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"Drake the Rake?" I said and laughed, turning to Drake expectantly. Drake draped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me against him, grinning widely.
"That was his nickname for me when we worked together a couple of years ago."
I smiled at Michael, surprised he'd bring up something so personal, especially about Drake's past. Then, Claire walked up and smiled at me, extending her hand. Her smile was wide but it didn't seem to reach her eyes, as if she was evaluating me. We shook while Michael introduced Claire as his wife of nearly twenty-five years, whom he met in college in London.
"We met in a philosophy class on Heidegger," Claire said, her own British accent impeccable. "Back when Michael was still a rebellious son trying to be anything but a doctor, the way his father wanted and expected."
"Sounds familiar," I said, remembering that Drake had tried to avoid a career in medicine as well. "Drake studied psychology before he became a surgeon." I turned to Michael. "Philosophy is a long way from neurosurgery. How did you end up studying the brain?"
"The philosopher is obsessed with the theory of the mind; the neurosurgeon with the brain. It's actually a very easy jump."
I nodded and the four of us made our way to their car, which was parked outside the exit. While Michael
loaded our suitcases into the trunk of the black Mercedes, Drake opened my door. He leaned closer and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Drake the Rake, hmm?" I said quietly when he pulled away.
His eyes twinkled. "Michael's exaggerating of course."
"You must have been seen as a rake, for it to be your nickname, though."
He grinned. "I was notorious. But Michael had better stop telling tales or he'll scare you off."
"Not likely," I said. "Drake the Rake is pretty mild, considering the other nicknames you have."
"It is mild. And I'm the farthest thing from a rake now. I'm a committed monogamist soon-to-be newly-wed husband."
Once we were all in the car, Michael drove off, merging into the traffic on Mombasso Road expressway with an ease I couldn’t imagine ever developing.
"You know, Katherine," Michael said. "When I first heard that you'd broken poor Drake's heart back in December and he wanted to come to Kenya to escape, I was so happy for myself and for our hospital, although of course I felt bad for Drake. I'm very glad you two worked things out because I was feeling very guilty that my happiness came at Drake's expense."
"I'm glad as well."
Drake turned to me and squeezed my hand.
"How is that young son of yours?" Claire said, turning to face us from the front seat. "We were so surprised to get the news, and so worried for you about his diagnosis. Your last email said that he was doing well, that the graft was taking and he was improving."
"He's doing very well. I wouldn’t have left if there was any doubt, but they'll keep a close eye on him for the next weeks and months."
"We didn't expect that you were bringing Kate with you, you bad boy. You never told us that in your emails!" Claire looked back at me, a tight smile on her lips. "He kept the fact you two reconciled a secret. We only found out a few days ago. Imagine our surprise that you were back together."
Drake held my hand up. "And engaged."
Claire smiled, but I couldn't help but think the smile was forced, as if she didn't really feel happy about it.
"And engaged?" she added and hit Michael's shoulder. "Did you know this? Why didn’t you tell me?" She turned back to us. "How quick was that?!"
Drake smiled and shrugged. "Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner about Kate, but I was pretty preoccupied with Liam for the past month so I wasn’t thinking about coming here," Drake said to her. Then, he turned back to Michael. "You didn't have to pick us up," he said. "We could have taken a taxi to the hotel."
"Nonsense," Michael said, shaking his head. "The driver would take you all over the place to extend his fare and then give you the wrong change. Claire and I are only too pleased to give you a ride to the hotel. I hope you're not too tired, because we have the new student – faculty mixer tonight at the faculty club. I thought we'd go, and Drake could meet the new students and a few of the residents, have a glass of wine and some appetizers. Then we'll take you out for some good street food, and give you a proper introduction to Nairobi."
Drake turned to me and took my hand. "What do you think? Are you up to it?
I smiled, trying to look pleased, but I was tired.
"Of course we can go. Don't want to keep you from your students."
Claire turned to face us from the front seat. "Oh, by the way, Drake, you'll never guess who decided to come back to Nairobi for specialization in pediatric neurosurgery."
