Questions, More Questions, Matchmaker
Salim wasn’t sure whether he was annoyed or secretly grateful that Zain went all the way to Camp Slayer to find Jason. It was such a big risk and Zain could have been captured or hurt. Then again, Salim had been thinking of Jason and missing him, and Zain must have picked up on that.
It was still a little surreal having the American in his living room talking with his son. Salim listened to their conversation as he set about making tea for Zain and coffee for himself and Jason.
“So your dad told me you’re going to university in London.”
“Yes. I’ll be studying mythology. I can hardly wait! The House of Ashes proves that some of those stories are true!”
“You look just like your dad when you get excited,” Jason noted with a tone of amusement. “You shoulda seen him when we were down there. We found this weird-ass communication device and his whole face lit up when he talked about how it worked.”
“Jason,” Zain began. He was quiet for a moment before continuing: “Why did you and Baba separate?” The question made Salim’s heart skip a beat. His son had picked up on a lot, it seemed.
“Because he woulda been treated as a fuckin’ prisoner of war. I couldn’t let that happen.” Salim was listening with such focus that the kettle whistling startled him. He hurried to take it off and pour the tea. The two had fallen silent and when he joined them he found them sitting on pillows waiting. Salim’s eyes gravitated to Jason’s face first before moving on to his son’s.
“Sit here, Baba,” Zain instructed, pointing to a pillow next to Jason. If Salim didn’t know any better, he would think his son was doing this on purpose. He sat and handed out the drinks. Jason took one sip and nearly spat it back out again.
“Goddamn, that is some strong shit.” He took another sip anyway, of course. Salim smiled fondly and sipped his own coffee. “You got a real cozy home here,” Jason spoke up. “Very warm and light.” He leaned close enough that his shoulder nudged Salim’s. “I’m glad I came by.”
“So am I.” Their eyes met and Salim felt a pleasant thrill move through his body. Jason was so handsome… He blinked and turned his gaze away.
“I’m going to start on dinner!” Zain announced, rising to his feet. The two men watched as he headed into the kitchen.
“You get the impression he’s tryin’ to leave us alone?” Jason wondered.
“Yes, that was exactly my thought. He’s never volunteered to make dinner before.” Salim took another sip of coffee to hide some of his embarrassment. How obvious must he have been for Zain to orchestrate all this?
“He’s got this idea that you and I…” Jason trailed off and when Salim looked at him, he saw the younger man was blushing. “Was he wrong?” Jason asked nervously. Salim’s heart skipped another beat. Without meaning to he leaned in a little closer.
He had been terrified while in the House of Ashes, but this was another kind of fear entirely. His hand trembled as he rested it over Jason’s.
“No. He wasn’t wrong.”
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