Beyond the Skyline

by Lise Gold

  “Yes, he did. She threw herself on the couch and cried until he finally agreed to schedule her in for a breast augmentation, a facelift and lip-and-cheek fillers. I think he lost the will to argue altogether. He’s given her what she wants ever since.” Sophie pointed at her mother’s face again. “And that is how my mother turned out like that. But hey, if it makes her happy, who am I to stop her, right?” Mel smiled kneeled down in front of her, leveling with her face.

  “Yeah. Who knows what we’ll be up to in a couple of years?” She opened a tube of lip gel and squeezed a small amount on her finger. “Part your lips,” she said, making Sophie’s heart jump. Sophie shivered when she felt Mel’s finger on her mouth, gently applying the gel to her lower lip before moving up. Mel’s gaze focused on Sophie’s mouth with a look that could only be described as desire.

  She wants me.

  Mel stepped back, as if suddenly woken up from a daydream.

  “All done,” she said with a flustered look on her face. Sophie got up and walked over to the mirror on the wardrobe door. She looked at her reflection and was relieved to see she still looked like herself. No funny colors and no clumpy lashes either.

  “Thanks,” she said. “I don’t normally bother, but I like it.”

  Mel studied her intently. She took a strand of Sophie’s hair and twirled it around her finger. Then she gently pulled it behind her ear and stroked her cheek.

  “There,” she said. “Perfect.” Sophie tried to ignore the response that this simple action had triggered. Her arms were covered in goose bumps, and her chest was heaving up and down when she followed Mel over to the door.

  “Are you ready to go?” Mel asked. Sophie grinned nervously.

  “It’s awkward,” she said. “It feels like a date but it’s not a date, and I have no desire to impress him.”

  “But it is a date,” Mel said smiling. “Don’t you get that by now? It’s our date. The guys are just entertainment. Plus they’re paying.” She winked and handed Sophie her bag.

  20

  The showstopper of the restaurant on the thirty-first floor of a commercial building was its eye-catching, panoramic view over the city. Sophie had to admit that although it was pretentious as expected, she was quite impressed with Aldo’s choice. He had booked a table outside, overlooking Kowloon Harbor. They could see their hotel from where they were sitting. The infinity pool on the rooftop was lit up, and it looked like the water was pouring over the edge of the building. The temperature was pleasant, the sky clear and it was the perfect night for outside dining. Aldo seemed relieved when the waiter showed them to the table where he was waiting with his friend.

  “Sophie, darling,” he said, kissing her on both cheeks. “Lovely as ever to see you again. How stunning you look tonight. I’ve never seen you like this; all dressed up.” He stared at her cleavage for a moment before he remembered his manners.

  “This is my friend Richard, or Rick as I call him.” Aldo turned to his friend with a sense of pride that only a mother with a newborn baby would trump. Rick straightened his crisp pale blue shirt as he stood up to greet them. He was blonde and slim with great teeth and a healthy tan, the typical English public schoolboy-look. Sophie spotted his watch and knew he was wealthy. She wondered if Aldo looked up to him, living the high-life in Hong Kong. She kissed Rick on both cheeks and put a hand on Mel’s shoulder.

  “Gentlemen, this is Mel. My lovely new colleague as of this week.” Both men seemed pleasantly surprised by their company for the night and immediately beckoned the waiter to take their drinks order.

  “Champagne, ladies?” Aldo suggested.

  “Actually, do you mind if I have a Dirty Martini?” Mel asked.

  “Make that two please,” Sophie said to the immaculately dressed waiter. The men decided on a beer and Aldo took charge, ordering food for everyone, only checking with Rick when he wasn’t sure. Sophie shot Mel an amused look as to say ‘I told you so.' The moment the waiter had left, the big bragging began.

  “Rick is my friend from Cambridge. He works in private equity, right here in Hong Kong Central. Isn’t that right, old chap?” Rick nodded and raised his hands, gesturing around him.

  “Yes, I suppose the English weather drove me to more exotic places, shall we say? It’s quite extraordinary living here.” He grinned and took a large gulp of his drink.

  “So was it your first time here when you moved?” Sophie asked. “That can’t have been easy, am I right?” Rick laughed and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his thick, blonde hair.

  “Rickie Ricardo can settle in anywhere,” he said, and Sophie cringed. “I did take on a local girlfriend for the first month or so. She was great. Helped me find the best supermarkets, restaurants, and clubs. She got me an accountant, a taxi app and a membership for the local cricket club. They’re good at keeping their physique as well, the Asian girls. They very rarely get fat like the English, and they don’t complain much either. It didn’t work out, of course.” Sophie looked at Mel and could see that she wasn’t the only one disgusted by Rick. He didn’t seem to notice their exchange and shrugged his shoulders cheerfully.

  “Anyway, I don’t believe in relationships between people from different social backgrounds. Not that they’re not civilized enough per se, they just don’t appreciate the finer things in life, and I happen to like someone that I can share those with.

  “Right,” Sophie mumbled, hiding her balled fists under the table. She felt rage welling up already, and they had only been here ten minutes. She took a deep breath. What on earth were they doing here with these pompous pricks? They could have gone out for a lovely dinner together. Just her and Mel. It would have been a lot better than wasting the precious time they had left on Aldo and his cocky companion.

  “So let me rephrase that,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “You ‘took on’ a Chinese girlfriend while you needed her and after you were all settled, you dumped her because she wasn’t as ‘refined’ as you?” She made quote marks with her fingers in the air. Aldo laughed.

  “Oh come on Sophie, don’t be so sensitive. You’ve been coming to Hong Kong for years, and we all know how it works here so let’s not pretend otherwise, shall we?” Sophie was fuming. She was about to think of something rude to say when she suddenly felt Mel’s hand under the table, searching for hers. It broke off her train of thoughts entirely, and all she could do was smile in surprise, entwining her fingers with Mel’s. She felt goose bumps appear on her arms and shivered. As she watched mouths speaking and hands moving, her insides did somersaults. Sophie knew it wasn’t just a comforting touch. She squeezed back and closed her eyes, savoring the moment. When she opened them, Mel winked and smiled at her. It was an unspoken promise that said more than a thousand words. They both wanted more, and they wouldn’t be able to fight it much longer. She didn’t hear a single word the boys were saying. It felt like she and Mel were the only two people in the world, overlooking the Hong Kong harbor, with its millions of flickering lights. Sophie was disappointed to let go when the starters came out.

  “I’m sorry,” she corrected herself. “I didn’t mean to be rude. Let’s just agree to disagree, shall we?” Aldo nodded and smiled. Glasses were refilled and clinked, and people around her laughed. Conversations passed her in a haze. Sophie wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the setting or their terrible company, but Mel looked more beautiful tonight than she could ever have dreamed of.

  “So Mel, tell me about yourself,” Rick said. “What does your family do?” Mel smiled politely, dapping her mouth with the napkin.

  “What my family does is not important, Rick. Not because I’m ashamed of telling you but because I don’t think this is the right place or time to steer the conversation in that direction.” She gave him a challenging look. “Perhaps you would like to know what I do?” Sophie tried to repress a giggle. This girl could hold her own against the likes of Rick and Aldo. The answer seemed to please Rick, and he gave her an apologetic look with a hand on hi
s heart.

  “I’m ever so sorry,” he said. “Where are my manners? Of course, I’d be much more interested in what you do, Mel. Please tell us.”

  “Great.” Mel smiled as if the sharp exchange of words had meant nothing. “I’m a senior designer for the same brand Sophie works for. I’ve just had my first week, and I’m really looking forward to working with her in future. She’s very talented and fun to hang out with, so I feel like I’ve won the lottery already.” She pulled Sophie in and gave her a playful kiss on the cheek. “I’ve designed for two other fashion labels before this, mainly in London, but I also spent a year in Berlin with a really cool outerwear brand and six months in Milan as an assistant designer before I graduated. That’s where I designed that very shirt you’re wearing.” She pointed at Rick’s shirt. Rick’s eyes widened, and he patted his shirt.

  “This one?” He said. “Really?” Then he laughed. “This is my favorite shirt. I’ve been carrying a piece of you with me for years before I even met you.” He gestured to Mel. “I think we were meant to meet tonight.” When Mel didn’t reply, he slapped Aldo on the shoulder. It was something they seemed to do a lot.

  “Isn’t that fantastic, old chap?” Aldo laughed and turned his attention to Sophie.

  “So have you designed anything I might have in my closet, Sophie?” Sophie shook her head, swallowing a piece of fish.

  “I’ve only designed women’s wear so unless you’re into cross dressing, you wouldn’t have anything in your wardrobe, no.” That comment brought hysterical laughter from the boys to the table.

  “Well it just so happens,” Aldo said. “That I only wear Italian brands made to the highest standards. I don’t like this ‘made in China’ rubbish.” He leaned forward and gave Sophie an intent look, emphasizing how serious he was about the subject. Sophie leaned back, casually resting her elbows on the chair’s backrest behind her.

  “It’s all the same,” she said. “A lot of Italian brands are made in China. Just because they happen to hand-sew the buttons on in Italy doesn’t mean the fabric or the whole garment was made there. So you’ve probably got a couple of shirts in your wardrobe that have been produced right there over the border.” She pointed to the direction of the Chinese border and gave him a self-assured look.

  “And your phone of course,” she said pointing at the device in his chest pocket. “Oh and let’s not forget about your laptop, your toothbrush and any other items you might have in your toiletry bag. Mel giggled and glanced at Sophie sideways, biting her full bottom lip.

  “She’s right,” she said. “Milano, the brand you’re wearing now, actually owns a small factory in China.” Her hand disappeared under the table again, this time searching for the hem of Sophie’s skirt. She pulled it up a bit and let her hand rest on Sophie's thigh. Sophie gasped. The immense pleasure of Mel's hand on her bare skin and the graphic images that went through her mind would have been enough to keep her bedtime fantasies going for at least the coming months. Flashes of more to come entered her mind and she tried to breathe slowly and focus on the conversation. Mel wanted her. And she wanted Mel to take her any way she pleased. She had never felt so ready for anything before, and as she picked on her main course opposite the oblivious Aldo and Rick, she knew this might be the most exciting night of her life. Mel's hand moved towards her inner thigh, squeezed her leg and only let go when the waiter came over to take their plates. Sophie heard a distant mumble that sounded like Mel pretending to be interested.

  "Oh gee, Rick! That is so fascinating. Isn't it Sophie?" Sophie turned to her, trying to keep the look of overwhelming desire hidden from their fellow tablemates.

  "Yes, absolutely,” she said without a clue what he was talking about. “Tell me more, Rick." Aldo broke him off.

  “I'll tell you something, Sophie,” he said. By now he'd had quite a bit to drink. Sophie could tell by the way he raised his voice when he spoke, determined to be the center of attention.

  “You and I would be perfect together, don’t you think?" he slurred. “We’d make a great pair, and our families would be delighted if we got together. Think of it. It's a no brainer.” He gestured to Sophie and then placed his palm on his chest. “We’re both good-looking, educated and we come from excellent backgrounds.” He laughed, but she could tell by the unease in his eyes that he was serious. He shrugged. “Why not? We’d have gorgeous children and proud grandparents. You’ll never have to pay another visit to a factory in your life, and you can live comfortably, knowing that everything is taken care of.” He winked. “Come on, Sophie. You know you fancy yourself a bit of Aldo.” Sophie shot him a cynical look, clearly not very keen on the prospect. Aldo shifted in his chair, taken aback by Sophie’s lack of enthusiasm. He tried to save face by saying all the wrong things. “Think of it; it’s perfect. You can let your hair grow long again. We all know this is just a phase of rebellion and I like that about you. You’re cool Sophie. And if you grow up a little, and start behaving like the beautiful adult that you are, you’ll be perfect. So how about we go on another date in London? Just you and me?” His head was wobbling from side to side, intoxicated and insecure. Sophie smiled and refilled his glass, determined to make him feel even worse in the morning.

  “I’m flattered, Aldo. I really am. But I really don’t think you and I are a good match if you know what I mean. We’ve known each other for years, yet there’s never been any sign of chemistry between us. That says something, right? I’ve never fancied you and you’ve never fancied me so let’s just leave this conversation right here.” Aldo laughed it off but Sophie could tell he was mildly upset. The only girl approved by his parents hadn’t thrown herself in front of his feet yet and that was hard for him to digest.

  “Well of course Sophie. Don’t flatter yourself. I was only joking, my darling. He gestured to the waiter for the bill, steering the conversation back to Rick.

  The night was already in full swing in the bar of the Dragon nightclub, located on the floor below the restaurant. Sophie and Aldo had managed to secure a high table while Rick ordered drinks. Despite Sophie’s desperate attempts to make her stay until Rick was back, Mel had left them alone to find the bathroom. Aldo had his hand on Sophie’s back during their conversation and it was already making its way down towards her bottom.

  “Isn’t this marvelous?” He said. “You and me on the other side of the world with our lovely friends? You should come back to the hotel with me, Sophie. We’re both young and single; there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have a bit of fun together. I’ve had a nice bottle of bubbles sent up to my suite just in case.” He grinned and Sophie felt disgusted by his predictable behavior. Hadn’t she been blunt enough? She looked around, searching for Mel, the only person she really wanted to be close to tonight. She sincerely hoped she wasn’t out there flirting with someone because frankly, she didn’t think she could handle that. She’d been in the toilet for a long time now. As if Mel had sensed her desperation, she felt a warm hand in her neck and Mel’s warm breath against her ear.

  “Want me to save you?” Sophie shivered at the sound of Mel’s voice. She nodded slowly. Aldo’s lips were moving and his hands were flapping around, ranting on about something to do with the interior of his car. Sophie couldn’t hear him. She didn’t even hear the music. Mel’s lips against her ear had reduced all sound into a thumping beat in the background. She felt high from the sexual tension that had been hanging between her and Mel all night.

  “Here we go ladies,” Rick interrupted them. He passed the drinks around while scanning the room for hot bodies.

  “Thank you,” Sophie said, taking the opportunity to escape from Aldo’s grip. She took a sip from her gin and elderflower cordial and turned around to find Mel facing her. Mel held out her hand and Sophie took it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She looked into Mel’s green eyes and then down at her full, luscious lips, still wet from the rhubarb cocktail she held in the other hand. She didn't care about Aldo or Rick in close proximity. S
he didn't care about manners or etiquette or whatever it was that had held her back in the past. She wanted her so badly. Sophie put her drink down on the table before she leaned in, her mouth against Mel’s ear.

  “I want to kiss you,” she said, searching for approval in Mel's eyes. Mel licked her lips and smiled.

  “I'm not stopping you. I've wanted to kiss you since we first met at the airport.” Sophie was startled by the declaration but Mel didn’t give her time to think about it. She pulled her closer, cupping her neck with her hand. Sophie felt Mel’s lips on hers. Softly, barely touching at first. The contact made her legs go weak. She was on fire, her body begging to be consumed. She tilted her head and opened her mouth to find Mel’s tongue in a warm, slow embrace. She moaned, thankful that no one could hear her over the loud music. Her hands were drawn to the perfect, curvaceous body that was now pressed against her and she wrapped her arms around Mel’s waist. She pulled her closer while she tasted and explored the mouth she had been longing for all night. Her lips felt just like she had imagined. They were wonderfully soft and gentle. The impact their kiss had on her was something she could have never prepared herself for. It was like a seductive dance, wild and sexual, and Sophie forgot all about her surroundings as she lost herself in the moment, falling deeper and deeper into Mel’s embrace. Mel was the first one to step back. She looked flustered and stared back at Sophie in surprise, the tip of her fingers against her lips. Then she giggled, regarding their audience. Sophie snapped back into reality too. She saw Aldo and Rick’s gaping faces, staring at them from their table.

  “Shit,” was all she could manage to say. Mel seemed equally shocked by their kiss. She had a bewildered look on her face and stared at her drink before downing it in one go.

  “I don’t think this is the right place for making out,” she whispered into Sophie’s ear. Sophie nodded.

  “I think we need to thank the boys for dinner and tell them we’re leaving. I really want to leave.” Before they had the chance to apologize, Aldo stormed off, casting Sophie an angry glance over his shoulder. Rick didn’t move.