Page 55 of XOXO

I let my hand fall, watching him talk to the table like they were children. Yoona’s face hardened as she spoke to him backtelling him how we had met. He said something about a money-hungry American woman who would open her legs to any European and I probably targeted their table.

I laughed rolling my eyes.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I snapped in Korean. “Your shining personality must win over the ladies in massive crowds. I can get laid without their help, and fuck you for thinking I’m a money-hungry woman”

I grabbed my purse pushing back my chair as the table went silent. I glanced at the asshole who looked shocked.

“Thank you for a lovely meal and saving me,” I said quickly in English. “I truly enjoyed your company. Goodbye.”

I hated leaving like this, but I would not sit here and be spoken to like that. I didn’t care if he was Yoona’s son. Jaques laughed as I walked away and the table erupted in conversation, mostly getting mad at him. I took a deep breath shaking off the embarrassment and deciding this was the last time I looked for someone on Rendezvous or maybe ever.

16. Ruwon

Mama knows best.

They all glared at me, but my mother’s glare was the worst. Guilt slowly seeped in after my shock that the woman who was here with them spoke Korean.

“Naega neoleul geuleohge kiujin anh-ass-eo.”

I raised you better than that.

I looked at the floor, taking a deep breath.

“She was a lovely girl and didn’t deserve your ire,” Jaques said in English.

“We invited her to sit with us after she was stood up.” Maya raised her brow at me.

“Now I regret inviting you to spend the afternoon with us. I thought she could use a friend, but I see my son has lost his manners,” my mother said.

“Mom, you know⁠—”

“Save it Nae-saekki,” she snapped.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly.

“We aren’t the only ones who deserve an apology,” Maya said, taking a drink of her coffee.

“We will see you later.” My mother dismissed me.

I stood there like I was a teenager again, unsure of what the hell I was supposed to do. My mood had been shit since I had woken up, having to read emails and two manuscripts that needed to be read by today.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, leaving the restaurant feeling everyone's stares.

I took a deep breath taking in the briny air as I reached for the keys to my motorcycle in front of the restaurant. The day was beautiful and a ride along the coast sounded great, maybe it would lift my mood. I slid my sunglasses on when I noticed her.

She was gorgeous in a revealing top and long skirt that accentuated her body. If I had seen her somewhere else and I was in a better mood I would have wanted to talk to her, but years of my mother wanting me to settle down had triggered a bad response. I was already irritated and that was the match to my explosive mood.

Guilt simmered again and I was walking towards her before chickening out. She looked up as I stood next to her, glaring,

“Following me now? You think I need to hear more insults?” She snapped her attention back on her phone.

“I’m sorry. What I said was out of line,” I said, running my hand through my hair. “I had a shit morning. I took it out on you and you didn’t deserve that.”

She looked up, raising her brow. “Did your mom tell you to say that? Or was it the fact that I knew you were talking shit about me.”

“No, she basically said I was an asshole and I’m no longer able to hang out with them anymore,” I sighed. “I reacted badly and yes, you knowing what I said made me feel even worse. I can assure you that my mother would have translated some of what I said to embarrass me.”

“Well, good for your mom,” she said, looking back at her phone.