Chapter 11- Concrete Jungle

As the plane cut through the darkened cotton candy clouds, Erick had his headphones on, engrossed in a movie. Samira was sound asleep, her head resting on Erick's broad shoulders. The movie playing was "Batman: The Dark Knight," and a scene featuring the iconic Joker interrupted Erick's focus. He acknowledged the line with enthusiasm, muttering, "Oh, what a line..."

However, their movie moment was abruptly disrupted by the pilot's voice over the speakers and the screens illuminating with a message: "Sorry, folks. We might experience some turbulence, so please remain in your seats. We'll be arriving in New York shortly. Thank you for flying with us."

The plane started shaking, and the sudden motion stirred Samira awake. In a drowsy state, she inquired, "Have we arrived yet?" Erick chuckled and replied, "No, we're still a few meters above sea level." He added with a sly grin, "But I can't wait to show you the places I frequented during my adventurous years."

Samira, teasing, responded, "So you're less adventurous now, huh? You're becoming an old man." A playful exchange ensued as Erick retaliated, "Oh, so I'm old now? Would an old man rock your world like I do?" Samira's giggles filled the air as she blushed.

Exiting the plane at JFK Airport and in search of a taxi to their hotel, Samira gazed out at the towering glass buildings and the bustling New York traffic. She couldn't resist starting to sing a few lines from the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys song, "New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do, how about New York?" Laughing, Erick urged her to stop, mentioning that it's better not to draw attention to themselves.

Their Italian cab driver, a man with silky hair, held a sign that read "Erick Robertson." They stored their luggage and Erivk couldn't resist teasing, "You were late." The Italian-American driver apologized and they embarked on their journey through the streets of New York.

Samira, still gazing at the streets outside, picked up her tune again and started singing, "These streets will make you feel brand new, there's nothing you can't do, how about New York?" Erick, while grinning, playfully told her to stop, which she did.

The taxi driver, with a smile, chimed in, "I guess it's someone's first time in New York; I give that spirit a week." Samira fell silent, and this silence lingered for some time.

Eventually, the driver informed them, "We are here, sir." They had arrived at their hotel, swiftly changed into formal attire, and were ready for the evening charity event. Samira helped Erick with his tie, and as they got dressed, she inquired, "What's the charity about?" Erick, looking slightly confused, replied, "Does it matter? What matters is that you're there. Let's go;." Samira agreed with a smile, "I guess so."

Upon their arrival at the charity event, they found themselves amidst a well-dressed crowd, including many individuals with athletic builds. As they entered, they were offered glasses of champagne.

Just as they were about to take their seats, a familiar figure approached from behind. "Here they are, the ones who spell 'rackets' with a 'q,'" the man said with a sly grin. Erick recognized him and smiled without turning around, "Irvine, how many times do I have to tell you that, that joke isn't funny?" As they met, they exchanged a unique signature hug. "It's good to see you, brother," Erick said.

Irvine turned to Samira, curious, "And who did you bring to the land of the free?" Samira, smiling, extended her hand, "I'm Samira, nice to meet you." Irvine gallantly kissed her hand and said, "Nice to meet you too, I'm Irvine, Erick's only friend." Samira playfully remarked, "Really? He hasn't mentioned you." Both Erick and Irvine laughed. Irvine with a grin" oh burn! I like her"

Irvine then spoke to Erick, "Congrats on the Wimbledon win, but I have to tell you now before you form any delusions, you have no chance here. You're going to get exposed."

Erick responded with a smile, "You say that as if we didn't go to the same academy." As Irvine walked away, he concluded, "That was the academy."