Rachel did not like the idea of anyone not liking her, but she did not feel like she could confront Arthur. She decided to do the next best thing and ask his grandma.
“Beatrice, I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but I don’t think Arthur likes me.”
“What makes you say that, Dear? He’s always been cordial.”
“That’s just it. When you’re around, he’s cordial; when it’s just us, commuting or even going back to when we were on the plane or in the rented room, he is rude and abrupt. I’ve begun to wonder if I did something to make him angry. Has he mentioned anything to you?”
“No, Dear. There might be one thing, but it’s outside your control.”
“What? What is it? Just tell me and I’ll change it or do it, whatever it takes.”
“Well, Dear, you are American.”
“From the sound of things, so is he.”
“No. He was born here when his parents were still together.”
“But his late mother was American.”