The Greatest Lie Part 17

"Dubai in two hours ten." Although it was luxurious and fast, with a range of only 4,000 miles the Gulfstream IV was not up for a nonstop Bangkok to Lucerne run. But I savored every moment as a deferral of my inevitable confrontation with my father. Prednisone fueled my anxiety I would do without. I was relieved when Lizette stirred and spoke.

"God, I feel awful. Can you get me a glass of water?"

I handed her a chilled Evian, and she took a sip. Lizette said, "God, I dreamed about this Evian a thousand times. It's so good it makes me forget how bad I feel.

"I wish I had a potion that would make me forget my troubles, too"

Lizette took another swig. "Why are you so glum? At least you are out of Thailand and headed back to civilization."

"I am dreading a most unwelcome family reunion," I said. "My father is the research director at IDS."

"So you are related to the famous Dr. Rios. My sister Sophie never told me I had a sister-in-law. Or are you a niece?"

"It's a long story. My father and I are not close. In fact, we don't speak."

"She mentioned he had an estranged son, but" Lizette stopped short. "It's you, isn't it?"

"Congratulations, you're the first person ever to clock me."

"It's not the way you look or act: I just reasoned it out. Don't worry. You look, well, better than perfect." She whispered, "sotto voce," "Nancee, too?"

I nodded, as my sleeping friend emitted a most unladylike snore.

"I can't wait to get well, so I can get to know you better. I'd like to know a girl who was once a boy. Do you like girls and boys?"

"I like some girls, and some boys. I think I'll like you when you are healthy and well again."

She clasped my hand in hers and pulled it toward her tiny breasts. "I must be getting better, because for the first time in days, I'm feeling, how do you call it, horny."