CHAPTER 6 MABEL’S FLIRTY BUT FLIGHTY ENCOUNTERS WITH FIDELO

      At the dining hall that evening, although Devlin was the first to be there, it was Fidelo who caught Mabel’s attention to the former’s consternation. Probably because Fidelo immediately approached her as soon as she arrived while Devlin was playing it cool, confident that after he gave her the gifts, she would automatically soften toward him. He watched while the two seemed oblivious to the growing crowd in the dining hall who were chuckling at the two people’s antics. They were charmed, but he wasn’t. He was annoyed and jealous. When Mabel passed by his side of the table though, she gave him a shy smile. That appeared to be a balm to Devlin’s senses. He smiled back and wanted to snatch her and make her sit beside him but of course he couldn’t do that. She went to sit next to Ami who was busy chatting amicably with Ali who looked so besotted to her. What have these cousins done to most of the male in the villa excluding the sheikh and Mansour? He would never know. At the moment though, he is busy plotting how to get rid of Fidelo because he is getting on his nerves.

     Something is weird though, although Mabel openly flirts with the chef, the moment he gets too serious, she flees. He likes her fleeing Fidelo but he doesn’t want her flirting with him. In his mind, she belongs to him and to nobody else, although how to make her understand that  is the problem. Although he was vastly irritated, he did not show, he will play it cool. Finally after some teasing and grinning, Mabel sat beside him and gave him a sweet smile. 

       "Thanks again for the flowers and sweets, that was so thoughtful of you. Is there a reason why? "

        "Must there be a reason, Mabel? Can't a man simply give gifts to a woman he is interested in?"

        "You, interested in me? I heard you loud and clear, I was a novelty to you and you got bored. If this is a game you are playing, I do not wish to be your toy."

         "Hush Mabel, I am not playing with you. Can't we just forget about my previous behavior and start anew? I would truly like to get to know you." He smiled sheepishly at her and Mabel felt the full force of his handsomeness. She felt it so unfair that women had to do a lot of mirror time to make sure they still look pretty while most men seem to just be as they are. Realizing she was staring at him longer than usual, she lowered her gaze on her plate but not before blushing to the roots of her hair. She busied herself with her food but was not able to taste what’s in front of her. 

     “I wonder what that chicken would say, should it have been alive Mabel? It’s meant to be eaten, you know, not played around. Didn’t your parents not tell you not to play with your food?”

     “Well, I am just asking some questions.”

     “And what might those be?”

     “I was asking the chicken if the man seated next to me is an imagination or a hallucination.”

     “Which man?”

     “There, chicken? Can you hear? Am I having a hallucination or do I have an imaginary friend?”

     Not controlling his impulse anymore, Devlin gave Mabel a slap on her thigh followed by a gentle massage. Mabel jerked because of the unexpectedness of the action that the object of their conversation must have been alive as it jumped off her plate. Devlin couldn’t stop his laughter. Mabel was so embarrassed that she slowly stood up, offered her apologies and slowly walked out of the dining hall. On her way out, she met Fidelo who gave her a concerned look before stepping on the serving trolley’s brakes. 

     “Mabel mi amor, what happened to you?”

     “Oh nothing, my friend, it's just too hot in there so I wanted to go to the salon which is way cooler. Lesser people, you know.”

     “You do seem rojo.Maybe rest is what you need, come mi amor, I will go with you.”

     “No, thank you Fidelo, they are looking forward to your dessert. I will be fine, just you see.” She ushered him inside the dining hall and when he was hesitant, she gave him a little push. Fidelo reluctantly went inside. Mabel did not go to the salon but went straight to her bedroom. She just finished washing up before sleeping when she heard a knock on her door. 

     “Who is it?”

     “Cuz, it’s me.”

     “Come in but quickly.” Ami opened the door and stepped inside.

     “What happened to you Cuz? Our employers were asking why you were not there when they came in.” Not wanting to let her cousin know what really happened, Mabel lied.

     “I was not feeling well so I left. I will be okay tomorrow just as soon as I sleep. Hormones, you know.”

     “Are you sure? You seem to be okay earlier, you were even flirting with Fidelo. But if you are not feeling well, please let me know. “ Just to be sure, Ami laid the back of her hand on Mabel’s forehead.

     “You do not have any fever but if it is hormones, as you say, I will leave you to rest. Good night cuz, sleep tight and don’t let the vampires bite.” she teased as she left Mabel. 

     “Good night Cuz, no worries, vampires won’t dare enter my realm, they’re too smart for themselves. “ Mabel locked her door and proceeded to strip off her clothes before going under the covers. As she switched on her bedside table, her gaze fell on the flowers she placed in a vase. She was disappointed in Devlin at dinnertime but she wasn’t going to throw the flowers he gave her. They were too pretty to waste. Maybe he was just playing nice when he gave her the flowers. Interested in her? Indeed! Who is he kidding? 

     In the dining hall, Devlin regretted his spur of the moment reaction to Mabel. He knew he embarrassed her somehow but she was just too regal to subject herself to childish tantrums. If there was one thing he observed about her, she rarely gives in to childish outbursts. She always leaves with her head held high. 

     “Damn, another trip for another bouquet!” he muttered, earning a scowl from Mansour who was seated opposite him. He saw how Mabel left but knew this was not the right time to confront the American. Ami came back and whatever she told the sheilkha seemed to pacify her concerns because both just dug into the dessert that Fidelo made. When everyone was done though and started tidying up, he signalled for Devlin to follow him. They went into the garden adjacent the dining hall,

     “Why did Mabel leave?” 

     “Something about hormones, if you understand. “

     “Okay, sounds not suitable for dinner conversation. “

     “Why are you monopolizing the conversation Mansour?”

     “Don’t be a whiner Ali, just wanting to know what happened to her cousin. You act as if you have the right to her time.”

     “Bugger off bro. Mind your own business.”

     “Devlin’s attitude might be rubbing off on you.” Mansour teased winking at Ami who chuckled.

     “Might be, birds of the same feather flock together?” Ami and Mansour laughed. Ali frowned at his brother while he gave Ami a boyish grin. Devlin approached them then inquired about Mabel.

     “Is your cousin okay? 

     “She said she’s not feeling well, hormones whatever.”

     Devlin knew Mabel’s reason but he did not want to add another person’s annoyance to him. “All right guys, I bid you goodnight.” Seeing that the sheikh was still seated, he strode over to him.

     “I know it is getting late but do you mind if I talk to you, in private?”

     “Sure, lead the way.” The sheikh gave a loving pat to his wife’s shoulder before he followed Devlin to his office. When they were both settled comfortably, Devlin began to tell him of his plan.

     “You are aware that I am opening a cafe, right, with a partner of course. I need an assistant and I am wondering if I could borrow Mabel for a few weeks until I can find a full time assistant. I will of course compensate for her double.”

     “I cannot decide on that because Mabel basically does most of my correspondence and then some. She also needs to be around when we discuss this further. Why don’t you take the time while we’re away to find your own assistant? You won’t be joining us till later anyway. “

     “I will think about it but it is a good idea, but just in case, can we talk to her at least?” He doesn’t plan on hiring anyone just yet. He just hoped Mabel would concede to this haphazard plan. It just came out of the blue. He couldn’t understand it but he is tired of second guessing himself so whatever his gut tells him to do, he will just go with it and his gut is telling him to hire Mabel part time just to be near him. He also wants her away from Fidelo, it really rankles him whenever the two flirt with each other. He will just have to wait until after the cruise as his partners are also still working on the particulars from their side. 

     “Okay Devlin, if there is nothing to discuss, I wish to retire for the night. Have a lovely rest and see you in the morning. “

      “Goodnight to you too, my friend. Hope to see you in the morning.”

     The next morning as it is a Friday, it is most of the Al Fahezi staff’s rest day. Only Devlin was the first to be at the dining hall as he had the dream again and so he did not go back to sleep. Most of the Muslim staff wake up early for their prayers so apart from him, they were all converged in the dining hall having an early morning coffee. Devlin breaks his fast with most of the people in the villa but he would always take early morning coffee. The cousins were surprisingly not around, he was informed they went to attend mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral in the city proper. They were not very religious but from time to time whenever their schedules match, the cousins make it a habit to attend church and visit the malls as well. 

     “Hey Mario, where’s Fidelo by the way? “

     “He went with the cousins.”

     “Drat! Is there nothing that Spaniard can do here? Why the hell did he go with them?”

     “Ahhm, Mabel invited him, I believe.They will be attending the 7:30 mass. But I overheard them going to Al Wahda Mall after. Something about buying a book that Mabel wants. “

     “Wait, Mabel likes books? Do you know the title and who is the author?”

     “I don’t know, sorry. “

     “Great, thanks for the info. I think I have some place to go after all. Have a lovely rest day.”

     Mario gave him a thumbs up and left him. Devlin quickly went to change his clothes and got into the Bentley SUV that the Al Fahezis permitted him to use as no one uses it for a while.

     Not sure what time the mass will be over, Devlin followed his gut instinct and waited for them at the cathedral’s entrance. It was only 8 am and based on what the parishioners he saw milling about, the 7:30 mass hasn’t been concluded yet. He was able to park near the entrance considering it was nearly full. At 8:35, he saw people coming out and as soon as he saw Fidelo’s tall form emerging, he honked. Fidelo was surprised to see the Bentley and thinking it was Ali, he ushered the cousins towards it. He realized his mistake as soon as he opened the passenger seat door. Wanting to save the ladies the hassle of riding in a cab, he just gave Devlin a jaunty grin. As much as Devlin wanted Mabel to sit beside him, he just nodded to Fidelo. Better keep the rival nearer, he thought. He was happier to have Mabel and Ami behind them rather than having Fidelo sitting next to either of the cousins. 

     “Thanks Devlin, you didn’t have to come fetch us as we wanted to go to Al Wahda Mall and then Yas Mall after.”

     “No worries Ami, I thought I’d pick you up as I wanted to have a stroll around as well. I hope you don’t mind me joining you.”

     “We don’t mind as it meant we will be saving our money commuting. We hope you don’t mind playing our driver?” replied Mabel cheekily.

     “I wouldn’t mind playing your driver for today ladies and gentleman. Just make sure you feed me when I get hungry. I can’t drive on an empty stomach, you know.”

     “And here I thought rich boy would treat us to breakfast and lunch.” butt in Fidelo.

     “Well, depends.”

     “On what?” all three heads turned to him.

     “If Mabel would agree to have a date with me before the cruise.”

     Mabel was flummoxed and so she said the only thing she has in mind. “Well, nevermind, then, we’ll just buy our own food.”

     “Yes, cuz, come on, just a harmless date and think of all the yummy steak we could eat at that steak house in Yas Mall. Just thinking about it makes my tummy growl in anticipation.”

     “Ami, throwing me over for steaks?”

     “Well, maybe he’ll treat us to the Cheesecake Factory as well.” 

     “Well then, if he promises that, then I will go on a date with him. Harmless date, though, remember Devlin?”

     “On my honor, Mabel but no chaperones, no Ami, no Ali, no Mansour and definitely, no Fidelo. No offense Spaniard.” Devlin turned to Fidelo who gave a quite sour expression.

     “Will you be okay with that, mi Amor Mabel?”

     “I am fine Fidelo and do please stop calling me your heart. You will find your true love later on. “

     “Ahh you hurt my feelings, mi Amor. But if you feel okay with American here, sure, no problem.” 

      By the time they arrived at the mall, Ami was hungry as usual and they went for breakfast at a Filipino fast food restaurant at the mall extension’s food court. Although it wasn’t part of the deal, Devlin paid for their food. He will buy anything if it means getting Mabel to spend some time with him, alone. He doesn’t plan to do anything ungentlemanly, but if opportunity knocks for him to score positive points, he’ll do anything possible. When they were done, Mabel wanted to go check the bookstore in the mall. Fidelo was automatically by her side that Devlin did not hide his irritation. Mabel was also irritated, she flirts with Fidelo occasionally but at the moment, she wanted him lost. She couldn’t help comparing the two men. Although she wants to avoid Devlin, she finds his company exciting and fun especially when he teases her. When Fidelo spotted someone he thought he knew, he left Mabel’s side for a while giving Devlin an opening which he took immediately. He didn’t hold her hand as much as he wanted to, he intentionally brushed his fingers with hers though feeling the electric shock that went through both of their bodies. He knew she felt it too because he heard her sudden intake of breath before casually linking her arm with Ami. Although she was wearing sneakers, he still liked the minimal difference in their heights. He didn’t have to look down so much and she did not have to tilt her head very much as well. He was itching to put his arms around her shoulders to announce to the world that this woman is his but he knew it isn’t the time yet. He’ll take it slow and steady. Fidelo was disappointed to see that his spot next to Mabel’s was taken but he couldn’t complain as he left her side. He likes flirting with the woman but he could see that the American is not someone to trifle with. He heard that once he sets his eyes on something, he’ll do everything in his power to get it and it looks like Mabel is one of those he wanted. Although Fidelo likes Mabel and is attracted to her, he does not feel any chemistry between them and at the moment staying on the American’s good side is better for him. Who knew when they would both need each other’s backs protected? While they were on their way to the bookstore, he kept a steady string of chatters. Devlin was not paying any attention to him though as he was busy noticing how Mabel was attracting attention from other males and he hated it. He would probably be okay with it when she is truly his. It surprises him how possessive he is of her when he was never possessive of anyone or anything before. He is yet to define these feelings Mabel evokes in him. Upon reaching the bookstore, he didn’t stray away from the cousins not wanting to relinquish his spot next to Mabel. When she found her book, she let out a squeal of delight that amused him. She clutched the book to her chest but when she looked at the back, she frowned and put the book back on the shelf. Intrigued, Devlin waited for the ladies to turn their backs on the shelf before he picked up the paperback. He smiled when he saw what caused Mabel to frown. For such a historical romance, it was kind of pricey for a working woman like her. He picked it up and surreptitiously paid for it at the counter. He asked the cashier to gift wrap the book. He discreetly tucked the book under his arm and waited for the ladies to emerge from the bookshop. Mabel was still unsmiling and kept looking at the shelf with longing in her eyes. Wanting to distract her, Devlin strode towards them and gave her a gentle tap on her lip and got the desired effect. Mabel threw him a dagger look before masking it with a smile when she noticed her cousin looking at them both. Devlin grinned at her, caught her arm and linked it with Ami’s. It did not escape him that Mabel seemed disappointed when he did not place her arm to his but to her cousin’s. He was satisfied with what he was seeing so far. I’ll get you soon, Mabel, he thought.

     Although Mabel was disappointed, she was still grateful because at least she won’t feel beholden to him in some way. She still felt sad because she did not get the book she wanted. It was so pricey to her own thinking, she’d rather use the money to buy her nephews gifts. That thought comforted her enough that she asked if they are ready to go to Yas Mall. 

     “Yes, let’s go!” cried an overly ecstatic Ami. 

     “I am surprised that loverboy Ali did not accompany you, ladies.”

     “Ohh, he wants to but he has a very important thing to attend to. He’ll be back in time for the cruise. Quit talking,let’s go, shall we?”

     “All right ladies, your wish is my command.” Devlin bowed with a flourish which earned him an amused smile from Mabel.

     “You are so adorable, Devlin.” she managed to say with a grin. Devlin blushed this time.

     On their way to Yas Mall, nobody was talking much. The cousins were busy watching a video on Mabel’s phone while Fidelo was quite silent beside Devlin. Devlin did not mind the silence as he was busy planning how best to convince Mabel to work for him part time.He was also wondering why she landed in the UAE when her family seems to be living quite comfortably in the Philippines. There are just puzzle pieces to her that he was intrigued by

     As they entered the mall, they encountered a family of three, the father, the young mother and a tiny baby. As Devlin was busy studying Mabel, he saw her longing glance at the baby before she masked her reaction. He noticed the pain in her eyes as she averted her gaze and as subtle as it was, he saw her caress her tummy with her trembling hand. Just what happened to you, Mabel? He thought. As if trying to distract herself, she tweaked Fidelo’s ear before she ran towards Ami’s side. In two long strides, Fidelo caught her and tweaked her ear in return. As Mabel swatted his hand away, Devlin couldn’t feel but be jealous of the interactions. As sudden as it started though, Mabel frowned at Fidelo and blurted out

     “Ouch, that’s not fair Fidelo. Your touch hurts.”

     “I am sorry Mabel but you started it.” Mabel scowled at him some more and regally walked ahead of them. Ami rushed to her cousin’s side and soon she engaged her in a conversation. When Fidelo tried to rush after them, Devlin stopped him. 

     “I should kick your ass for that Spaniard but as I do not want to be rude to you I will let it pass but be warned, should you try to touch her again, I will have your head. Do you understand?” He did not hide his annoyance. Fidelo just nodded and knew when he was defeated. The two men just trailed the ladies and Devlin couldn’t help appreciating the swaying hips and ass of Mabel. He had to rein in himself though because watching her body parts causes some part of his anatomy to grow larger and throb in want. Although he was wearing jeans, he couldn’t afford to have his arousal be on display. The cousins don’t seem to be like the other women though, they did not stay and linger in every shop, they just went to shops selling shoes and when the prices were not to their liking, they stepped out. All of a sudden, the ladies picked up their pace and when Devlin looked ahead, he smiled. Trust Ami to lead them straight to lunch.

     “My goodness Ami, I wonder where all the food you eat goes. It felt like we only had our meal earlier and yet you’re hungry already?”

     “If you want to gain my favor Devlin, you won’t complain, otherwise I will keep my cousin away from you for good. Do you think I won’t do it? Do not dare me.”

     “I will take heed if I were you American. Ami takes dares seriously. “

     “Oh really? Well, I do not back down from dares or challenges either.’

     “Oh please! Interjected Mabel. “Who cares about dares and challenges, shall we just go in and eat?”

     “Your wish is my command.” answered Devlin executing a mock bow and ushering them in with his arm. Mabel rolled her eyes at him but stepped inside anyway. Devlin imagined her rolling her eyes for a different reason and then silently chastised himself. This is not the time and place for such thoughts but then Mabel’s swaying hips caught his attention again. Is the woman deliberately bedevilling him? He has no idea but both he and Fidelo followed them in. True to her word, Ami ordered her favorite T-bone steak with lots of veggies and mashed potatoes on the side. Mabel ordered the same but with lesser sides. Before everyone was able to get a nibble, Ami’s plate was almost halfway gone. 

     “For goodness’s sake cuz, slow down. This is not an eating competition, have pity on us mere hungry mortals.”

     “It’s not my fault that you eat like Victorian-era ladies and gentlemen. Eat like you mean it, not eat like you are being watched for faults. I am just famished after all that walking. Say, can we go to the Cheesecake Factory after here and then Ikea maybe?”

     “Do you plan to buy some furniture from Ikea?”

     “No, silly. I want a sausage sandwich and coffee.”

     “We are still eating cuz and all you wanted is to eat again? Where do you put all the food?”

     “I am always hungry, cousin. It goes to my tummy and out the back door. Now eat up so we can have dessert.”

     "I for one would like a cheesecake so we better hurry before this hungry predator would eat us all for dessert.”

     Everybody laughed except Ami who just snickered. After their lunch, contrary to what Ami wanted, they strolled a bit more looking at shop windows and commenting on whatever they saw. Devlin was amused by Ami’s comments and Mabel’s counter comments when it came to women’s dresses. 

     “Why do they call dresses frocks and others dresses? Don’t they mean the same thing? They all look like dresses to me.”

     “Well actually, nowadays frocks are less used. We just refer to dresses as dresses although for those with the English influence, you’ll probably hear it more.” supplied Devlin.

     “No wonder you partnered with the Al Fahezi’s for Farinah’s House of Fashion. You must be very knowledgeable with different kinds of female dresses.”

     “Am sure.” scoffed Mabel. “What with all the legions of his lovers or mistresses even”

     “You must hate me so much Mabel, I do not have legions of lovers nor mistresses. You wound me with your words.”

     “Come on Mr. Devlin, I don’t believe you never had lovers, I think I heard of a certain Russian boutique owner in the US.”

     “Shut up Spaniard, do not say things you have no knowledge of.”

     “Wow, why so defensive? It means you’re guilty. I think I believe Mr. Spaniard here.”

     Fidelo fairly glowed from Mabel’s agreement of his statement. He reached for her hand and caressed it but Mabel snatched it back and quickly too. 

     “You’re going too far, Spaniard, I did not give you permission to touch me. “

     “I apologize Mabel.You made me happy, that’s why.”

     “Enough chatting,can we go to the Cheesecake Factory and get our dessert, then Ikea”

     “Ohh Ami, you and your tummy.” Mabel chuckled and so did the two gentlemen. 

     Mabel was having a good time because she was with her cousin and having Devlin with them was a blessing as they were saved from hours of commuting. They indulged Ami’s hungry belly and were rewarded with an Ami out of melancholy. Overall, the day went well for everyone except Devlin wanted more of Mabel’s time alone with him so he was looking forward to the promised date before the cruise.