Alexander introduced Jenny to the headman of the nearest Mayan community, a fishing village a few miles away, and his entourage, who took some of the empty seats at the table and conversed with Alexander in their local language, which Alexander seemed to speak fluently. They all laughed, and Jenny felt a little awkward. They went on speaking in Mayan for a few minutes, occasionally looking at Jenny, occasionally laughing.
Jenny elbowed Alexander. “What are you talking about?”
“I apologize for talking business at dinner,” Alexander said. “We're in the middle of building a network of clinics to serve the local villages. Some are in desperate need of basic care. They will be free to the poor, cheap to those who can afford it, donations welcome.” He smiled.
“What's your part in that?” Jenny asked.
“I'm paying for it.”
“Oh. That's really nice of you.”
“Wait until you hear about the new village schools,” Alexander said. “The plan is to bring in the best of Western education, specifically science and math, languages and history, and I have some ideas about how to do this cheaply. The curriculum will also integrate detailed study of Mayan history and culture. I believe in helping to strengthen the local people in their struggle against the rule of Mexico City.”
Jenny had a million questions now, but he was pulled into a deep conversation with the men from the village.
Mayan musicians in bright woven costumes ornamented with tropical feathers played drums, flutes and a horn made from a conch shell, filling the party with fast-thumping music that attracted a number of party guests to dance. So far, most of the attendees were Mayan, and they wore a mixture of traditional and modern clothing.
The sun vanished into the ocean, the entire yard was lit only by candles. Costumed fire dancers performed to the music, swinging burning flames around themselves to create elaborate trace patterns in the air.
“What do you think?” Alexander asked, pouring Jenny a second glass of the spicy wine.
“This is amazing,” Jenny said, watching the musicians. Dancers in tall headdresses had joined them. One had two huge white wings made of real feathers, which fanned out from his back each time he raised an arm. “Is this some kind of holiday?”
“This is your welcome party,” Alexander said. “I brought everyone here to celebrate you. Still hate parties?”
“This one's pretty nice so far,” Jenny admitted. Not knowing any of the guests, or their language, actually put her at ease. All she could was smile and say, “Taal teelo,” a greeting she'd picked up.
“I have something for you.” Alexander placed a dark wooden box on the table in front of her, small enough that she could pick it up in one hand if she wanted. Its lid was engraved with a stylized image of a spotted jaguar with a squarish head and large teeth.
Jenny traced her finger over the carving. She tapped her fingers nervously on the little box. She was a little scared to see what he was offering.
“Go ahead,” Alexander said.
She slowly lifted the lid and set it aside. Inside, arranged on a bed of black velvet, was a silver bracelet wrought to look like a ring of Mayan skulls. Intricate little floral and geometrical glyphs were carved into each skull. The eyes were black opals with faint traces of blue and violet.
“Oh...” Jenny breathed. It was scary and beautiful all at once, overwhelming her. She felt her heart beating faster.
“You love it,” Alexander said.
Jenny couldn't take her eyes off the bracelet. “This is really mine?”
“That's how presents work. You love it, don't you?”
“Of course.” Jenny slid the bracelet onto her left wrist. It was sized to fit her perfectly. “Oh, thanks, Alexander.” She looked up at him and hesitated. Her first instinct was to kiss him. But Jenny had spent a lifetime learning not to touch people, especially out of affection. She reached out an arm toward him, thinking she might give him a hug. Alexander embraced her and kissed her cheek.
Jenny laughed and pulled away. The spot where his lips had touched her face felt like it was on fire.
“Thanks,” Jenny said. She studied the bracelet again, unable to look at him for fear of blushing or just losing control of herself. She struggled to ignore the deep, dangerous feelings he conjured up inside her.
“How did you know I would like this?” Jenny asked him, without daring to look at him. “A lot of girls wouldn't.”
“I told you,” he said. “I know you.”
“I'm into skulls and death, apparently.” Jenny thought of her first date with Seth, on Halloween, how much fun they'd had dressing as members of the undead and hitting the haunted houses. It had somehow been the most romantic night of her life. She tried not to think about it.