This was Aymard's third day driving Rahman to New York City. Their first day was spent in the liveliest part of Central Park, the southern part of which is close to SoHo. Admire the fragrant Botanical Garden. The magnolia in Central Park just bloomed at the end of winter which is back to a long time this year.
Then, Rahman was very enthusiastic when Aymard took him back and round through the East Village. When sat in the tram, Aymard has told him that Roosevelt Island will be beautiful in a few months because the cherry blossoms along its shoreline will be fully blooming. Rahman couldn't help but express his longing to experience sitting on the iron-framed benches along the Roosevelt shoreline gazing at the magnificent skyline of Manhattan under the canopy of fully bloomed cherry blossoms in the height of spring.
Hearing Rahman sulking at his mother to return in mid-May to enjoy the thrill of the Cherry Blossoms, provoked Alaric to whisper curses at Aymard. He knew why Aymard could tell such a beautiful story that it made Rahman suggested. There are memories too deep for Aymard in Roosevelt's early spring. Such an unforgettable first love that foundered because of the grouchy differences between the two families.
Aymard had finished his studied at Babson College, forged himself at Chicago's prestigious law firm, and NYC cherry blossoms were his romantic weakness. His past significant other loves cherry blossoms. A fact that is often used as the ultimate weapon by Alaric who likes to sulk when forcing Aymard to grant requests. If Rahman knew, of course he would be averse to listening any story about those Cherry blossoms..
But, obviously Rahman didn't know. So his last day in New York was still spent under Aymard's guidance. This time would head north passing through Harlem. Metro was the pulse of Manhattan that instantly made Rahman fell in love. The boy didn't mind actually spending all his time riding its. Every so often, briefly resurfacing to acquire beverages and snacks. Aymard realized how jealous he was of Rahman's simplicity. As he remembered, he was already very fussy and pretentious when he was 12. Aymard felt that he was losing his childish soul way too soon.
Rahman wasn't mind getting tired of circling NYC with Aymard. He was enjoyed visiting the gardens and many unique shops owned by the communities. And also accompany Aymard a little nostalgic in Boerum Hill without him knowing. Rahman, who was stepped in NYC for the first time, is enthusiastic about finding a significant difference when comparing this metropolis to the small town where he lives. Aymard wasn't mind finding Rahman a little tacky, after all, everyone should have these moments. In order to have intriguing memories in the future. On this third day he made sure to make Rahman understand NYC has so much diversity. The metro was a first door to witnessed NYC's diversity. From the most beautiful to the worst, even though it's only in Manhattan that they're actually exploring.
Meanwhile, during Rahman's adventure with Aymard, inevitably for reasons of courtesy, Alaric must be willing to be Aisha's lunch companion. This time he hosted Aisha at the St. Regis. It happened that Aisha had something to do with a colleague not far from the St. Regis. It turned out that the same with him and Aymard, there was an acquisition matter on Aisha's agenda. It's past lunch now, so finally high-tea wass their choice to go through the afternoon. The right choice considering that throughout the afternoon gray clouds shade making the wind blowing feel more piercing. The North Atlantic is synonymous with the cold. That's the reason why only few hotels in New York have swimming pools.
"Why don't you bring a nanny for your children? You know, a little brazen actually made Aymard take care of your child."
Aisha smiled broadly, "I'm sorry if you offended, Alaric. The problem is that your brother volunteered. You know, a boy like Rahman doesn't understand anything yet. Accepting without stale is full of hope."
Alaric snorted, "It's very unusual for me to sit down to accompany someone who is just an Assistant. If it wasn't Aymard who told me, I would be reluctant."
Aisha chuckled lightly, "Oh, all right. In that case, so that your pride will not be hurt, I will say this."
Alaric raised an eyebrow looking at Aisha. He saw Aisha holding back a moment of laught before speaking,
"It's an honor for me, considering I'm just an Assistant, to be able to sit face to face with you, Young Master Alaric Dirdja."
Alaric squinted. He has heard such words many times already accustomed to hearing it from other people. Even Alaric once forced some people who irritated him to say such words. It's just a whim to make sure the interlocutor understands where they stand. But when it came from Aisha the sentence has a satirical undertone.? Moreover, he was uncomfortable when he accidentally thought of Aisha's assessment of him.
"It's annoying." hissed Alaric.
Aisha reviews a playful smile and sips the Camomile Tea served in beautiful porcelain. The fragrance was so soothing. It was seductive sense of smell's of the very typical Alaric who has ordered the Earl Grey with honey.
"What airline do you choose tomorrow? I think authority of JFK will difficult you to buy all of the First Class."
Aisha chuckled softly, causing his body to tremble slightly..
"Yes, that's right. The airlines agents here is more strictly. Don't like the behavior of showing off abilities such as buying up the entire First Class quota."
Alaric crackled, "So?"
Aisha murmured, "I was forced to contact Luton."
Luton. A busy private airport in Switzerland that is home to most of the private jets in the world today. Some of the most luxurious jets exist today listed have hangars at Luton.
Alaric raised an eyebrow, "What?"
"Find out if any of Durlach's jets are idle."
Alaric's sarcastic laughter sounded, "My assistant must be very envious of your luck, Aisha. Isn't it, Dono?"
Dono, who was sitting behind Alaric, just muttered incoherently. Aisha tilted to look at Dono.
"Why are you sitting there and didn't join with us?"
Dono laughed tastelessly, "As you can infer for yourself, Aisha. Remembering who my annoying master is."
Alaric laughed without any sympathy. Aisha stared fiercely at Alaric for a moment,
"Seriously, is that what you are like?"
Alaric fumed, "Don't make a fuss."
"Then, why are you still willing to accompany me? Because of your brother?"
Alaric let out a long sigh, as if he had just finished doing a very heavy job,
"Well, that's half the reason." he said.
Aisha tilted her head slightly. Squinted at Alaric, "Half?"
"Yes. Half."
Dono rolled his eyes behind Alaric. He shrugged at Aisha and then waved wantonly. A hint that Aisha should just ignore all of Alaric's words.
"Half of it is because I am curious. You are working for those mysterious still AR. A very prospectus big Money bag, Aisha."
Immediately Aisha nodded then staring at Alaric's eye beads straight-straight,
"So, in essence, still the assets and equity capabilities as fat as Madame take precedence over your famous pride, Mr. Dirdja?"
Alaric threw a sweet smile pretending to be, "Of course, it is Mrs. PA who is very lucky."
Aisha moved uncomfortably to fix her seat. She who was now sighing as if he had just finished bearing a heavy burden.
"So, Mrs. PA, if you don't mind, may I know what you have prepared in our homeland to welcome Your Madame's arrival?"
"What do you mean, Mr. Alaric?" asked Aisha.
Alaric laughed politely, "Given that everyone is waiting for her presence in our country, I assumed you won't let any flaws about her to be known. Any flaws that can be the subject of sharp gossips, Mrs. PA!"
Aisha straightened her seat, "Oh, I see? So you mean that I have to make Madam present in the country with all perfection? So?"
Alaric smiled from ear to ear. He was pointing at Aisha with an index finger, "That's right."
Aisha now seriously looks at Alaric, "What kind of perfection do you mean?"
Alaric quipped, "Perfect as a presentation of a world-class heiress to Durlach. You know, a princess is always interesting to observe."
Aisha glared, "How could you assumed that Madame is a princess? What rumors have been circulating in society actually?" she shouted restrainedly.
Alaric was stunned for a moment. In the second, he was realized that Aisha didn't know anything about RSVP at all. He sighed as if pitying Aisha,
"Dono, explain it." he said lazily.
Dono got up. He was sighed miserably then tried to clear his throat formally when he was about to speak,
"Given the record of the shopping you did, Aisha. Your bookings at high-end boutiques. Luxurious goods that you bring home and interior style of your choice. Everything is very stylish. All of first qualities with a touch of classy art. Especially the contents of Mrs. AR's private gallery which is filled with beautiful works combined with A-class reading collections on her bookshelf. Very feminine and cultured."
Aisha looked at Dono straight. She had not blinked for a while in amazement. It is strange for her to find the fact that a person's character can be read through a little lifestyle taste.
"With that kind of taste, the image imprinted in people's minds is the perfect princess figure." sighed Alaric pretentiously dramatically.
Aisha smiled faintly, "Indeed, Madame can be said to be so. It's just that I hope you don't expect romantic things about her."
Alaric raised an eyebrow while Dono was about to sit back where he was turned his head to look at Aisha.
"Remember, she's a Madame. It is confirmed to be old enough."
Dono was silent for a moment and then smiled relievedly, "It's good. Its enlightens me. So Madame AR is a mature Lady apparently. It will not be easy to be seduce by an amateur philanderer!"
Aisha smiled politely while holding back amusement. She nodding slowly at Dono. Looks graceful and very organized,
"That's Madame AR so. Anyway, Mr. Dirdja. This caught my attention just now. Society in the homeland already gossiped her too? What for?"
Alaric chuckled softly, "Oh, are you still asking?"
Aisha winked once and then nodded in understanding, "Well."
Alaric observed it. He may not be good at reading a body language but now he understands that Aisha was holding back her anger. Her brow wrinkled slightly and she looked thoughtful.
"This society...This society you are referring to, is still very biased to me."
Alaric raised one eyebrow. Aisha took a sip of tea and straightened back Alaric's gaze. Seriously she spoke,
"I am, let's say, as a new player, still I think was naïve at first if I think of this society as a very busy business people. No?"
Alaric rubbed his smile also reached for his Earl Grey and took sip. It was tasted warm and sweet. Also the conversation with Aisha began to tickle a little.
"Fortunately, it doesn't take a year for me to understand, your busy life is not what I thought."
Alaric joked a made-up joke, "Oh, what a pity. You feel defeated?"
Aisha chuckled lightly, "That's for sure. Being busy with you is not just hard work that I think. Researching market's direction, anticipating its movement, policy headwinds, or fine-tune your merchandise."
Alaric cracked, "It sucks. That's a job for the Professionals that we pay for."
Aisha nodded, "I understand. To put it bluntly, I feel very unfair, Young Master! While professionals and many others are working for something real, you and people like you are working hard for the opposite."
Alaric raised an eyebrow, "That is?"
"You guys are very busy with the business of maintaining trust. That's all. That's all you do."
Alaric laughed out loud elegantly. He stared at Aisha's bead intently. Deliberately throwing a seductive smile,
"You're learning so quickly apparently. Yes, it is. It's just a matter of trust. Do you understand now why securities are almost all called trusts? It's just a matter of trust to keep those nominals in our control. Wherever it comes from doesn't matter. Honestly, that's all I'm busy with, Mrs. PA."
Aisha silently watched Alaric. The movement of his hand remained graceful as he placed the cup onto the saucer. It's just that the trembling clink that sounded for a moment stole Alaric's attention. Giving a happy cheer in Alaric's mind, understanding Aisha was got upset deep on heart.
"Enough about me and Madame. I hope you and your brother don't rant to anyone about me related to Madame."
"Oh? Why?"
Aisha smiled stiffly, "As you know for yourself, Madame's status will arouse the curiosity of people like you."
Alaric frowned, "Like me?"
Aisha looked at Alaric far away, "Yes. The sheepish civet with hidden intentions. Individuals who can pretend to be innocent while having ulterior motives."
*****