Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
She's known since she was tiny. The way some people know they want to act or sing or write, she knew she wanted to study eyes. But it wasn't passion so much as practicality.
It drives Quyen crazy that she has the practical daughter. It drives Mai crazy too. But then…
They're just crazy.
I can't help but laugh at their argument. It's so silly. They're like teenagers, not women in their forties.
"Where is this handsome fiancé?" Quyen asks.
"Tell the truth." Mai leans in close. "Is it the money?" she stage whispers, though I'm pretty sure she intends it as a real whisper. "Or is it the sex?"
"What?" I nearly spit out my gin and tonic.
"Please, Jasmine," she says in Vietnamese. "We have to say this before your father gets here. But it's obvious. You have the glow of a woman whose needs are being met."
Quyen nods you do. "These things are important in a husband."
Oh God, please don't let them continue.
"I know you think I'm old and traditional, but it wasn't always that way."
"You're in your forties," I say.
She nods I know, so old now, completely missing my point. "I was your age once. Younger even," Mai says.
"I, uh… thank you. For the advice." I take another sip. Fight a blush. They never talked to me like this when I was younger. I guess a first-class ticket and an afternoon at a fancy hotel change things. Or maybe it's losing Mom. Maybe they want to make sure I have good, motherly advice. "We are… compatible in that way."
They laugh and exchange whispers.
My blush deepens. At least… well, is it so bad if they think I'm marrying him for the sex? Better than thinking I'm rushing down the aisle so Dad can attend my special day.
Or that I'm doing this for a seven-figure payout.
But I can't consider those possibilities right now.
This is… maybe tonight doesn't have to be an overwhelming exercise in faking it. Maybe I can laugh with my aunts and my dad. Maybe I can celebrate love and marriage and forever.
I want to have that one day. A real love, a real marriage, a family of my own. This is just… a dress rehearsal.
They order their usual drinks and start competing on who can give the best advice about marriage.
Never go to bed angry.
Never go to bed in flannel pajamas, always something sexy.
Never go to bed in something sexy, always leave him wondering. Besides, flannel is very practical. And the plaid is cute.
And on and on.
I nod with them as the room fills with Shep's colleagues and friends.
Nick finds Lizzy immediately. It's been half an hour, an hour maybe, but he still kisses her like he's going to war. Like this might be the only chance they get.
My heart warms. My thoughts get fuzzy. Or maybe that's the gin.
I order another round anyway. I don't want to think about how Shep will never love me. About how I'm destined for an eternity with a man who will never hand me his heart.
This is a good deal. I'm coming out ahead. Even if it's with a broken heart.
Mmm. The second is better. It dulls the voice whispering this is a bad idea. Then my eyes flit to him.
Shep walks in with my dad. Dad's in a suit and tie and he's walking fine on his own. He's a little pale, sure, but he looks good. Healthy.
And Shep… he looks happy. Over the moon even. His eyes find mine. He smiles and my heart melts.
Mai whispers something about Shep being handsome.
"You're a lucky woman," Quyen agrees. "If he's half the lover he is the looker—"
They giggle like schoolgirls.
I let Shep and Dad meet us here. I don't even fuss when Dad orders whiskey. This is a party. He deserves to have a little fun too.
"I didn't know you were picking up Dad," I say.
Dad shakes his head. "He sent a limo. Very fancy." He holds up his drink. "To Shepard taking care of my daughter."
"I promise, I will try my best." Shep offers me his hand.
When I take it, he squeezes my palm. It's not the steady gesture of earlier. It's frantic. Rushed. Like he's trying to cling to something stable.
Or maybe I'm imagining things.
Shep's eyes go to my drink. They fill with a hunger. Then they move over my body and the hunger shifts to something baser.
"She's a lucky woman," Mai says again, though this time it's a question, directed at Shep. "To have such a devoted man."
"No." He rises to meet her challenge. "I'm the lucky one." He pulls me toward him. "I count my blessings every day."
My body melts into his. My hands go to his shoulders.
Has he always been this tall? Or does he seem bigger today, like he takes up more space, commands more of a presence?
I let my fingers curl into his neck. Not the rough gesture of his touch. Something soft. Gentle. Inviting.