Sasha Chapter 13 - Alicia and Old Friends
A couple of days after her library voyeurism, and her adventure with Midori, and Dr. G, Sasha's mother Alicia arrived. They were happy to see each other in person - online did not cut it for some things. Alicia had insisted on a hotel away from the university because she wanted comfort and not a college flat. Sasha could not argue that this was not a great idea, and they got a room at the Hôtel Armand Geneva that was historic but highly renovated for comfort in the rooms and suites.
The Hôtel Armand was quite luxurious - the suite had a living area larger than Sasha's apartment. The bedrooms were also huge, with king beds, ensuites, and there was a shared hot tub just outside the bedroom doors. Sasha did not ask about the cost. If her mom was into the expense, who was she to argue?
Sasha was glad she chose Bisto des Fleurs for dinner. She was known there. The maître-di, Henri got them her favorite window table and asked about René. Sasha informed him that René was in Copenhagen for at least a week. "
C'est domage, mademoiselle - mais dans vous les cas, votre table préférée est prête.
"
"
Votre soeur, mademoiselle Sasha?"
he asked, kissing Alicia's hand. The women laughed at the corny humor and the faux surprise on finding that they were mother and daughter. It was a debonair classic, after all. Soon they were seated at a window table overlooking the historic tableau of an old European street.
As they sat over oysters and Chablis at Sasha's, Alicia grilled Sasha with typical mom questions about school, Hannah, and, of course, René. Sasha danced around the last one a bit, but Alicia pried the situation out of her daughter. Sasha knew she really could tell her mother anything.
"You know, it's fine if you are in love and not sure what that means. You're young - and I think very mature in your thinking. Sounds like he may be as well."
"Well, we did agree on Hannah's hall pass idea. I just like knowing that we are seen as a pair. I hope he does too. There's a lot of fun we can have if we are secure together but able to explore together - or on breaks." Sasha thought about her recent voyeur experience, and how she and Dr. G had helped Midori get over her ugly break up.
"A lot of adults struggle with this Sasha. You are open to new experiences, and that's what youth is for. Even when you say you find this Ellie sexually appealing, you probably see a bit through René's eyes. But, if it is about who is the anchor, René told you. You were cool. He'll see that."
"That's what I hope, at least."
"If he doesn't get you, he doesn't deserve you."
"I haven't thought about other men. Really. But I have slept with Hannah - and she has a loyal girlfriend. All four of us are cool with that. Seeing that bold Pierre last night did make me really horny. I keep imagining his cock. And Dr. G's."
"You can only wait and see for some things, kiddo." She squeezed her daughter's hand. "Oh. waiter's coming."
Sasha's eyes grew moist. "Kiddo" was what her dad always called her, and Alicia had kept using it after he disappeared over the Pacific years ago. She thought it would always spark a memory for Sasha. She was correct. Whenever she said it - which wasn't always - happy images were sparked from Sasha's memories.
They ordered entrées, and Alicia ordered a very expensive bottle of wine. The wine arrived first, and they sipped as they talked more.
"I'm moving to Sydney," Alicia told her daughter after more conversation.
"Why? You never said anything before about this."
"It will take months, but... market concerns. And I miss it a lot. Still, a house near the beach like we used to have may be tough. Everywhere is so expensive now."
"Isn't Shanghai cool anymore?" Sasha remembered the Euro/American/Aussie enclave she had lived in there, sort of a city within the city, approved of by the government. It was awfully nice, and there was a lot to do.
"Well... governments, business, friends, et cetera."
" I see."
"Well, I want a place where you can actually have a place, too. Later. And I am selling a lot of my business interests and focusing on investment and securities. Financial stuff."
"Makes sense. And thanks for thinking about me in the equation. Shanghai is nice, but my memories of Sydney from when I was small - with Dad..."
"Me too, kiddo. Me too." A memory of a beach and warm ocean water and leaping into her dad's arms rose in Sasha's mind, the evaporated as the waiter approached.
The waiter arrived with the usual immaculately presented entrées. "I hope all will be satisfactory," he said.
It was.
They had not talked much about Sasha possibly going to a different school, but when the subject came up, Alicia was much in favor of Vancouver.
"It's beautiful there. And I have good friends there - Alina and Mike Smith. I hope you don't mind, but I spoke to them about your potential travel plans."
"I haven't fully decided..."
" I know. But it's expensive to live there, and they have this gorgeous, huge home. They actually met you when you were really small, so you wouldn't remember."
"I don't. But still, would they have space?" Sasha's interest was piqued.
"Darling, their house is so big, you could spend six months there and only cross paths once or twice by accident. They are rock solid people. And they have had international students before. Except, in this case, they just offered straight up."
"Wow!"
"You can visit in the spring, then come to Australia for a bit, and return in the fall for school if you like it. Think about it. It will mean you have gone all the way around the world this year."
Sasha was not going to argue at this happy coincidence. They talked some more before strolling arm in arm back to the hotel.
Checking in was a very handsome Polynesian man about her mother's age, and a much younger version of him who looked to be about Sasha's age. They looked quite familiar.
When Alicia saw him, she went right over. "Makoa!" She said.
"Alicia!" He seemed quite happy to see her, and they hugged and gave each other a peck on the cheeks.
"And this must be little Kele!" She laughed. "Not so little anymore. So much like your dad, but I see a bit of Akela in you too." She took the bewildered young man's hands and gave him a peck on both cheeks as well.
