Imperfect Triangle

Chapter 16

The fancy black suit hanging by the door has been mocking me with its smooth silky texture ever since I got it. I've hand washed Toshio's handkerchief and tucked it into the suit pocket; they go perfectly neat together. My hands run across the soft fabric and I wonder why on earth am I missing this man whom I saw just a week ago? What has he done to my heart?

There are gallons of guilt weighing me down. I shouldn't have thrown myself to him. He must have misunderstood. Well, I could have misunderstood myself. I know only that I was genuinely worried about him. That man has everything yet he needs me. And I love being needed. I have to say it is my soft spot. Even if it becomes a burden, it's still a sweet burden.

I got his message yesterday. Toshio has already flown miles away to Japan.

The door is flung open and it knocks my forehead. I let out a cry. It's Grandma. Damn, she is strong with such tiny body.

"Why are you standing behind the door?"

"Nothing. You need something?" I reply, rubbing off my pain.

She glances over at the suit and turns to me again. "I want to speak with you. Come out for a minute."

Then I follow her to the living room, keeping my head down like a student ready to have the palms beaten by a wooden ruler. I know the drill. She will ask me to stop seeing Toshio. Make wise choices in making friends. Focus on bringing home some money. Don't jeopardize the job for Jin...blah blah blah.

Grandma paces back and forth in front of me with her hands clenched behind her back. I sit and feel like there are thousands of needles poking my ass. Oh boy. Please just say it already.

"The owner of the suit. What's his name?"

"Mr. Morita?"

"He's a Japanese?"

"Sort of." She doesn't need to know he is half Brazilian, I guess. Toshio doesn't act like a Japanese anyway. Not that I've known many Japanese. Actually only one; he was my boss while I worked briefly at a wine and grill. That man was very picky and harsh to his employees so I won't consider him a general representation.

"He's a good man?" she asks and sits slowly beside me on the couch, grimaced as her knees may be hurting.

"He's very kind indeed."

"Is he rich? I saw he drives a nice car."

Now I'm uncomfortable instead of nervous with this conversation. I don't know where it is leading us.

"He is. If you put it that way."

"How long have you two been together?"

I deny it at once. "We are not."

"I saw the hugging and kissing."

"You spied on us?" My cheeks go straight from warm to burning hot. "Grandma, you don't have to worry. I will not leave you."

"You have to this time."

"What are you talking about?"

She takes my hands. I believe it is the first time she caresses them so gently. She pats them, warms them, and frail words are dragged out of her lips, "Xue, I never treat you like my own child. You may think I was too strict with you but that was for your own good. You are more like a daughter-in-law that I never have. I thought you and Jin were getting along very well and one day you two will take over this shop."

"I don't understand..."

"I guess sometimes things can't be forced," she sighs. "I will close the shop and move to Macau."