me before he bows and leaves.
I step in and my jaw drops.
I see Hamoodi standing there with Aubrey and they have broad smiles on their faces when they see me enter.
Hamoodi: "Well, I got you a little surprise."
He informs me with a small chuckle.
I beam at him and turn to Aubrey.
Aubrey: "Tiffany! Oh my gosh!"
Aubrey shrieks and gives me a warm embrace.
Tiffany: "Aubrey! I can't believe you're here!"
I say with genuine surprise as I return her hug.
I couldn't believe that this was what Hamoodi was up to this morning. No wonder he was being so mysterious, now I felt slightly bad for doubting him.
Hamoodi: "I thought you could use a friend to make wedding plans with. I hope to be wed within two weeks time."
He explains with that suave and confident grin that caught my heart upon our first meeting.
His smile almost makes me overlook the scary thing he just said.
Tiffany: "Two weeks time? Isn't that a bit fast?"
Hamoodi: "Well, I originally wanted to get married within the week, but Audrey convinced me that you needed more time. So, I extended it to two weeks for the both of you to perfectly plan the wedding of your dreams."
Tiffany: "I don't even know if two weeks is enough time to plan an adequate wedding. Is there any reason why you're rushing the wedding date? Maybe something you're not telling me?"
Hamoodi and Aubrey look at each other and exchange a worried look.
Aubrey: "Mrs. Ridgemont and some FBI agent tore through our apartment looking for you. They were pretty belligerent. So, I don't think she's going to stop searching for you any time soon."
Hamoodi: "I have it on good authority that Thelma Ridgemont is pushing extradition papers through the courts so you can be brought to justice. Luckily, Saudi Arabia doesn't have a extradition treaty with the USA."
Tiffany: "Well, that's comforting."
Hamoodi: "But that doesn't mean that they won't try to go after you if you visit another country that does have the treaty. And I imagine that all the countries that you've ever wanted to visit will have this treaty with America. I think the fact that she's expediting that paperwork indicates that she will get the FBI to expand their search for you..."
Tiffany: "What, are you being serious? Why doesn't that botox bitch die already?"
Hamoodi: "I think she has a steady supply of unicorn blood. So, you see, we must make haste. Once you become my wife, you'll be untouchable. If the USA attempts to extradite the wife of the Shiekh, from any country, it would cause an international incident. Thelma wouldn't have the clout to pull something like that off."
Tiffany: "Hamoodi, can I just take a moment to say how much sexier I'm finding you now for using that Harry Potter reference?"
Hamoodi: "I always like hearing how sexy I am."
I bite my lower lip and Hamoodi gives me bedroom eyes.
Aubrey: "You two are so nauseating, just get a room already!"
Tiffany: "We'll get one later, because it looks like you and I have a wedding to plan!"
Pro, getting married to Hamoodi would be the ultimate 'fuck you' to Thelma Ridgemont...
