He pulls out of the parking lot, back out into heavy traffic due to the event going on. We were barely moving as Aman quietly fumed in the seat next to me. My stomach tightened in hunger and taking a deep breath filled my nose with the scents of food being cooked in the park. Seeing that we were not going to be getting anywhere soon, I offered a suggestion.
"Why don't we go to the event in the park? We can still enjoy our evening together, plus I am really hungry and something smells divine."
He gripped the steering wheel, sighing, "I'm sorry, I knew that the evening was going to be strained at the least, but for them to have the audacity to try and insult either one of us..."
I reach out and place a hand on his arm, "Forget them for now, let's not let them ruin a night out that we should be enjoying while they sit there probably just as pissed and embarrassed. Are they really sleeping together?"
He laughs but it's strained and sad, "Yeah, they are. She doesn't care that I'm gay, because then I would just be her front. She could seem like a good wife, who's married a well to do doctor, in public to me, all the while sleeping with my cousin behind the scenes. They are disgusting and the fact that my parents trust my cousin and her is disappointing. Let me know if you see a spot." He pulls into the parking garage in the area and we start looking for a spot as he fills me in on the whole situation.
I let him vent knowing he needs to get it off his chest. Thankfully, we find a spot not long after, but we still sit in the car as he finishes explaining the dynamics of what his family expects.
"Thank goodness I make enough that I don't feel the need to suck up to them to ensure my lifestyle remains the same." Aman's cynical opinion of his family has me silently agreeing after the show I was just privy to.
"Well, from personal experience, as much as it hurts, you don't have to put up with your family or even talk to them. I have not spoken to my family in years and I honestly will be perfectly fine if I never spare her another thought again." I clear my throat and motion for us to get out. The sound of my stomach's loud rumbling makes us both laugh.
"Yes, I think it's time we go get something to eat before my family eating me alive is the least of my concerns."
I scoff but laugh at his playful jab and we make our way to the park.
The sound of beautiful music starts reaching our ears as we walk out of the garage and head across the street with others walking about. I keep catching curious and bewildered looks from others, and my heels, wanting to catch in the pavement seam, remind me why. I'm a little over dressed for a night out at the park.
Oh well...
Aman's hold on me keeps me steady, even with all the looks, I don't mind. Since he's opened up more to me, he's become much more relaxed, like when we are at work at the hospital. We make it to the event to hear beautiful music being played by the local symphony orchestra, having a fundraiser for one of the local charities. Signs are up all over the place with two or three people near them, accepting donations on behalf of the charity.
Tons of different food vendors are around, most of the nearby parking taken up by their food trucks or venders selling handmade and normal trinkets for these kind of events. I take a sniff of the air and smell something mouthwatering. I'm practically dragging a laughing Aman behind me as I follow my nose.
We find a Cuban food truck as the source of the smell and a still smiling Aman buys us some tacos and funnel cake fries to go with our waters. We find a bit of wall to sit on while I stuff my face, looking every bit of the elegant lady I appeared to be... NOT.
Aman's laughing at me as he takes a napkin and wipes my cheek and chin of the juices from the meats that dripped out from my giant bite.
"Oh... that was sooo good!" I groan as we share the funnel cake fries, getting our fingers all sticky from the powdered sugar.
"You know, Lirael, I'm glad you're nothing like the women my mother has tried to introduce me to after I refused to marry Lavani. Now, if only you were a man, I'd be in heaven." He laughs as I wet a napkin to wipe my sticky hands off with.
"Now, now, no one is perfect..." I roll my eyes with humor, wetting a napkin for him as well.
We make our way closer to the stage, walking side by side, where the orchestra is playing more modern music, getting people up to dance all over.
Suddenly, Aman, offers me his hand and asks, "May I have this dance?"
I feel myself flushing, but giggle as I respond, "Well, I thought you'd never ask."
He takes my hand and waist and we begin to move in a slow two step, getting the feel for each other before quickening our pace to match the music's tempo. Soon he has me spinning and laughing, the smile never leaving my face until I'm dizzy with the joy of the moment.
The next song comes on nice and slow, bringing our dance to a decrescendo with us slowly moving around, still smiling, enjoying each others company.
"You know Lirael, I think this is the most fun I think I've had in a while." He gives me a warm smile.
"And to think how the night started out." I roll my eyes, my wide grin feeling like it was almost splitting my face.
He scoffs, but laughs, "Don't remind me." He moves me into a slow spin, bringing me back up to him.
"I wanted to say thank you. For everything tonight. You barely know me and you've already proven that you are a good friend. You are a rare find these days my dear. Makes me regret that I find men more attractive, almost."
We both have a little chuckle, his words humbling me with out response. We start walking out of the park and making our way back to the car, our night coming to an end soon.
"Thank you, Aman. I really did have a lovely time tonight." I finally am able to get out.
"Well it was easy once we were in good company." Aman smiles, as we arrive at the parking lot. "You know, I can hardly believe a beautiful, good woman like you is not taken. Your friend who's mother is in the hospital, is he in a similar situation like my own? Is that why you two are not together?"
"Lance? Oh no, he's not in the same situation other than protecting our...mutual interests. It's a bit complicated and personal, so I don't wish to divulge much more than you already know."
Aman helps me into the car and we take off, the streets much calmer than they were a few hours ago.
"It's a pity. You two look good together." Aman comments as we head back to McKinney.