Copyright © 2019 Erin Kinsella
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher or author, except in the case of brief passages embodied in reviews. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the email address [email protected].
ISBN 978-1-988931-04-3 (Paperback Edition)
ISBN 978-1-988931-03-6 (E-Book Edition)
All characters and events in this publication are fictitious. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, businesses or organizations is coincidental.
Edited by Sasha Knight
Front cover art by Odette.A.Bach
Cover text design by Eight Little Pages
Interior design and formatting by Damonza
Printed and bound in the United States of America
First printing, 2019
Published by Tychis Media
https://tychismedia.com
Content Warnings: sexual situations, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, mentions of child abuse
Tropes: marriage of convenience, found family, cohabitation
Representation: LGBTQ+ leads (panromantic, demisexual, bisexual), mixed race lead, Korean lead
The glossary is available at the end of the text. The first use of any non-English words, excluding place names, have been italicized to indicate that the term can be found in the glossary.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Glossary
Gratitude
Chapter 1
Tessa
Tessa Hale woke in the dark, completely disoriented. The espresso she’d consumed after getting off the plane had kicked in hard, dragging her through the day in a caffeine haze. Eventually the crushing weight of her jet lag had pulled her under. Her phone screen blazed with light, and she squinted against the glow.
4:00 a.m.
The apartment around her was heavy with silence and scented with sesame and ginger from dinner. She peeled back the curtain to reveal the glittering sea of lights bisected by the serpentine form of the Han River. The road below was a steady stream of white and red as cars travelled around the colossal city of Seoul.
Her stomach rumbled. She fished out her remaining cookies and peanuts from the flight and ate them while tucked under the curtain like a cat on a windowsill. She remembered nothing from the last time she’d been to Korea since she’d only been a toddler, but there was still that link, a small piece of her heritage that anchored her here.
Fiddling with her phone, she checked the time back home. Noon. Tessa dialed her mother’s number for a video call.
“Meu amor, what are you doing awake?” Her mother’s mahogany curls were tucked up in a bun, emphasizing the soft heart shape of her face, both traits she shared with Tessa.
“Just jet lag, Mamãe.”
Her gut swirled with nerves, unsettling the recently consumed cookies. Seeing her mother in the bright sunshine of their kitchen solidified that she really had just crossed the ocean. She was in Seoul, the capital of her paternal grandmother’s homeland, and staying with her best friend who’d moved to Korea years ago. In a few days she would get to visit the set where a studio was going to turn her book into a drama.
“How was the flight?” Her mother propped the phone against the wall to free up her hands.
“Boring, but not so soul-crushingly long as when we visited all the fam in Brazil.”
Her mother laughed. “That’s why I only go back to see my parents every five years.”
The sound of pops and sizzles intensified, her mother stirring something in a pan on the stove.
“Mamãe, you’re getting splatters on the camera. Move me over.” Tessa waited while the view changed, the phone shifting away from the stove. “What’re you making?”
“Garlic noodles and shrimp.”
Tessa’s mouth watered. It was her father’s favourite dish. “How’s Appa?”
“It’s a bad pain day for him.” Her mother wilted. “He was up most of the night, and he was supposed to cover a class today. He’ll be disappointed about having to miss it.”
“Cheering him up with food?”
Her mother nodded.
“He’ll appreciate it.” Guilt twisted in Tessa’s chest. “I feel bad for leaving.”
“Meu amor, no. This is good for you. It wouldn’t change things if you were here, and you deserve a break. I want you to be able to get out and live your own life.”
“You’re part of my life,” Tessa instantly defended.
“That’s not the same. Appa’s pain isn’t going to go away, and you can’t while away your entire life helping us.”
“I wouldn’t mind.” She’d written her books while doing just that.
“Meu amor, you’re twenty-seven.” Her mother’s face turned stern and unyielding. “I know how much you love us. You’ve proven it a thousand times, and I promise that neither of us will think otherwise if you start living your own path. We’re still going to be here, no matter how high you reach or how far you go. You’ve done so much for us, and believe me I don’t mean to sound ungrateful at all, but you need to take some time for yourself. Your lovely assistant Amelia is around for any emergencies, and the nurse will be checking in. You don’t need to worry. Just enjoy yourself.”
“I’ll try.”
The sound of rustling in the cutlery drawer was followed by the echo of flatware settling on the counter. Her mother piled two plates with the shrimp and noodles.
“Take advantage of this trip. You’re there for a few weeks, and there are going to be plenty of beautiful people running around. Kelly would be over the moon assisting with a fling if you wanted to break out of your bubble a little.”
“I think we both know I don’t do flings.”
Her mother laughed. “First time for everything.”
“Mamãe, please.” Tessa groaned.
“Just try to have fun. For goodness’ sake, your book is becoming a drama! You’re free as a bird in a foreign country with your best friend. Go soak in every exciting moment of this.”
“Consider me a sponge.” Tessa grinned. “I swear I’ll do my best.”
“You’d better.” Her mother tucked the phone under her chin, carting it and the two plates up to the room where her father was resting. He was awake when she flicked on the bedside lamp and gave a tired smile, accepting the food and a kiss. The image went wonky while her mother resettled on the bed.
“Hi, Appa!”
“Hi, Peanut.” He waved and shoved a bite of food into his mouth.
“So, tell me about the drama,” her mother said. “Do you think they’ll do your book justice? Goodness, if it were me, I’d be too excited to even notice any flaws. You told me this company has pretty good productions, right?”
“Mhmm, they do. They made that one historical you loved and cried over for a week.”
“I hope not.” Tessa laughed. “A lot less people die in mine.”
“Still, I’m glad all those people like your story as much as I did.” Her mother beamed.
“I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
“I’m proud too, but I have a mouth full of noodles.” Her father’s cheeks were puffed up like a chipmunk.
“You’re both too sweet.”
“I’m biased because I’m your mother, but I’m allowed to praise my favourite author.” She winked, and it warmed Tessa down to her toes. “So, tell me more. When do you go to the studio?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m still waiting to hear when they want me. I imagine it’ll be sometime this week since they start filming soon, so I should get to see the set and meet some of the actors before that. I was just going to hang out with Kelly and check out Seoul until then.”
“What sort of place doesn’t have that planned in advance?”
She shrugged and propped the phone against the window. “Kelly said it’s pretty common for a lot of things to be last minute. It’s not like I have anywhere else to be when they tell me what’s happening. I gave them my flight details, so I guess they’ll figure it out from there.”
Her mother frowned. “You’ll keep me updated?”
“Of course.”
“Is your lovely assistant excited to have full-time hours while you’re in Seoul?”
“Totally. Amelia’s saving up for a trip, so she was jazzed. I’m trying to let her take care of more so I can focus on my next deadline. You can call her—”
“If we need anything. Yes, I know.” Her mother grinned. “Don’t worry so much, meu amor.”
Tessa blinked rapidly, exhaustion sneaking up on her.
“You should get to sleep.” Her mother smiled softly.
Tessa sighed, pressing her cheek to the window. “I’ll attempt, but I make no guarantees. I love you both.”
“I love you too,” her parents chorused.
They hung up, and Tessa burrowed into the blanket Kelly had covered her with when she’d passed out on the couch hours before.
Beams of sunlight seared her eyeballs. Tessa groaned and buried her face into the pillows.
“Good morning, sunshine.”
Kelly had her hair pulled into a braid, deep violet fading into bubblegum pink at the tips. Her pale face was sans her usual makeup, and she was still in a set of cozy flannels.
Tessa tried to sit up, but let out a whine and slumped back down. “I can’t move. I’ve aged five decades overnight.”
“It’ll only get worse if you keep laying on our awful couch. Go have a shower, and I’ll handle breakfast.” Contrary to her words, Kelly draped herself over Tessa, squeezing her into a hug before releasing a sound only dogs could hear.
“I can’t believe you’re here! I’m going to find you someone perfect to go on a date with so you can fall in love, and then move here so we can be best friends in proper proximity!”
Tessa snorted into her pillow. There was no way she was going to meet anyone in the few weeks she was visiting, but she didn’t want to burst Kelly’s bubble. Her best friend’s delusions of grandeur when it came to Tessa moving to Korea, and her love life for that matter, had always been a little out of hand. She never minded since she’d entertained the thought of moving more than once before but hadn’t quite worked up the courage to leave her family and uproot herself.
Kelly’s husband, Min Joo, emerged freshly showered, dressed, and groomed. He wandered into the living room, adjusting his tie, and looking so much like Tessa’s mental expectation of a professor that she couldn’t help but smile. Shining black hair swept over his brow, brushing the top of his round glasses. The pair of them lived simply in a small apartment in the popular expat and tourist district of Itaewon, making their money through Kelly’s vlogging channel and Min Joo’s job teaching business English at one of the local universities.
“Good morning, Tessa-ssi. Did you sleep well?” His face softened considerably when he lifted his gaze from his tie to the tangled pile of Kelly and Tessa.
“I did! Minus some jet lag, it was pretty good.”
“We can start your review of Korean business terminology tonight if you’re feeling awake enough for it.” Min Joo fixed the buttons holding his tie in place.
“You’re the best.” Tessa tried to wriggle free of Kelly. “I’ve been reviewing, but I learn a lot better from people.”
“It’s no trouble.” Min Joo smiled. “I’d have offered to start last night, but you were out like a light.”
Tessa blushed. “Sorry about that.”
“You only drooled on him a little bit.” Kelly snuggled in closer.
“You’re fine, Tessa-ssi. You didn’t drool.”
Tessa’s stomach growled obnoxiously.
“Hungry?” Kelly sat up and pulled Tessa with her.
“Starving.”
“Go wash up so we can eat.” Kelly pushed Tessa off the couch, and towards the bathroom.
Tessa stood under the blistering hot spray until her protesting body limbered up. She emerged from the shower squeaky clean and considerably more awake. Kelly waved her over to assist with breakfast by setting the table, so that they could eat together before Min Joo had to venture off to work.
Tessa inhaled her rice, tofu, and eggs, placating her ravenous stomach.
“You two have a good day. I’ll see you tonight for dinner.” He kissed his wife, slipped on his shoes, and off he went. Kelly smiled wistfully at the closing door.
“You’re too cute, Kel.” Tessa poked her friend in the ribs.
“Can you blame me? I love him so much.”
“Oh, trust me. I’m aware.” Tessa laughed. “From the moment you met him you made sure I knew exactly how much you were into him.”
“That was almost ten years ago. I was a young’un.”
“It was sweet then, and it’s still sweet now. I’m glad that you’re so happy with him.”
Kelly’s bluebell eyes glinted with mischief.
“No,” Tessa said.
“No?”
“I know that look. No.”
“I can’t imagine what you mean.” Kelly fluttered her eyelashes innocently.
“Just because I’m single doesn’t mean you can start thinking about fixing me up now that I’m conveniently located.”
Kelly pouted a pink lip. “That’s how things work here though. You meet cool people through your friends and friends of friends. I wouldn’t set you up with anyone bad.”
“Kel, please. I’m demi, and you know how stupid people can be about it.”
“Not everyone will be stupid. If they respect you, they’ll roll at your speed. Regardless, I’m not gonna set you up with a fuckboy.” Kelly gazed at Tessa imploringly. “Please consider it? Maybe you’ll make new friends.”
“But I don’t plan on living in Korea. I’m only here for four weeks; that’s not enough to make a proper connection.”
“You can date without intending to marry. Just have some fun. Everyone is going to be vetted, and I will sic Min Joo on anyone who upsets you.”
Tessa snort-laughed at the thought of straight-laced Min Joo starting a brawl for her in his button-down shirt and dress pants.
“Fine, but at least let me get used to the time change before you start throwing people at me.”
Kelly looked so excited she might burst. “So, what’re you feeling, men or women?”
“Whoever you think would be good is fine. I’m open to anyone.”
“Cool.” Kelly squeezed her cheeks, her smile overwhelming her face. “I know a couple people you might like. Let me contemplate. I’ll figure out some double date stuff later in the week.”
Tessa rubbed her fingers over her scalp, trying to loosen the tension. “Don’t make me regret this.”
“Never ever,” Kel
ly promised.
They were picking at their lunch and deep in planning what to see around the city when Tessa’s phone pinged.
The readout said it was an email from Elite Studios, the production company making the drama. She held her breath and clicked on it, scanning over the orderly Hangul characters. The nerves returned, swirling in her gut. She’d missed her chance to review business language with Min Joo, but her conversational fluency would hopefully be enough.
“They want me to come to a meeting this afternoon.”
“Already? Jeez, they work fast.” Kelly snatched the phone. “Hmm, the address isn’t too far from here. I can take you over.”
Tessa was loath to trade her pajamas for actual clothes, but she could hardly show up to a meeting in cat-patterned flannel pants. She decided on black skinny jeans with knee-high leather boots, paired with a red cardigan. It turned into a three-quarter-length sleeve on her, wrists and forearms bare though she’d bought it full length. Her arms were too long to fit most off-the-rack clothing properly. She chose to focus on colour, rather than fit, which meant it was red and gorgeous with her bronze skin and dark hair, which also meant it was a little confidence boost she desperately needed.
Hours later Kelly drilled her on local custom as they rode the subway. “They’ll most likely have a work dinner after this. It would be super rude of you to refuse to go, and they’ll probably all drink tonight. If someone offers you a drink, you have to take it unless you have some kind of health or religious reason to decline.”
“Why?” She’d never gotten used to drinking, and wasn’t eager to acquire familiarity. So many customs had never come up with her grandmother that she’d have to contend with now that she was in her homeland.
“Tradition?” Kelly shrugged and continued rattling off etiquette to help Tessa avoid embarrassment. “If all else fails, play the dumb foreigner, and they’ll give you a pass.”
“Does that happen to you a lot?”
“Not as much anymore, but let me tell you, it’s saved my ass a few times. You’ll be fine though. I think. You’re obviously not from here so they should be pretty lenient.”
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