Seven Point Eight The First Chronicle - By Marie A. Harbon Page 0,47

eyes were solely upon Tahra.

“She seems blissfully unaware that Max actually has feelings for her,” Beth said, almost wistfully. “I hope Grace knew what she was doing.”

Emilie gave her a questioning look.

“Grace is the reason Tahra is here, and Max hung on her every word,” Beth explained.

She looked on with curiosity at this ingenuous and lithe figure, while Emilie viewed her with suspicion. How could any female be so oblivious to Max’s obvious intentions towards her? What a lucky girl. Did Tahra know, care, or even bother to care?

Meanwhile, as Oscar danced with Tahra, he took the opportunity to introduce himself properly.

“My name’s Oscar Duvalier, I’m one of the other remote viewers in this place.”

“Pleased to meet you. My name is Tahra Mamoun.”

“It’s good to see new blood,” he commented, “and I’ve heard you’re amazing.”

She laughed with confidence.

“I want to be the best I can be.” After a pause, she added, “Aren’t you worried by my presence here?”

“There’s enough work to keep us all busy,” he shrugged.

“That’s very gracious of you.”

“God brought you here for a reason, I’m sure it’s part of his greater plan.”

Tahra considered his words.

“I wish I understood the plan for me. Max came to find me in Tehran, you know. He believes in me.”

Oscar gave her an enigmatic smile.

“Yes…yes he does. I’ve never seen him take such a personal interest in any of his….subjects before.” Tahra met his gaze, knowing exactly what he meant. “Be careful,” he warned her.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I can handle Max.”

Oscar gave her a quizzical look at her rather blasé comment, shrugged, and put his arm around her waist as they danced away.

The remaining residents mingled, chattered, or tapped their feet in time to the music, even the normally staccato and reticent Sakie. No one really noted the conspicuous absence – Paul. Most assumed he’d been assigned elsewhere, but Miss Tynedale wondered if there were other, underlying motives for his nonattendance.

Another song graced the air, Chubby Checker singing ‘The Twist’, which motivated the majority of the partygoers. Max didn’t often dance but Oscar was stealing his fire, so he cut in. Tahra expressed delight in seeing him loosen up and have fun. It seemed odd at first to feel his arm around her waist and to see his response to the music, but he had excellent coordination and whirled her around the floor in a style that rivalled Oscar’s moves. It pleased him to dance with her, and to see the enjoyment clearly written in her face.

Oscar danced with Beth, and they both exchanged knowing glances watching the two of them together.

Max considered this to be one of the happiest moments he’d experienced in a long while, and it seemed such a shame to tell her about the business trip tomorrow.

***

Her eighteenth birthday party had been a high point in her life, which until now had been staid and unexciting. However, an unexpected interruption followed the next day. Max told her he was going to be away on business for around six months, and Tahra didn’t receive the news well.

“But you can’t be away for such a long time,” she protested. “I’ll get lonely.”

Max seemed touched that she cared about his absence, and Tahra began to feel angry for having become so dependent on him. She fought the tears as best she could.

“I’m sure the others will look out for you while I’m away,” Max tried to reassure her.

“It’s not the same.”

He reached out to wipe her cheek.

“I promise I’ll write to you,” he stated, “but please realise, I have to go away on business to ensure all my people here have work.”

Work filled Max’s life, and she’d relied on him too much. Sensing her desolation, he placed his fingers under her chin, lifted it gently and kissed her. The love and attention of a handsome, wealthy man was intoxicating and she didn’t see how she’d manage without it. For the first time since she’d met him, she actually felt like she wanted him, and she put her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. This took him by surprise, and he hugged her in return.

They stood like that briefly, cherishing that sincere moment as it wouldn’t always be like this. He eventually stepped away from her and walked down the stairs, watching her fondly. When he disappeared out of sight, she looked over the stair rail and noticed him speak quietly to Miss Tynedale. After leaving instructions with her, he picked up a briefcase and walked out