I can’t argue that because it’s definitely true being the treasured son of a film star will give you the most head start of head starts so I focus on the real matter. “You owe them love,” I say. “Not some outdated sense of filial loyalty where you abase yourself to their orders.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Probably not.” I shrug. “Tell me. Would it be so bad to be CEO?”
“I’d never escape her then.” The words spill out and Sam looks astonished. “Holy shit,” he says. “I’m a terrible son.”
“No.” I step around so I’m between him and the water. “You can want to live your life, Sam. Lu Lili has her own life. She doesn’t need yours as well.”
He rubs the side of his cheek and I hear the slight scrape of his stubble as he works his fingers nervously back and forth while his eyes move between my face and over my shoulder. Then his hand drops back to his side and he stops moving completely. “Okay.”
What a wonderfully fluid word that is, depending on the tone. Give it an emphasis at the end and you have joyful triumph （o-KAY!）。 Draw out the beginning for a nice dose of doubtful hesitation （ooo-kay?）。 Then there’s the way Sam says it now, hushed and vulnerable as if the O is a window through which he can see a road he never knew existed.
“Okay,” I say back. Used to ease this time.
“Okay.” Firm and decisive. End of conversation.
He gives the water a final look before he bends down and captures my mouth under his. This time he moves slowly enough for me to feel the shape of his lips against mine before he shifts the tempo and pulls me tight as the kiss deepens. His big hands slide from my shoulders until he holds both my hands in his and the kiss changes to soft flutters against my mouth.
It’s only him and me, standing by a wind-blown lake.
I can never tire of this.
***
“I can’t believe she called my father.” Fangli gives Sam a tired look across the table. The three of us assemble after Fangli and Sam get off from work. Fangli picks at the sashimi in front of her, her brows knit together.
“What did he say?” asks Sam.
“My father thinks it’s a good idea. He’s been after me to marry because he wants a grandchild.” She pulls her hair back into a ponytail and lets it drop down. “Why now? We’ve known each other for years.”
“Lili says we look happy together.”
Fangli groans. “That’s Gracie, not me.”
“Sorry,” I say weakly. “I can dial it back.”
Sam puts his hand on mine. Fangli notices and her eyes widen. “Oh my God,” she says. “How long has this been going on?”
“What?” we ask in unison.
She stares pointedly at our hands, because Sam hasn’t moved. “No wonder they think we should get married.” Then she laughs and I can tell she’s not upset but more bemused at the situation.
Then she shoots me a look. “You didn’t say a word the other night.” Another frown, this one at Sam as she points at him with a dramatic gesture. “Neither did you!”
He snorts. “You took that right out of January February.”
“When I was accusing my mother-in-law of murder.” She nods. “It’s a powerful movement.”
“Very good,” he compliments her.
“But not an appropriate reflection on the situation.” Fangli winks. “Unlike when I unleashed it on my killer mother-in-law, I’m happy for you.”
He tightens his hand on mine as Mei comes into the room. Her immobile face stiffens even more and I assume she’s put off by PDA. She turns to Fangli and speaks quickly.
“My therapist is here,” Fangli says. She wiggles her eyebrows at me and leaves, Mei closing the connecting door firmly behind them.
“She said that more openly than I would have thought,” I say.
He nods proudly. “She’s trying hard.” Then he gets up to clear the dishes. “Do you have plans for tonight?”
I play it casual. “Not really.”
He sits back down. “Want to come here, then?”
I go over and sit on his lap. Sam takes my leg and pulls me over until I’m straddling him and we’re face-to-face. He’s warm and the flutters that start in my stomach take only moments to ripple out over every inch of my skin. Sam runs his hands along my back, and when I bend to kiss him, I make sure my eyes stay on him.
Two hours later, I’m very glad I shaved above my knees.