Isaac’s fingers twitched. “It’s not as nice as Mexico Beach.”
Distracted from her show, Tasha popped up and leaned over the back of the couch. “Daddy, let’s invite Ashlyn and her parents! They can drive us.”
God bless that girl. She always had his back.
Isaac hedged. After the morning’s scare with his daughter’s imaginary friend, he probably wanted to take advantage of any opportunities with real friends she could get.
“All right.” His cheeks tightened. “Be back by evening.”
“Of course.” Liam saluted his little sister, who sat in a pile of costume jewelry. Fake emeralds and rubies flashed against her throat. She smiled and waved a bejeweled hand as he walked out the door.
iam arrived at the Hog & Claw ten minutes to twelve. Though a ramshackle and weatherworn building, the turquoise water of St. Andrew Bay glistened behind it. Not a bad setting, so long as you could ignore the large factory on the opposite side of the bay belching dark clouds of stinking pollution into the air.
Mai leaned against a rusted metal door and checked her phone. She wore a black miniskirt with a white tank. Two-inch, strappy heels boosted her height. The humid breeze blew her short hair, and a few strands landed on the high cheekbones of her lightly freckled face. Her warm, brown eyes looked up from her phone and met Liam’s through his windshield. Heat washed over his body.
“Are you coming?” she mouthed. She turned her hands over so her palms faced heavenward.
Liam cracked his neck, then stepped out of the car and tried not to look nervous as he walked toward her.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
She curtsied. “Why, thank you. You don’t look too shabby yourself.”
When had somebody last complimented his looks? He honestly couldn’t recall. Though he wanted to say more, the words shriveled in his mouth. He mumbled, “Ready?”
She shoved her phone in her purse and ignored his awkwardness. “This place doesn’t look like much, but trust me, it’s incredible.”
“Incredible like the buffet we ate at the other day?”
She shot him a warning look. “It might look seedy, but the food is all business and perfection.”
He’d have to take Mai’s word for it because the inside of the restaurant matched the outside. Dim overhead lights flickered above rows of picnic tables lined up closely to one another, each topped with a white paper tablecloth and battered metal napkin dispenser. Classic blues music drifted from speakers hidden in the kitchen. Patrons packed most of the tables, though one had two side-by-side seats open.
“After you.” Liam held out one hand.
The bench creaked as Mai and he slid onto it. While careful to leave as much space as possible between their bodies, he still felt the warmth of her skin next to his. He reached for the menu, but she shot out an arm and grabbed hold of his hand, immobilizing him with the electric current she shot through his body.
“No menus. I’ve got a reputation to uphold here,” she said.
A full-figured woman in a white apron approached their table holding an order form. She flipped a page over and, ignoring Liam, set her gaze on Mai.
“The regular?” She jotted down an order before Mai could answer.
“Two of them today, thanks.”
The waitress grunted her understanding and bustled away to pick up empty glasses from a vacated table. New diners filled the seats as soon as she cleared it.
“Busy place,” said Liam.
“Too busy to talk, I know, but I thought it best to fill our bellies before having serious conversation. Life is always better on a happy stomach.”
“It’s a solid plan. You don’t want to see me hangry,” he said.
“Hangry?”
“Yeah, hungry and angry.” The corners of his lips turned up in an impish smile. “It gets ugly.”
She laughed. He started to join her when the stench of fresh-baked cookies filtered up his nostrils. His hands clenched the edge of the picnic table as he scanned the restaurant and fought to keep from retching.
“They serve dessert here?” he asked.
“Hey, I’m starving, too, but don’t rush the good stuff,” she joked.
The smell intensified.
Sweat prickled the space between his shoulder blades. “Cookies. Do they serve chocolate chip cookies here?”
“No. They’ve got banana pudding and pies, but that’s about it. Do we need to go back to that buffet and find you a cookie?” She flicked her nails in vexation.
“I’ll be right back.” Without further explanation, he vaulted out of his seat, pushed open the restaurant’s door, and sprinted to the patchy grass next to the parking lot before doubling over. He emptied his stomach of the morning’s oatmeal and waited for the malodorous winds of the pulp mill to overwhelm the cookie scent. Hands placed on his knocking knees, he inhaled the mill’s sulfuric stench, cleansing his memory’s palate of the chocolate chip cookies.
He could keep it together. He had to. He could get by without his medication.
Keenly aware of precious minutes lost with Mai, he nevertheless stayed outside until the faintest whiff of baked goods disappeared. When he returned to his seat, the restaurant smelled like it should, of barbecue and smoke.
Mai patted his back. “You okay?” Concern had replaced the frustration in her eyes.
“Sorry. Had a vision,” he lied.
“Here?” she whispered. Her eyes hopped from table to table.
“I’ll tell you about it later.”
The efficient waitress whisked over with full hands. “Two pulled pork specials.” She plunked down Styrofoam plates overflowing with food. A white hamburger bun, loaded with pulled pork and drenched with a vinegar-based sauce, sat nestled next to a lump of coleslaw shaped like an ice-cream scoop. Baked beans oozed a dark molasses sauce next to the sandwich.
A large, iced soda appeared in front of Liam, cementing the perfection of the meal. His stomach rumbled.
“Enjoy,” the waitress said.
Mai beamed. “Is this the best plate of food you’ve ever seen or what?”
“The best.” His mouth hadn’t watered this much in years.
Lost in the euphoria of a satisfying meal, the two temporarily suspended conversation. Mai finished her sandwich before he was halfway through his and began to work her way through the coleslaw. She pointed to his full plate. “Sign of a noob. There’s a science to packing all this scrumptiousness into your belly. Time is of the essence. You can’t stall while you’re eating, or you’ll never make it to the finish line.”
“I obviously require more lessons. Have I told you I’m a slow learner? It’s gonna take a lot of outings for me to figure this out,” he said.
A smile spread across her face. “I like teaching.”
“I’m counting on it.”
Ten minutes later, Mai’s prediction proved accurate. A quarter of his sandwich sat untouched on his plate, taunting him with its tasty perfection.
“Told you.” She leaned back in her chair and patted her full stomach.
The waitress slapped down their bill and eyed the growing line by the front door.
“Guess that’s our cue to go,” Liam said. He picked up the tab and paid with his mother’s stolen cash.
“Thanks for a tasty lunch.” Mai patted his back and brushed his shoulders with hers.
He inhaled sharply. “Anytime.”
Glowing with the satisfaction of a good meal and an even better date, he followed Mai out to the parking lot. He spotted all manner of trucks and small SUVs, but not a single Civic.
“Where’s your car?” he asked.
“Thanh dropped me off on her way to work.”
“Thanh? I didn’t get the impression she liked me much.”
Coins clinked in her red purse as she rummaged through it. She dug out a pair of sunglasses and shot him a knowing look before putting them on. “She doesn’t. But she also knows you make me smile, so she kept her thoughts to
herself. Or at least most of them.”
A warm flush crept up his pale neck. “I make you smile?”
“Don’t let the compliment make you arrogant. Pancakes and coffee make me smile, too.”
“Too late.” He lowered his head so Mai couldn’t see his goofy grin.
“Let’s get out of here.” Mai grabbed his hand. “I’ve got the perfect place for us to discuss your problem.”
Her hand fit perfectly in his. Once they neared the Hyundai, she squeezed his palm once and released it before hopping into the car. Instantly he missed the feel of her skin on his, and he wished he owned a self-driving car so he could continue touching her. She rolled down the window as Liam slunk behind the wheel.
“Where to?” he said.
“Hop back onto Business 98 until you hit Cherry Street. Take a right then, and I’ll guide you from there.”
Mai sank into her seat, kicked off her heals, and placed her petite feet on the dashboard. Her toenails glistened a plum purple. She clicked on the radio and searched for an acceptable song. Eventually she settled on a country station.
Liam sent her a sidelong glance. “This is the music you like?”
“What? An Asian chick can’t like country?”
“It’s not that… I figured you for more of an alt rock kind of girl.”
She twisted her lips to the side. “Some of that’s all right, but most of it depresses me.”
“Oh, and country is so upbeat? With the cheating, leaving, and crying?”
“Not all of it’s sad. A lot of country music is about being happy with what you’ve got. I know you want to recruit me to the dark side of your angsty music taste, but I like happy songs. Life’s wonderful, so why not appreciate it? I try to live in happy Mai land most days, and positive lyrics help me do it.”
Liam kept silent, wondering what it felt like to be happy most days. It was hard to imagine.
“So tell me about this imprint you had at Hog & Claw. I’m guessing it trended dark?” She tapped her fingers on her knees.
His mind raced. He’d forgotten all about conjuring up some story she might believe. “Unfortunately so.” He worked up what he hoped resembled a regretful expression. “An older man choked to death at the table next to ours.”
Not his most inventive tale ever, but hopefully, she’d buy it.
She clucked sympathetically. “Guess he inhaled his food faster than I did.”
Shocked she’d make such an insensitive comment, he whipped his head toward her. “Damn, Mai. That’s cold!”
She shrugged. “Then why are you laughing?”
Until she’d pointed it out, he hadn’t realized that he was.
“In all seriousness, though, I figure these visions must be hard to take. I don’t think I could handle seeing all those deaths.” She ran her hand through her hair. “Maybe a little dark humor isn’t the worst thing in the world. Not to be disrespectful or anything. It’s justI don’t want you to get overwhelmed.”
Her words covered his raw spirit like a carefully wrapped bandage.
“You have no idea how much I appreciate a little bit of levity. Thank you.” He dared a quick tap on her knee. She didn’t smack away his hand.
“It’s this next intersection, don’t miss your turn,” she said.
The blinking of his turn signal declared his understanding.
She leaned forward in her seat. “Okay, left up there.”
The road led to a quaint neighborhood filled with ramblers and one or two split-levels from the early eighties. Carefully manicured yards boasted large magnolia trees shading the street.
“This driveway here.” She pointed to a charming brick bi-level. Sunny yellow shutters lined its windows, and a red door proclaimed visitors welcomed.
“Is this your house?”
“Nah. My bà nội lives here. Pretty place, isn’t it?”
“Beautiful.” He held Mai’s gaze.
Though she shook her head, she still smiled. “Come on, Mr. Roundabout Complimenter, let me show you around.”
He reached for her arm and dusted it with his fingertips. “Wait. I’m not exactly ‘meeting grandma’ material. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“First of all, stop talking nonsense. I’d be proud to introduce you to my grandmother. Second, she’s not here right now. You can stop having your panic attack.”
“I’m not great with parents is all.” He lifted his shirt to his mouth and chewed on it.
Hand on the door handle, she looked him up and down. “No, I don’t suppose you would be. But I don’t mind. I’m sure you’ve got other skills.” She opened the door and stretched out into the muggy afternoon air.
The nape of his neck prickled as he stepped out of the car. Somebody watched them. Who knew what kinds of surveillance devices Mai’s grandmother’s neighbors employed? There could be a whole pack of Mrs. Channers watching them now, peeping through drawn blinds or hiding behind cars. He made a cursory survey of the street. No nosy neighbors revealed themselves, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there. It meant they were wily.
“Follow me.” Mai laced her fingers through his and led him around the side of the house.
Perfect in a suburban type of way, the backyard reminded him of a mollifying painting well suited for Dr. Jen’s office. A long, rectangular pool sparkled under the blazing sun, its brilliant, blue water pristinely clean. A concrete patio spotted with lounge chairs and drink tables enclosed it. Lush grass led from the patio to a dock where a speedboat and jet ski swayed on the small cove’s gentle waves. Water darkened from tree shade lapped at the dock.
“What do you think? Nice, right?” she asked.
“Very.” Though too tidy for his taste, you couldn’t beat the private cove access.
Hands still intertwined, she led him to the dock. He hoped she couldn’t feel the slight tremble her ongoing touch sent through his body. The temperature lowered ten degrees as they stepped under the shade. A soft breeze blew across the water and ruffled his shirt as he closed his eyes and concentrated on the warmth from her hand.
“This is perfect,” he said.
She said, “It’s my favorite spot in the world.” She sat down on the dock and tugged on his hand to join her. He did. The low hum of summer insects floated across the cove.
She kicked off her heels and dipped her toes into the bay. Ripples of water danced across the surface as she flicked her feet. “What are we going to do about your situation, Liam? Are you still in danger?”
He copied Mai by taking off his shoes and letting his feet slip into the warm inlet. “I don’t think there’s much more we can do. I don’t have any proof of what I saw.”
“But the killer has to know you’re the one who called in the tip about the drugs.”
“Drugs Security Forces didn’t find. Who knows? Maybe I imagined the whole thing?” His face reddened with the half-truth.
She shook her pointer finger. “Don’t doubt yourself. He must’ve moved the cocaine before the police came. Liam, I’m scared for you. What if this guy comes looking for you?”
“I’ll be fine. Really. I can take care of myself.”
Under the gentle waves, she wrapped her leg around his and used his weight as an anchor to pull herself closer. Bodies linked together, she took off her sunglasses and tossed them to the side. She turned her face toward his and leaned over so her lips skimmed against his.
“You better. I’m getting rather attached to you.”
She hung there, waiting for Liam to move a centimeter closer. Unused to close physical contact and terrified of touching her, he stiffened.
Mai waited. She didn’t back away; she didn’t move forward. She met his eyes and waited.
His heart thumped, his palms sweated, and his body shook, but Liam leaned forward.
Their lips whispered together, the kiss as soft as the flutter of butterfly wings. He trembled as the pressure from Mai’s smooth lips intensified against his. She parted her mouth and drew him in
closer. Every nerve ending in his body concentrated on her mouth and how she moved it against his. In his stupor, he sat rigid as a boulder, forgetting he could move his hands or arms. Mai pulled back and ran a fingertip up his neck.
“I’ve fantasized about this for a while,” she said.
Unable to formulate a sentence, he nodded. He wanted more. He worked up the courage to raise a shaking hand to her chin and guide it toward his face. Eyes closed in pleasure, her lips met his again.
She tasted like perfection. He ran his hand through her short hair and pulled her closer until the heat from their bodies eclipsed that of the afternoon. Goose bumps rose on her delicate skin as he caressed her back, and a shudder of pleasure rocked through his body. With a ragged breath, he broke away. He placed his hands on Mai’s waist and drowned in her brown eyes.
“If this is happy Mai land, I can see why you like to live here. No place can be better.”
She giggled. “Maybe troubled, white-boy land ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. Who’s recruiting who?”
“You’re cheating with your recruitment methods. Are these kisses approved by the SEC?”
“You’re special, Liam Murphy. I’ll bend the rules and make an exception for you.”
She had no idea how many special exceptions he required.
Tempted to feel the contours of her lips again, especially with her mouth parted in a smile, he bent forward. A female voice put a sudden stop to his progress.
“You’re going to ruin her.”
The midday heat intensified like an invisible hand had placed a lamp directly above their heads. Liam flinched. Although months had passed since he’d heard from her, he’d never forget that voice. Alexandra.
“What’s wrong?” Mai asked. She reached out to touch his face.
“She has no idea, does she?” Alexandra said.
Liam rubbed his temples and backed away. “Uhh, I remembered I have to get back home now. I’m babysitting my sister tonight.”
“Oh.” Mai pulled away. “Are you sure that’s all?”
His stomach plummeted at the absence of her touch. “Yeah. Sorry to be so abrupt. I forgot with all of your lovely distractions.”
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