Free Road to Casablanca by Leah Leonard Page B

most welcome.   It looks great on you.”
    “Thanks.”
    They sat in silence for a moment looking out over the thick patio walls and into the arid valley below.   Lush tropical vegetation hugged the walls of the hotel and filled the grounds, but judging by the barren view beyond it, Cindy could see these were planted and tended to by the hotel and not a natural part of the landscape.   Nevertheless, it was a stunning view.
      “I think you’ll really like what’s coming tonight.   We’ve got a big dinner with the Jibades at nine and a party afterwards. I think you will be really impressed.”
    “Is that what the dress is for?”
    “Yes, there will be lots of celebrities around here for the next few days, and I want you to fit right in.”
    “Thanks.   I really enjoyed being fitted for the gown.   The silks are amazing.   I think the woman really knew what she was doing.”
    “Well she better.   She’s fitting for a lot of the folks from Hollywood today.”
    “I’m sure I will put it to good use.”
    “Oh it’s only one of many you’ll get. The week has just started here.   The big events and the awards aren’t happening until this weekend.”
    Cindy didn’t fully understand what he meant.   Surely a dress like that could be worn at least twice on a trip like this one.
    “I could always wear it again later, toward the end of the week.”
    “No, not for these parties you won’t.   I want you to have something new every time you step out of our—I mean your —room.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “You know, you really are something.   You really are different than other people I’ve met.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I mean that if what you are saying is true, then I probably owe you a big apology for the things I said earlier.   They were out of line.   You don’t seem to be an overly materialistic woman out for my money.”
    “I’m…not, Erick.   I am really happy just to be here.   I don’t expect those kinds of things.”
    “I get that about you.   I do, and believe me, it means a lot.”
    “You have to understand something about me, Erick.   I grew up on a farm with sisters and hand-me-downs.   This…is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
    “I forgot you’re not the world traveler you claimed to be on your paperwork, huh?”
    “Hey, I didn’t lie.   I said exotic and overseas sounded neat, but that didn’t mean I’d ever experienced it before.”
    They both laughed as the platter was taken away and replaced by a fresh pot of tea and a wide array of delicate pastries.
    “You know, the more I think of that, the more fun it makes this trip.   I can actually do things for you, show you things, new things that you seem to appreciate…”
    “I do!”
    “Do you have any idea how sexy that is for me?   It makes me feel good to do for someone who appreciates me.”
    “I’m glad.   Oh, and one more thing.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Do I really have to pretend to be your wife the whole time we’re here?”
    “Well, yes, if you could I would appreciate it.”
    “Not meaning to pry, but why is that?”
    Cindy watched Erick stuff a jelly roll into his mouth and his eyes wander over the valley as if he was preparing his response.
    “I...that’s why you’re here.   I need someone with me because this is, let’s just say, a very traditional society.   It helps my business to be seen in the same light, if you get my meaning.”
    She didn’t, but realized it was too soon to expect him to tell her more than that.   She would have to gain his trust and that might take another few hours, or another day.  
    “Okay, but pretty soon, you will have to trust me if you expect me to help you.   You know that, right?”
    “Yes.”
    “Why is it you need a wife here, and more importantly, why me?”
    “The culture here is quite different than back in the U.S.   The people I am dealing with here are quite conservative and family-oriented. I want them to think we share a