“I assume it is my medical credentials that did that,” I said.
“That and our first conversation. Do you recall it?” she asked.
Vaguely.
“You were looking for a doctor and I never told you I was one.”
“That’s true. But what you did reveal is a deep compassion towards your patients. Tabiq has seen such sad and horrific times. When a person is sick, suffering, we need someone who can understand that their emotional and mental trauma also affects them greatly.”
I was expecting her to go into more detail, but she didn’t. “I am a surgeon, but I understand there are invisible scars that never heal, and wounds that run so deep they can kill your spirit.”
She reached across the table and covered my hand with hers. “And that is why I know you’re the one for this job. When you speak, I see your conviction in your eyes. You are not saying these words just for me. You believe what you say.”
I flipped my hand over and now I held hers. Her hand was so tiny in mine. “Reesa, I will always be honest with you. There is no benefit to either of us if I’m not. With that said, I’d like to go to Tabiq for a week. Not just to see the hospital, or your country, but to get to know you better as well.”
“Me? Why?” she asked.
“Do I really need to explain?” I asked. Raising her hand, I placed a kiss on her fingers. “You…you’re different from anyone I’ve ever met. You’re enchanting, and I am attracted to you. I know you’re leaving tomorrow morning, but I’d really like for us to spend more time together.”
“Finn, I…I want to say yes, but…”
“Then say yes. Don’t overthink it. Let’s just see where a week takes us,” I said. “If I’m wrong and we can’t stand each other after that, then we wish each other happiness and part ways.”
She slipped her hand from mine and said, “I wish it were that simple, but it’s not. I’m…not…free to date.”
We never actually said we were both single, but I had assumed she was. That might have been a mistake. Although she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring, that didn’t mean she wasn’t involved with someone.
“I understand. I’m sorry for overstepping.”
Shaking her head she said, “You’re right. You don’t understand, but it’s not your fault. I have a secret, one I’m afraid to share. You may see me differently after I tell you.”
That was a possibility. “I don’t normally judge a person. But I am listening if you’d like to tell me.”
She folded her hands close to her on the table. “I am…not just a representative from Tabiq. I am…the president of Tabiq.”
I had prepared myself to hear she was married, or promised to another in an arranged marriage. President? That I didn’t see coming. My mind raced to see how this could even be possible. Our president does not even walk our streets alone. He’s surrounded by his security agents, and for good reason. My gut twisted with the knowledge of what danger Reesa could’ve exposed herself to with her actions. Logan, why the hell didn’t you tell me. What I thought had been Logan overreacting now seemed extremely appropriate.
“You’re not joking, are you?” I asked, and she shook her head. “Is that why the person taking pictures last night bothered you? You were concerned that someone had figured out who you really are?”
“Yes. I am here on business and that photo didn’t portray a president out serving her country. It said I was neglecting my duties,” she stated.
I could only imagine what it was like to live under such scrutiny all the time. It wasn’t a life I’d ever want. You were judged continuously and no matter what you did, someone was either offended or angry.
“And that’s why you can’t…date me? Because of what the people of Tabiq will think?”
She exhaled slowly. “Tabiq has gone through many challenges over the years. The fact that a woman is president is, frankly, shocking. But it brings me into the spotlight at all times. There are many who would do anything to see me fail. But failure for me means my country will suffer and the women of Tabiq will pay the price. See, I represent not just Tabiq, but the freedom from…an oppression that the world does not even know about.”
There was such pain in her eyes as she spoke, and yet her love for her country and her pride shone through. I wanted to know what oppression she spoke of, but a restaurant wasn’t the place to have that conversation.
“Reesa, come for a drive with me.”
“Now?” she asked surprised at the abrupt change of subject.
I wasn’t trying to cut her off. It’s just that if I was able to see how emotionally difficult this conversation was getting, others might as well. I didn’t want anyone coming over and asking unwanted questions. I’m not even sure Reesa wants to hear mine, never mind a stranger’s.
“I was thinking we could continue this talk someplace more private,” I suggested.
“Finn. I want to tell you, but if I do, you’ll never want to come to Tabiq,” she said, her voice thick from fighting back tears. “I’m not sure I can even utter the words because they are so…ugly.” She got up from the table and said, “I’m sorry, Finn, I need to go. Goodbye.”