by Kali Willows
“Don’t knock it. It had its perks.” Gwen’s mischievous smile made her chuckle.
“Pervert.”
“Sometimes!”
Cindy answered question after question while her friend leaned over her shoulder making helpful suggestions until she wanted to scream or hug her…or both. Finally, she hit send and leaned back in the chair, staring at the screen. An errant thought caught her attention.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I got the confirmation for our reservations.”
“You did?” Gwen squealed. “We got the villas?”
“Yup, who’s the best wedding planner and greatest friend ever?”
“Why, you are, of course.” Gwen handed her a cup of tea and plopped into the chair beside her, even though she couldn’t sit still. “Will you click on the link for me?”
“Again?”
“Please?”
“It’s perfect for you.”
The vivid photo popped up on the monitor, and they both studied the screen.
“Our reservations are in the VIP section.” Cindy traced the aerial map of the resort. “It’s quaint and authentic—perfect for a small wedding.”
“It’s amazing.”
“Nestled in the mountains, and right in the middle of the Beitou Hot Springs. I can’t wait to get into the water.”
“Thank you so much for arranging everything. It’s going to be wonderful.” Gwen beamed.
***
Madame Eve,
I need your help again. You saved my life not too long ago. Now I need to move forward. I know, with my legacy, I can’t date just any woman. I need another one-night stand, where my special circumstances won’t interfere. I have completed the required information and look forward to your reply.
My sincere gratitude,
Yong Li.
Still not confident with his words, he stared at the screen, sipping at his third cup of coffee.
“Are you okay, little brother?” Tatsu squeezed his shoulder and pulled a chair up beside him.
“I need to be.” He pressed the send button.
“I have a good feeling about this for you.”
“Don’t worry about me. We have two weeks before the big day. What else needs to be done? This is about you now.”
“We need to arrange a pick-up for Grandfather at the airport the day before the ceremony,” Tatsu said.
“It will be good to see him again.”
“I miss him, too.”
“So, the outfits, the caterer, the hotel…?”
Tatsu’s face lit up. “That’s the advantage of a destination wedding, an all-inclusive package. And our wedding planner looked after the other details.”
“Cindy did a great job, even though she struggled with the traditional menu. She said if it isn’t cooked, has more than four arms or legs, or jiggles, she won’t touch it. I take it she isn’t a big fan of shark and jellyfish?”
“Not really of a fan of seafood in general,” he laughed. “But she is incredible.”
“Yeah, she is.” Yong paused while her image lingered in his mind. “I wish I knew why she’s always so quiet around me, and she won’t even make eye contact. Did I do something wrong?” Gulping back the last of his coffee, he watched his brother.
“No, I don’t think so. She knows about our night with Gwen. I think it’s awkward for her. Gwen’s been trying to feel her out about you, but isn’t getting anywhere. Maybe she’s not sure how to take us, as a threesome, and now, a twosome and a single.”
“I get how that would seem strange. I’m grateful no one else knows, well, besides Grandfather.” Yong pulled the ring box out of his jacket and opened it. “I swung by the jeweler’s and picked these up for you, like you asked.”
“Thanks bro, they turned out perfect.” Tatsu took the smaller titanium circle and held it to the light then slipped it back in the box.
“The kanji love and dragon symbols were a nice touch.”
The absolute joy in his eyes. I envy him.
“Gwen got so excited when she found out about the new Castillo resort in Taiwan.” Tatsu eyed the metal rings again.
“That’s wild.”
“We did a virtual tour online. Chinese Imperial architecture, but with all the modern amenities.”
“It’ll be nice to get away. I can’t remember the last time I went on vacation.”
“Me either, the honeymoon suite is—” Tatsu’s eyes widened and cheeks flushed. “Sorry, never mind.”
“Listen, I’m not too sure about setting my date for your wedding night.” He extended the ring box toward his brother.
“The rings are the best man’s responsibility.” Tatsu waved it off with a grin. “Gwen and I talked about your date. It’s away from home, so it will be discreet, and it will help you with closure.”
“I have closure.” Yong headed to the kitchen counter to refill his coffee.
“Hey, I can’t imagine letting her go. We both recognize how hard this is for you.” Tatsu followed him to the island and sat down.
“It’s fine. I’m so happy for you guys.” And only half lying.
“Hey, be careful it’s—”
Yong took a gulp of the steaming brew and set the mug down.
“It didn’t burn your mouth, huh?”
“No, I’m all right.” He pulled the cream out of the fridge and poured some in, lifting the cup for another sip.
“It should have hurt—you’re sure it didn’t?”
“No.” He winced as a white hot flash shot through his chest.
“Then you aren’t fine, little brother. You’re fired up. The dragon is rearing its angry side.” Yong glanced into his mug where the liquid had begun to bubble and steam and then into his reflection in the microwave window over the stove. To his horror, his pupils were almond shaped. I have to pull the dragon back.
He put his cup down and inhaled deeply, working to smooth his frustration. Feeling more in control, he spun around to face his twin.
“Look, I’m working through this; I want you two to be happy.” He dropped into the other chair. “I get it, I swear I do; the night when she saved your life with the dragon’s breath, it forged the mating bond. You don’t have to remind me it’s for life.”
“She bonded with you, too, just in a different way. She was your first, and it was a night none of us will ever forget.”
“Maybe I need to try, for all our sakes.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Tatsu’s brow lowered.
“I didn’t want to say anything until after the wedding.”
“About?”
“I got a job offer with the music department at UCLA, and I think it would be good for me to accept it.”
“Awesome, why wouldn’t you want to tell me?” Tatsu flashed him a stern glare. “Oh, you want to move to Los Angeles.”
“Don’t take it the wrong way.”
“You want to move away from us. What could I possibly take the wrong way?”
Yong rubbed his throbbing forehead. “I need some time to adjust. That’s all.”
“I never meant to hurt you.”
“I’ll be okay. It’s gonna take some time. I’m being sincere though. I want happiness for you both.”
“I know you do.”
Chapter Two
Cindy skirted the boxes and garment bags strewn about the bedroom of the honeymoon villa where the happy couple would spend the night. In the rush to get the bride ready, neatness and organization fled, replaced by the last minute panic.
She tried to pry the small hook on Gwen’s collar open. A sharp point jabbed under her nail and she yanked her finger back and stuck it in her mouth. “I can’t get it.”
“Here, I can help.” The graceful lady with flowing silver hair fixed the bent metal and had the collar done up in a flash.
“Thanks Mrs. Feng.” Cindy massaged her tender finger.
“Please dear, call me Jia.” She smiled as she fastened the rest of the dress, making it look effort
less. “There my darling, turn around and let us see our beautiful daughter.”
Gwen twirled.
“It fits like it was made for you.” Cindy adjusted the Mandarin collar on her best friend’s gown.
“Thank you, honey, I couldn’t have found it without you.” She brushed her hands down the sides of the fitted brocade dress.
“Tell me again why you’re wearing red?” Madeline, Gwen’s adopted mother, left her seat in the corner, and approached the trio, biting her lip.
“It’s our tradition.” Jia smiled, and Cindy admired her patience. Without her calm and willingness to address Madeline’s concerns, the wedding preparations would have been much more difficult.
“White is traditional,” Madeline protested.
“In Western society, yes, but here in China, white is a symbol of death. Red signifies happiness and good luck. It also keeps away evil spirits. Gwen’s Qi Pao is the most traditional style. I especially like the embroidered gold dragon and silver phoenix. They symbolize the unity of man and wife. She couldn’t have found a more ideal gown.”
“Gwen,” Cindy whispered. “Isn’t this amazing?”
“Yes, in my wildest dreams, I never imagined finding my birth mother, let alone that my adopted mom would adore her so much. I couldn’t ask for more on my wedding day—except for my father.” A frown filled her face.
“Sorry it wasn’t better news.”
“He died just a few years ago. I wish I could have met him.”
“I’m glad your other dad is here to walk you down the aisle.”
“Me, too.”
Cindy reached up and thumbed a smudge of the bride’s teary mascara away.
“I imagine it’s difficult for the boys not having their parents here today?”
“Tatsu and I talked about it a lot. They were only seven when their parents died. He says of course they miss them, but having their grandparents here is so important. They raised them after the car accident.”
“I fell in love with them, and it’s only been a few days since we met, they’re such wonderful, kind people.”
“Cindy, have I told you how grateful I am to have you here with me?” Gwen gave her a big hug.
“Only about a thousand times.” She laughed and patted her back.
“Everything is so beautiful; you took care of every detail.” The cracked voice and the sniffle in her ear prompted Cindy to pull back and assess the bride’s glistening eyes.
“Okay, enough tears, young lady; you won’t have any makeup left.” She handed over the last of the tissues. “You’ve gone through the whole box today.”
“Thank you.” Gwen giggled, drying the corners of her eyes with gentle dabs. “I almost forgot; when are you meeting your date?”
“After the ceremony and wedding party photos.”
“And where?”
“The nook of the waterfalls, beside the lake with the little bridge.”
“Oh, so romantic.” Gwen sighed.
“We’ll see. I’m still not comfortable with this whole thing.”
“What is it you’re worried about?”
“What if I’m…I don’t know, not attracted to him?”
“I—doubt that will be an issue.” Gwen squeezed her hand.
“Aren’t you optimistic.”
“Where Madame Evangeline is concerned, absolutely.”
“I suppose it’s my turn to get dressed now.” Cindy turned toward the full length mirror and fussed with her hair.
“Hurry, we’re running short of time.”
Cindy headed down the hall to the bathroom and pulled off her T-shirt and jeans. As she unzipped the garment bag holding her maid of honor dress, a sound from behind startled her. She spun around and stared at the intruder.
“Cindy, I’m so sorry.” Yong’s voice cracked, but he stayed in place with eyes wide and mouth gaping.
“Get out.” She grabbed her dress and shielded herself.
“I’m sorry; I thought you ladies were done.” He held up his suit.
“Obviously, I’m not. Get out of here.” Mortified, she took a step toward him.
“Yes, I—I’m—so—sorry,” he stuttered, while backing out the door.
Right behind him, she slammed and locked it, her heart pounding.
Note to self; next time, lock the damn door first.
Shaking off her embarrassment, she slipped into her attire and scrutinized the sleeveless gold satin mini-dress in the long mirror.
The high collar doesn’t cut into my neck at all. Cindy slid her fingertips across the embroidered dragon, a smaller version of the one on the bride’s dress. I am surrounded by dragons. Gwen and Tatsu…. Vivid green eyes flashed across her thoughts. And, of course, Yong. I don’t know if I can face him, after he saw me practically naked.
She shrugged. Not much she could do about it. She had her best friend’s wedding to attend.
***
The small wedding party posed together under the pavilion perched above the lake. The outdoor ceremony had been beautiful, with the late afternoon sun glinting off the water and the bride and groom glowing with happiness.
The unaccustomed four-inch gold stilettos that looked so gorgeous with her mini-dress made Cindy wobble in the most undignified fashion, but she wouldn’t have time to change before meeting her date.
“Doesn’t the photographer have enough pictures of us yet?”
Gwen giggled. “I don’t know, he’s quite a tyrant, but Jia says he’s the best in the area, and we’ll have a wedding album to be proud of.”
“Look at the ginger sunset across the water. Isn’t it gorgeous?”
“I know. I love how it’s streaming with pinks and reds, all my favorite colors. The photographer took a bunch of shots of it when I asked.”
“It looks so magical.”
“Maid of honor, stand over here with the best man. We need to get you two together in this one.”
I am supposed to stand next to the man who saw me partially naked just a few hours ago?
Wincing, she moved across the platform. After the pictures, I can keep my distance. Besides, Yong hadn’t said or done anything to indicate he was thinking of the bathroom incident.
Wait a minute, why not? Did he not like what he saw? Embarrassment turning to anger, she missed her footing and the heel of her shoe got caught between the wooden boards. Her ankle twisted, and she lost her balance, leaving the shoe behind and falling toward the water. Strong arms gripped her tight, stopping her panicked descent.
“Are you all right?” Yong stood her upright again, and then leaned down to examine her ankle.
“Yes, I am, thanks to you.” Good Lord, this is as bad as the bra and panties moment. Her cheeks burned.
“Here.” He tugged her shoe free and held it in place while she slipped her foot back in.
“Thanks.”
“Does it hurt?”
Not physically. She rolled her ankle. “No, I’m okay.”
The photographer waved at them. “Come on now, we’re supposed to be happy. Put your arm through his and smile. We’re losing light.”
Oh, I’m fine, thanks, mister. Cindy placed her hand on Yong’s satin sleeve and forced the corners of her mouth back. Heat radiated through the silky fabric.
“You’re hot—” She caught herself in mid-sentence. “I mean, your skin is really warm. Are you all right?”
“Me? Uh, yeah, I’m fine.” His cheeks flushed scarlet, and he didn’t make eye contact.
At least I’m not the only one feeling self-conscious. A small smile inside brought some relief.
Cindy admired his black Chinese kung fu suit. She followed the row of gold fasteners along his right pec. The gold flying dragon was embroidered on the back, leaving the front almost unadorned, elegant, like him. “This outfit suits you well, Yong.”
“Thanks. You look—” For a second, he met her gaze, then cleared his throat and stared back at the camera. “Great, you look, great.”
They held thei
r position until the photographer waved them away and gestured to the bride and groom.
“I guess we’re free now.” She patted his arm. “I imagine today must be difficult for you.”
“Why would you say that?” His face darkened, and his brows creased.
“I just figured, after—” Open mouth, insert foot, Cindy.
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” He squeezed her hand, and then removed it with gentle fingers. “I’ll see you inside.” The lone dragon walked off.
***
Cindy surveyed her rocky surroundings while she waited on the bench inside the short, dark archway. The trickling waterfall eased her tension.
I can’t recall the phrase he’s supposed to say. She tried to remember. The light at the opening started to fade with the last of the sunset.
“Are you a friend of Madame Eve’s?” A deep voice called from the doorway. That was the phrase! Only the dark outline of a tall, slender man was available for her to assess her match for romance.
“Yes, and you are?”
“Your date for the evening.” The silhouette approached in slow steps. The mystery of no face in the shadows clawed at her nerves.
“Would you like to stay in here, or would you rather come out to the bridge where we can see each other?”
Cindy accepted his extended hand. “Let’s go out there.”
Her date led her out to the open, where the last of the sunset had begun to fade, and she blinked as her eyes adjusted to the change in light.
“What the hell are you doing here?” She yanked her hand back.
“Me? What are you doing here? I’m supposed to meet—someone.”
“You have got to be kidding me? You’re my one-night stand?” Cindy shook her head.
“There has to be some mistake,” he said.
“Wait a minute….”
“What?”
“Do you think they had anything to do with this?” She glanced toward the reception hall.
He rubbed his forehead. “It wouldn’t surprise me a bit.”
Betrayal flooded her. “Now what the hell am I supposed to do?”
“All right, I get it. You can’t stand me. Let’s call it quits and save us both the heartache, okay?” Narrowed eyes highlighted his tone of frustration.
