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“Ah gung, you are still such a long way from retiring. Perhaps one day I'llcome and work alongside you, but for now, I have plans of my own.”
“You have plans?” he mutters, trying to hide the disappointment on his face.
“Yes, ah gung, I want to go to New York.”
His expression sinks. It breaks my heart a little to see the regret in his eyes. “There is so much more to live for than that.”
“I want to find a job there. Start a life. Learn about my father.”
“I know what you want to do, Seraphina. This is not about your career or your need to travel. I had just hoped that maybe you would let it all go.”
As we continued our breakfast, ah gung, and I exchanged pleasantries, carefully steering the conversation clear of anything related to New York. In a gesture that was both generous and unexpected, he presented me with a stunning pair of diamond earrings and a Hong Bao, filled with twenty thousand dollars, as a graduation gift. "Book a trip, enjoy yourself, and take a friend along," he suggested warmly. It was a thoughtful offer, especially considering I had been diligently saving money for years, building a substantial safety net on my own, without ever seeking financial help.
I hugged ah gung goodbye, then, walking home, I pull out my phone and message Antonio.
Me: Good morning, thank you for a lovely night last night.
Antonio: It was my pleasure. How are you today? Do you have plans?
Me: I have a few things to do today, but it won’t take up all day. What are you up to today?
Antonio: I'm just having a meeting in town at a little restaurant that I think you would like, actually. It’s called Kimara Ruka. Have you heard of it?
Me: I have, but I haven’t been there yet.
Antonio: I will have to bring you some time. Do you have plans for this evening?
Me: Not yet.Antonio: Good. Be ready at five. Send me your address. My driver will be there to pick you up. Wear something warm.
I bite my lip. I guess I can't avoid giving him my address forever. Besides, soon I'llbe in New York and it won’t matter. I send him my address and tell him I'llsee him at five.
I waved down a taxi. "Kimara Ruka, please." I don't know what I'llfind out, but at least try, the cat and mouse excite me.
I sit at the cafe across the street and watch Antonio talking to a group of men. They are all locals, wearing business suits. A pretty boring meeting, from what I can see.
Antonio stands out; his crisp, custom suit is tailored to fit his perfect build. He has a quiet strength about him that demands the respect of the other men around him. I can tell that they have respect, or fear, for him by the way they move - their stanceand their mannerisms. The meeting drags. I had a couple of cups refills, finally I gave up. Nothing interesting about Antonio today.
I have a few hours before he comes. Better hurry back home to make a change. Tonight is going to be interesting.
12
Antonio
Seraphina smiles when wearrived.
The driver stops outside the boatyard, and I climb out to open the door for her.
“Are we going on the water?” she asks, a bright light shining in her eyes.
“Yes, I thought we might have dinner on my yacht.” I hold my hand out. She slips her fingers between mine. Her innocence pulling me deeper into her.
She looks out toward the row of yachts. “Which one is yours?”
I stand behind her, leaning around her, pointing: “That one over there. The black and white one.”
“It’s beautiful,” she whispers, glancing sideways at me instead of toward the yacht. Her hair brushing across my cheek, and the scent of her skin teasing my senses.
I slip my hand into hers again and lead her toward the boat.
