“So, I’m still not getting it,” Jordan said as he watched Carmine carry in a bag and a box. “Why are we supposed to get our bags and stuff ready for the trip when it’s a month away?”
“When was the last time you went on a world trip?” Carmine asked. “Not counting military arrangements.”
“I went country hoping with a few of my bomb squad buddies,” Jordan laughed. Those were amusing memories.
“Let me rephrase my question,” Carmine grinned. “When was the last time you went backpacking into uncharted jungle as part of a world trip?”
“And military assignments don’t count again?” Jordan asked. “Though, I think I do get your point. Trekking through uncharted jungle with supplies and weapons is not exactly a vacation. But still, why are we getting ready now? I mean, I’ve got a wedding that is supposed to happen a week before. Which, by the way, thanks for agreeing to watch Tech during the honeymoon.”
“I’ll just be checking up on him a few times. He’ll be fine on his own.”
Jordan nodded in agreement and watched Carmine start rifling through his bags. Carmine could have done all his prep work in his apartment, but with the wedding getting closer Carmine had opted to spend more time in the lobby. After hearing tales of crazy in-laws from some of his buddies, Jordan was really grateful to have someone like Carmine as a brother-in-law. Jordan still felt nervous around the rest of Vire’s family and it was a bit of relief when Carmine was there those few times. It was just that the family seemed so formal.
“You’re pretty easy to read sometimes,” Carmine said, interrupting Jordan’s thoughts.
“Oh, really?” Jordan laughed.
“You know, they’re trying really hard to impress you and not scare you away,” Carmine explained. “And so are you. Which is the entire problem. How many times do I have to tell you to just relax around them?”
“Only about fifty million more times.”
“Their youngest married me,” Carmine laughed. “They have Vire as a daughter, and the others all have their own brand of unusual. Trust me. It’s hilarious when they get going.”
“You keep telling me that, but…why do you have a machete?” Jordan’s original comment was completely forgotten as he started at the long blade that Carmine was carefully examining.
“Backpacking through uncharted jungles,” Carmine said calmly. “Looks like it needs to be sharpened before the trip.”
“Are we seriously backpacking through uncharted jungles?”
“Yes and no,” Carmine admitted. “It’s just always a good thing to have.”
“How did my mom manage to get through an uncharted jungle that requires a machete?” Jordan demanded.
“I got some friends to help. I already told you this.”
“I know,” Jordan sighed. “It’s just kind of strange seeing a nice guy like you waving a machete around.”
Carmine laughed and went back to examining his giant blade. Jordan knew his future brother-in-law had a gun and new a little bit about combat, but it still was weird to him each time. He had actually talked with Vire about it, and she had even admitted that there was a lot that the family knew they did not know about Carmine. The only person who had known all of Carmine’s secrets was Vire’s sister. Still, Vire had mentioned that Carmine was opening up more since his wife’s death.
Jordan watched as his near psychic friend continued sorting through various objects. There were a lot of papers, most with phone numbers and addresses, and Carmine was carefully going through and making a new list. With a sigh, Jordan pushed himself up from the lobby couch and decided to go and get his bag ready for the trip. He studied some of the other things that Carmine had spread out, wondering what extra stuff he should pack.
“Plan like it’s a military excursion,” Carmine suggested without looking up. “And don’t worry about customs. I’ve got all the travel arrangements handled.”
Wow. Did I know Carmine had been married? I knew that, didn't I? At the very beginning?
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