“Question, Ray. When we go on our trip, why do I have to go through security?” said La Flor.
“Are you speaking about you and your two groupies?” I asked.
“No, I am speaking about the trip you and I are taking,” said La Flor matter of factly.
“I am going solo. Alone. Traveling with only those who fly with me, which does not include you, Little Carmen, or TT.”
“The way I see it, Ray. You’re wrong. Incorrecto. Mistaken. Try again, you had two choices and the one you chose does not work,” said La Flor laying out three suitcases.
“Give me one, only one good reason why I should let you accompany me on my trip,” I said.
“Oh please. Only one good reason?”
“Yes, and it better be solid gold. A reason every sane person on the planet would agree as perfect,” I said as I put protein bars in my backpack.
“You’re not packing protein bars for a trip? How awful. To begin with, they taste horrible. The only reason to eat them is to let people think you eat healthily. While you’re at it, why don’t you stuff some kale and spinach leaves in your backpack.”
“I would but I can’t take EVOO on the plane. Don’t change the subject. You haven’t given me one good, solid gold reason for taking you along.”
“I’m going to give you three reasons. Will that satisfy you? said La Flor.
“They better be good,” I said.
“You can’t live without me,” a smug smile on La Flor’s face. Before I could answer, she added, “And, if you try, I’ll find you. I have alt ego friends at BookIt, Jetsetter, and Trivago. You can’t escape. I’ll have your photo plastered all over Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.”
“Are you threatening me?” I asked.
“No. I’m using the third rule of power persuasion.”
“Which is, La Flor?” I asked.
“If they don’t agree to your idea, give them an alternative that makes the idea sound great.”
“Where did you learn that?”
“LC’s uncle Carmen. He said it a little differently. But, I’m nice,” said La Flor.
“You’re not going to give me any peace until I say yes, am I right?” I asked.
“I promise I’ll be good. I won’t create a scene. I’ll stay in the background. You won’t have to worry about me.”
La Flor has a way of wearing me down, “You’ll have to go through TSA security. No check-in luggage and I get the window seat,” I said.
La Flor turned away from me, “Boys, he agreed. We’re going on vacation.”
From the adjoining room, two voices in acapella, one soprano, the other baritone said, “Thank you beautiful, tough, and edgy persuader.”