Chapter Twenty -Three: My Cousin's wife!

There were a couple of neon signs blazing over the bar, and the bar was simply somewhat lit. The fragrance of old tobacco smoke and lager swirled into the atmosphere.

Raymond and the man Emma had run into at the club, Brian, were finding a seat at a table in one corner nursing their beverages. Brain had beautiful black hair and a thick beard. He was a tall, strong, and attractive man.

Brian took a drink of his beer and stated to Raymond, "It's funny how Emma doesn't know me anymore."

Years had passed since Brian last saw Emma, his childhood friend. They had grown up together, but his family moved to England when he was eight years old because of his father's job.

Brian and Emma had not spoken for years. It was difficult to stay in touch because of the time difference and the cost of international phone calls. But Brian pondered about her often, and he always wondered how she was doing.

Now, after all these years, Brian was making a business trip back to New York. Upon reaching the airport, he couldn't resist thinking about Emma. Would she be residing in New York City still? Would she remember him?

As Raymond, his longtime friend from England, landed in New York, he met him at the airport. At the airport, Brian and Raymond had a nice reunion. It seemed as if no time had passed since they had last seen one other years before. The two boys needed to make up a lot of ground. Brian showed Raymond a photo of Emma, the girl he used to have a crush on, while they caught up. In response, he said he was trying to get in contact with her again after losing contact.

Raymond identified the girl in the picture as Emma, the woman who was supposed to wed Jason, his cousin. Even so, he was unsure.

************

Raymond remarked, "I think I recognize her," his voice tinged with horror as he continued to stare at the picture. "She looks like Emma, my cousin's wife."

With a beating heart, Brian froze. Is it, in fact, her? Is Emma the same person? Still maintaining his composure, he said, "Your cousin's wife? "Is Emma Miller her name?"

Raymond muttered, "That's right," as his eyes narrowed. "Are you familiar with her?

Brian paused, attempting to come up with a response. He didn't want to lie, but he also didn't want to reveal too much. "She's an old friend," he eventually said. "I've been trying to find her again, but we lost touch a long time ago."

The flashback ended.

************

Brian knew she was married, but he still pushed for a hook-up. He had missed her so much that he really wanted to see her again. He was interested in her current appearance and level of maturity. Even still, the knowledge that she was already married broke his heart.

Emma seldom left Jason's estate and spent much of her time indoors, so it wasn't easy for Raymond to establish a connection between her and Brian.

The only reason they were fortunate to run into her at the club was chance.

Raymond gulped down his drink and said, "You finally have the chance to be with her one on one and she doesn't recognize you."

"Perhaps she simply didn't look closely enough," Brian thought, feeling a little disappointed. "Or maybe I'm not as memorable as I thought I was."

Raymond responded with a "nah, you're plenty memorable," tapping his friend on the shoulder. But maybe all she's been thinking about is a lot. You are aware of the extent of her struggles at the hands of my cousin Jason.

Brian had a somewhat happier response, saying, "Yeah, maybe you're right." "You know, I just wish she had recognized me."

After taking another sip of his drink, Raymond paused to reflect. "I've got an idea," he said, his face sporting a cunning smile. "What if we made plans for you to 'accidentally' cross paths with her once more? Perhaps in the same bar where you previously encountered her? If she notices you in the same place, she will most likely begin to make connections. How do you feel?"

As Brian gave the idea some thinking, a glimmer of hope appeared in his chest. "That could work," he said with enthusiasm in his voice. "How could we bring it about?"

"It's easy," Raymond said with assurance. "I am aware of her and Jason's social circles and their itinerary. We should simply show up at the suitable general setting. At the point when they come, I'll ensure you're there, and from that point onward, we'll simply need to keep a watch out."

Brian felt his heart quicken. "It's risky," he said, a bit shakily. What happens if Jason spots me? He may not like the idea of my getting close to his wife."

Raymond gave a headshake. Assuring everyone, "Don't worry about that," he remarked.

With a soothing tone, Raymond added, "Just leave it to me." "I can assure you that you are safe since I know my cousin. I'll be watching him the whole time, and I'll set up a diversion if I sense that he's becoming suspicious. I promise to keep you secure.

Breathing deeply, Brian allowed Raymond's words to settle in. At last, he gave a nod. "All right," he responded with a forceful tone. "Let's do it."

Raymond smiled. Fantastic, he said. "Let's get the plan underway."