Page 119 of Love Unlimited

Right now, though, he was setting up the camp site. He deposited the empty tent bag, extra stakes, and mallet back in the car, then checked the tent one more time. He was pretty sure everything was inside, and he liked how everything looked laid out together. Four sleeping bags, four pillows, four duffels, and two air mattresses laid out in a row—a bit like the symbols in the journal.

He set out the flashlights and roasting sticks on the tree stump near the fire pit where Lena was building up the fire. She gave him a cheery wave as she carefully settled a heavier log on top, clearly in her element.

While they’d both put on shorts and t-shirts before leaving the wedding venue, the first thing Lena had done upon setting up the tent was use it to change into a loose dress. That seemed to be the signal for her transformation, though Dustin said he could tell regardless of her clothes. Zhong needed a few more cues.

Now he just had to wait for Ash and Dustin to arrive. They’d decided to take the other car and grab some groceries on the way up. After the wedding banquet, they’d all agreed that they were too stuffed to make dinner, but Ash didn’t want to wait for marshmallows and Dustin always liked cooking eggs and bacon in the morning over the propane stove. He said they tasted better outside, and while Zhong would have been content with bread or fruit, Dustin was definitely right.

Zhong couldn’t find anything else to do, so he wandered over to Lena. The fire was crackling with a bright blaze. The sky was just starting to turn to orange and purple, so they’d both finished right on time.

She added another log, her hair swinging close to the flames.

Want me to get a hair tie for you? he asked.

Yeah, that would be amazing. Mine broke and I forgot to look for another one. It should be in the side pocket.

Zhong pulled out her brush as well as a couple of hair ties in different sizes and handed them over. She drew her hair up in a quick, messy bun, more intent on poking the fire. It didn’t look like it needed tending, but her focus didn’t surprise him at all. Whether it was the chemical reactions or the dangerous beauty of the flames, it was exactly the right thing for her.

He settled onto the picnic bench, only to catch her looking up at him. She was less wary around him now, but sometimes it took some coaxing to get her to come close. It usually seemed like she was waiting for an invitation, so he gave her one. Want me to brush your hair? I can braid it, even.

Sure! Her immediate response told him it was exactly what she’d been waiting for.

He moved to the top of the picnic table so she could sit on the bench between his knees. He worked the elastic band carefully out of the tangled strands and brushed until it was smooth.

I love your hair, he told her, bending to the side so she could see him. Since she was facing away and his hands were busy, it wasn’t the best set-up for a conversation, but they could exchange quick comments.

I like you playing with it. It’s so different from just brushing it myself.

Zhong chuckled. Be careful what you say, or I’ll want to brush it every day.

I wouldn’t say no.

He ran the brush through a few more times, even though he’d already reached a glossy shine. Now he could move slowly and just enjoy it.

Is this like massages for Dustin? she asked.

I guess so. I like being physically close to people and this always feels special to me. I guess with Dustin it’s massages and with Ash it’s… all sorts of things. Getting them dressed. Carrying them around.

I can see that. She paused, a shy smile on her face. You can play with it with your hands, if you like. It feels special to me, too. She looked away quickly, but for Lena, that was a big admission.

He ran his fingers through her hair, enjoying how it flowed over his fingers. Can I braid it?

She nodded and he started at the top, drawing up three thin strands and slowly adding to them with each plait.

How did you learn to French braid? she asked, surprised.

He waited until he got everything secure in one hand before he answered. Two younger sisters. But hold still or it’ll fall apart.

She draped her arms over his knees, pulling them tight against her body. It felt secure and intimate. He made each strand of the braid as small as he could, wanting to draw out their special time in front of the fire. He liked taking care of her, of knowing he could give this to her.

Eventually, he reached her neck and had to braid off the rest and tie it up at the end. He patted her shoulder to show that he was done, but she only turned on the bench to look up at him. Her back rested against one of his legs.

She looked pensive, like she was working out how to say something.

I was just thinking… Ash calls Dustin “Daddy Dustin.”

Zhong nodded slowly.

So could I call you that too? Daddy Zhong, I mean?