The Source

Part 20

Fa: How's Tulip Enterprises? 

Freen: It's doing well. We're about to release the new flower to the market so hopefully sales increase. 

Char: I heard you had some help coming up with the name for the Sarah flower. If Freen didn't know better, she would think Char sounded jealous. 

Fa: My love, you have to leave the cop alone. Char dropped her fork on the table, crossed her arms and pouted. 

Char: But I don't want her near Sar. It's bad for business. Freen watched their interaction confused. Char acted like a brat and Fa gave in. 

Fa: Freen is not a toy, my love. She has the right to be happy like we are. Char scoffed and sipped her wine. Anyway, I'm assuming you're here to take back your old job, aren't you Freen?

Freen: It's not like I had much of a choice. You know I can't tolerate Leader and he won't be happy with just getting the money. Fa chuckled. 

Fa: You know him well. I tried negotiating on your brother's behalf, but Leader is interested in more than just money. He planned on using your brother as an intermediary for his drug selling. Your brother has some very rich friends. 

Freen: I told you already if you want me back in the business, my brother gets out and Leader won't sell him anything. Fa nodded. 

Fa: Don't worry, Freen. I'm a woman of my word. I already informed Leader when you got on the plane. Your brother is officially debt-free. Freen sighed. 

Freen: Good. As lovely as this dinner has been, I must be heading back home. My parents came for a visit. 

Char: But you haven't had dessert yet. Faaaa, tell her she can't leave without eating dessert! She pouted. Fa looked at Freen pleadingly. Freen gave in. Yes! Beau, bring out the desert! 

Beau brought out a cart filled with deserts which included cakes, muffins, ice cream, cookies and some fruits. She set a bowl with a spoon for each of them and served Fa and Char first. 

Beau: What would you like, miss? 

Freen: I'm fine with whatever you pick, Beau. Thank you. Beau blushed profusely and served a little bit of everything for Freen. Freen smiled at her and Beau immediately ran back to the kitchen. 

Char: We have to fire her. 

Fa: Char...

Char: No! She stood up causing her plate to fall over. Fa looked visibly pissed off. First, she flirts with you right in my face and now with Sar! I don't want her in this house, P'Fa. 

Fa: Enough Charlotte! You ruined Beau's life because of your stupid jealousy! The least we could do was give her a job, so she and her family don't end up living out on the streets. Now go to your room! Char stomped her feet. Go! I'll deal with you in a second. 

Char: You better tell that cop to stay away from you or else...

Fa: Charlotte! Char groaned and walked upstairs upset. Fa sighed. I'm so sorry you had to see that. She loves to throw tantrums like a little kid. 

Freen: It's fine, I guess. I didn't get Beau in trouble, did I? Fa shook her head no. 

Fa: Don't worry about her. Char is like that sometimes, but she hasn't done anything bad since she married me. She's just a little overprotective about her things. 

Freen: But I'm not... Why did you bring me here, Fa? 

Fa: Honestly, I was hoping you might be into the idea of a threesome. Freen choked on her own saliva. Char's been begging me for one and I only trust you with her. 

Freen: What the hell?! Why me? 

Fa: Because you already had sex with her and she still came back to me. I- If you tell anyone this, I will kill you and make sure no one finds your body. Freen nodded. I may look confident on the outside, but I'm constantly afraid that she will find someone else. I try to keep her happy and satisfied in any way that I can, but it might not be enough. Freen didn't know what to say to that. It's none of your business anyway. I'll tell Nate to contact you for the next job. It's good to have you back, Freen. They shook hands and walked outside. One of my men will drive you to the airport and then back home if you want. 

Freen: That's okay. Mark will pick me up at the hotel. 

Fa: Suit yourself. You're welcome back here anytime. Freen slid into the car and visibly relaxed after the weirdest dinner of her life. She checked her messages for the first time since she left the hotel. She had 3 messages from Becca, 7 messages from Heng and 1 from Heidi. 

Becca's messages: 1) Hey, sorry about ignoring you. I've been bombarded with work. 2) Can we meet tomorrow? I could sure use the distraction. 3) No art galleries this time. Freen smiled at Becca's messages. She answered back. "Text me the time and place and I'll be there."

Heidi: I won't let you go. Freen rolled her eyes. She blocked Heidi's number and deleted all photos she had with her.

Heng: 1) I picked up mom and dad. 2) Just warning you, dad came wearing a dress. He says it's a traditional Chinese garment. Freen laughed wholeheartedly. 3) Mom wants to know when you're coming home. 4) Olga can't find the wine bottle opener. I'm bored. Come home! 5) Did you tell Heidi to come over? Freen's eyes went wide. 6) Umm your girlfriend's drunk and babbling about you dumping her for some cop. 7) She fell asleep in the garden. Sorry about your flowers. 

Freen: I can't catch a break, can I? She dialed Mark's number. I'll be ready to go home in an hour. Buy some wine and a bottle opener. Also, buy some flowers for my mother. You remember her favorites, right? Ok, I'll see you soon. She got on the plane and watched the view through the window. She had a feeling that things were about to become much more complicated.