Chapter 13. I Had Dinner with Him and Everyone Survived
CHAPTER 13
I Had Dinner with Him and Everyone Survived
We were only a few days into our fake courtship, and we’d already gotten a routine going, just like any normal fake couple: I’d start the day with my morning run, and by the time I returned, Alec would have breakfast ready in the kitchen. He’d drop me off at the shop on his way to work, sometimes picking me up in the afternoon, and for the last few days, it felt like our pretend relationship was blossoming into a tolerable friendship.
But yesterday’s Strictly Professional Kiss seemed to have changed everything.
Alec was his charming self during brunch with Jacqui and Phil, but as soon as we left the restaurant, it was as if the past few days and our newfound camaraderie had never even existed. He’d relapsed to his grumpy, clammed-up self, quiet on the car ride home, only speaking whenever necessary, then spent the rest of the day avoiding me. I’d racked my brain trying to figure out what could possibly have caused it, but came up empty.
This morning, gone was the thoughtful breakfast, and on the way to work, his boring podcast was blaring at full volume. Today’s topic was legal tips for astute property developers, and I thanked the Good Lord that the drive only lasted ten minutes, because any longer, I’d probably have flung myself out of the moving vehicle. The air inside the car was sub-zero, and he hadn’t said a single word since we’d left.
After five minutes of uncomfortable silence, I attempted to break the ice.
“Busy day planned at the office today?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Lots of meetings? Site visits?”
“Yep.”
I tried again. “Did you see the weather forecast? It’s going to be a cold day.”
“No.”
Perhaps I should have left it at that, but persistence was my middle name. I gave it one last shot. “How’s your family? Your mom and sisters well?”
“Great.”
We made a new friend: the infamous curt, one-word answer. Effective, but annoying.
“By the way, Rob asked me out to dinner tonight. Don’t wait up for me because I’ll be staying at his house having hot, wild sex all night.”
Didn’t know why I said that, but it got his attention. He screeched to a halt at the next red light and turned to frown at me—the first time he really looked at me today.
“What?”
“I thought that would encourage you to use your words.”
“That’s not funny.” He bestowed an icy glance on me, then turned his eyes back to the road. “Rob has a girlfriend. For a minute I thought he was cheating on her.”
“I didn’t know he has a girlfriend. That’s too bad, because he’d be perfect.” For Kim, because I’d been meaning to introduce them, but I stopped myself from saying that.
No answer.
I jabbed at the infotainment screen to turn off his painfully uninspiring podcast. “Okay, I’m clueless here, Alec. Things were fine yesterday. What’s going on?”
He switched the podcast back on from a button on the steering wheel. “Nothing. Busy day ahead. Got a lot on my mind.”
I turned it off again. “Liar. I’m practically freezing here from your frostiness.”
The podcast came back on. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He made a right turn and stopped in front of my store. The second I got out of his car, he peeled away as if he were exiting a Formula One pit stop.
It was official: Sir Annoying McGrumpyface had made a triumphant comeback.
Gritting my teeth, I pushed the shop door open. Was I disappointed that he was being a hostile pain in the butt again? Yes, because I thought we were finally becoming friends, but obviously he didn’t share the sentiment. I shouldn’t let it bother me, nor the fact that any trace of The Strictly Professional Kiss seemed to have vanished the moment we said goodbye to Jacqui and Phil yesterday. Should I try to analyze what was going on? No, because he wasn’t my actual boyfriend. Should I move on and focus on the rest of my day as if nothing had happened? Hell yes, if I knew what was good for me. In fact, I should follow the steps of my freshly completed Stay on Track Plan:
First and foremost, focus on getting the bakery up and running.
Distraction is king: I need to spend more time doing things I love—getting back to the kitchen to test new rec ipes, and working through my Netflix queue and Kindle to-read list.
Minimize contact and establish clear boundaries with him. DO NOT, under any circumstances, not even in the name of fake courtship, KISS HIM AGAIN. Not even if the universe was coming to an imminent end and kissing him is the only thing that could save humanity from destruction and/or extinction.
List his negative qualities and reasons we’re incompatible: he’s arrogant, annoying, listens to awful podcasts, and sees me only as Eric’s little sister. Possibly has a (soon-to-be) girlfriend.
If all the above fails, remember: he nearly killed me ten years ago. Fine, it wasn’t technically his fault, whatever, but he was the one who had triggered the whole thing.
When I walked in, Rob and his team were already knee-deep in wires and electrical switches. The work was progressing nicely, and things were taking shape. I pushed aside my frustration and disappointment with Alec to admire the view: the previously drab walls were now freshly painted in beige, and the floor tiles had been cleaned and polished to gleaming perfection. My shiny, beautiful, new commercial oven was delivered yesterday, and Rob had scheduled the installation this week. I couldn’t stop grinning as I ran my hand across its sleek surface. Things were moving forward, and on budget, bringing me closer to achieving my dreams.
I spent the day checking things off my To-Do List: planning several menu options for the bakery, ordering kitchen tools and equipment, and chasing city officials to make sure the permits and licenses would be ready in time.
That afternoon, as I switched off the lights and locked the door, Alec’s SUV swung into the empty spot just vacated by Rob’s truck. He got out, his face as surly as it had been this morning. I schooled my features to match his unpleasant scowl.
Alec nodded at me. “You ready to go?”
Shoving my keys into my bag, I lifted my chin. “No. I don’t accept rides from rude, unfriendly faces. I can get home on my own, thank you.” Shouldering my backpack, I started walking toward the main Plaza building, where the bus terminal was.
He growled from behind me. “Stop. You’re being stubborn again.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Where are you going?” He marched after me, catching my arm to anchor me in place. “You don’t have a car, and I’m trying to help. The least you could do is say thanks.”
I snatched my arm away. “I have been nothing but grateful for everything you’ve done for me. But I don’t appreciate you shoving that in my face as an excuse for your grouchiness. So thanks, but no thanks, because I don’t need your help.”
“I know you don’t, but I promised Eric. He would’ve done the same thing for my sisters.”
The hairs on the back of my neck prickled. Eric, Eric, Eric. I loved my brother, but I was so sick of hearing Alec wonder, What Would Eric Do? The only reason he was being thoughtful was because he promised my brother to look out for me. The wisest thing to do was to pour cold water on whatever feelings I was redeveloping for him, because they were only setting me up for a much harder fall.
I swung around and hissed at him, “You know what, Mackenzie? You’re the most frustrating man alive. I thought we had a good weekend. We were an awesome team, we charmed Jacqui, and I was even under the delusion that we were finally becoming friends. Yet for some unknown reason, you’ve gone back to your old irritating self this morning.”
He pursed his lips but said nothing.
“Sure, if that’s what you want, I’ll play along,” I said. “We don’t have to be friendly and civil to each other outside of our agreement.”
He closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his face.
“We’re done here.” I gave him one last stink eye and walked away.
“Wait,” he called out, his footsteps echoing behind me. “You’re right. We do make an amazing team. You completely charmed Jacqui yesterday. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
I kept walking. He kept following.
“I owe you an apology. For being rude this morning, and for the kiss.”
My steps faltered.
“I know I said we should be professionals, but I swear, I didn’t mean for it to happen for that long. It was just something I thought of on the spot to convince Jacqui.”
I stopped and turned around to face him.
“I’ve been thinking about it the whole day. I was angry at myself, and I felt so guilty about it,” he continued. “You made an excellent point about limiting our interaction outside of our agreement. That should minimize any… unnecessary physical contact.”
Unnecessary physical contact? A chaotic smorgasbord of emotions rumbled inside my heart. That hurt, because obviously for him, the concept of touching and kissing me thoroughly revolted him. Then jealousy, because understandably, he felt guilty because he was kissing me when he liked another woman. But most of all, I was furious with myself, because I felt jealous and disappointed, and I had no right feeling any of those things.
Whatever it was, he was right. It was the appropriate thing to do. And if in doubt, refer to the Stay on Track Plan.
“Fine. Apology accepted, and we’re limiting our interactions. I’ll see you around.”
He jabbed a thumb toward his car. “Can I give you a ride? It’ll save you a forty-five-minute bus trip home.”
“That totally defeats the purpose of what we just discussed ten seconds ago.”
“We can start tomorrow. I’m already here, going in the same direction as you are.”
My stomach seized that very moment to rumble, loudly demanding that it needed to be fed. A corner of his mouth quirked up at the sound.
“It’s almost seven, so maybe we can go to that sushi and sake place at the rooftop area for dinner. Don’t you need to eat something so your blood sugar doesn’t go low?”
It was comments like these that made it supremely difficult to stay annoyed at him. My heart aahed and awwwed with adoration, while my brain sighed in resignation and created a brand-new list to add my collection: Alec’s Supremely Thoughtful Gestures.
“ Sushi and sake? I can’t keep up with you. Doesn’t this count as social interaction?”
He shrugged. “Yeah, but I’m only offering because—”
“Let me guess.” My tone was flat. “Because that’s what Eric would do?”
His face split into a grin. “No. Because I’m also starving.”
Ocha Izakaya was packed, so we were ushered to two empty seats at the sushi bar. We placed our food orders and some hojicha, then quietly watched the sushi chef in front of us fill a wooden sushi boat with salmon and tuna sashimi slices.
“Mike called today,” I broke the silence. “My car should be done in a couple of days.”
“That’s good. I forgot to ask, what was wrong with it?”
“Engine failure. He’s rebuilding the old one, because that costs less and I’d have better mileage out of it.”
Alec set his cup of tea down. “How much is that going to cost you?”
“A few thousand.” I winced a little. “It’s a bit tight, but I’ll make it work. It’s cheaper than a new engine or a new car.”
Just then, his phone trilled. He excused himself, then walked away, while muttering a low “hey” into his phone.
Nope, not going to feel jealous that that was probably a call from the girl he had his eyes on. Absolutely none of my business.
Just then, my phone vibrated, too. I tapped the green icon to answer the video call, grinning when Naomi’s smile filled my screen.
“Ellie! So good to see your pretty face.” She peered at the screen, trying to work out where I was. Waiters with black T-shirts and red aprons bustled behind me, carrying trays of sake cups and sushi platters. “Are you at dinner? I can call back.”
“No, that’s okay. What’s up?”
“I’ve got big news.” Naomi’s voice crackled on the phone, the smile on her face enormous. “Remember I told you about the weekend trip Eric organized?” When I nodded, she went on, “Guess what happened.”
My eyes widened as she brandished her hand in front of the camera, showing me a big, blindingly beautiful ring on her finger.
“We’re going to be sisters, El!”
I let out a squeal, attracting Alec’s attention, who’d just returned to our seats. “Oh my God, that’s awesome! Congrats, you two!”
“Hey, Naomi.” Alec leaned to peek into the call frame, whistling when he saw the sparkly ring. “Is that what I think it is? Finally! Congratulations, so thrilled for you and Eric.”
Naomi’s face froze mid-smile, her eyebrows hiking up so high they practically disappeared into her hairline.
“She’s not moving,” Alec observed. “Bad phone connection, maybe.”
“Or extreme shock. Naomi? Blink once if you can hear me. Blink twice if you can’t.”
My friend blinked rapidly, finally showing signs of life. She squinted closer at the camera, her eyeballs filling the frame, as if that would help her see him better. When that obviously didn’t work, her dilated pupils swiveled toward me. “You. Are having dinner with Alec? Alec Mackenzie? ”
“That’s me.”
I shrugged, keeping my face blank. “Well, he’s the only Alec I know in town.”
“That’s true. I’ve never met another Alec here. Plenty of Alexanders, though.”
“But… but…,” Naomi spluttered, giving me a quizzical look, “you said you’re not happy about having to ask for his help. That you’re barely tolerating each other. When did that turn into buddies having dinner together? Why wasn’t I briefed about this significant development in your relationship?”
“Because there’s no relationship,” I replied. “It’s just dinner. Very casual. Lots of other people here, too, see behind me?”
“Lots of other people.” Alec nodded, looking serious. “When’s the big day, Naomi?”
“We haven’t decided,” a familiar voice murmured behind her.
Naomi beamed, all her shock and bafflement forgotten, as my brother’s face popped into view. “Hey, kiddos.”
“Eric, congratulations!” I shrieked, while Alec said, “Well done, man.”
My brother was smiling from ear to ear. “Thanks. How are things? Good to see you two hanging out together and playing nice.”
“I’m always nice,” Alec said. “Took me a while to convince Ellie, but she’s finally coming around.” He grinned at me. “I’m starting to grow on you, aren’t I?”
Both my brother and my best friend turned their curious faces on me. Naomi’s eyes were narrowed, full of speculation, while Eric just looked amused.
“I’ll get back to you on that,” I said, before directing my next sentence at Eric and Naomi. “Anyway, what’s been happening back home? Eric, how’s the brewery going?”
Naomi gave me one last raised eyebrow before answering, the unspoken threat loud and clear: I demand a full explanation later. “Things have been busy and chaotic, as usual. Babe, tell them about the drama with your parents.”
“Oh, man.” Eric rolled his eyes. “El, you remember old man McKay, don’t you? Their eccentric neighbor? You’re gonna laugh when you hear this.”
As he told the story, my mind drifted away, and I was suddenly overcome with sadness. I spoke with Naomi and Eric often in our group chat, but I hadn’t spoken to my parents since the day I stormed out of their office. My mother hadn’t followed through on her threat to sue me, thankfully, and apart from the occasional angry text messages, she hadn’t made any real attempts to contact me. Knowing my mom, a world champion at holding grudges, it could be a long while.
There was an old saying in Indonesian that my mother used to tell us when we were little, that “heaven lies under the feet of mothers.” It meant that a child must respect their parents, specifically their mother, to “gain passage into heaven.” She’d grown up listening to that, so she was never one to disrespect her parents and her in-laws. That was how I’d been raised, too: by being told to always honor your elders. They were always right. Even if they were wrong and you didn’t like what you were being told to do, well, tough luck, because you need to suck it up and do it anyway. Apparently, it was the Chinese Indonesian way, or at least, it was my Chinese Indonesian family’s way.
But for me and Eric, being raised in a Western society, we were also taught from an early age to express our opinions and question things that didn’t make sense to us. Which was what we did, whenever we could, just as long as it was within the acceptable confines of my mother’s expectations. This was the longest I’d gone without speaking to my parents, because in the past, I had always given in and apologized, then done what was asked of me.
Until, of course, a few weeks ago.
I wondered how they’d taken the news of Eric’s engagement. They liked Naomi and respected her family enough to approve of her dating Eric, but it was never a secret that my mother had always wished for a more dynastic marriage for him. Someone richer, with more powerful connections, who could be a mutually beneficial partner for my family.
Someone just like George Fitzgerald.
Without warning, George’s public proposal flashed into mind. The YouTube video was now sitting at eleven million views, and random people I passed on the street still gave me double-takes sometimes. Hearing about Eric and Naomi’s happy news triggered a tiny seed of doubt, clawing and nagging at me: What if I’d said yes to George? I wouldn’t be here right now, working my ass off trying to get a business up and running, while involved in a confusing non-relationship with this frustrating man next to me. Instead, I’d be marrying a perfectly decent guy, from a highly respectable family, and we’d probably have an idyllic marriage with beautiful kids and a beautiful house, and my familial ties with my parents wouldn’t be this fractured.
But as Eric finished his story, both Naomi and Alec laughing at the absurdity of it, I thought, I’m good here . Even with the uncertainty of my future, and the impending doom that I was undoubtedly heading into with him , I’d rather be here—anywhere—than home.
“Hey, Eric. How’s George doing?”
My brother chuckled. “He’s fine. You know who he brought into the office the other day? Emma Ryan. Remember her? Her family used to supply fresh produce for Dad’s restaurants. Looks like he’s gotten ov— ouch. ” He glared at Naomi, who was out of frame, then turned back to me, looking sheepish. “Anyway, he’s well. He sends his regards.”
“That’s great. I’m happy for him.” I really was, and relieved as well, because George was a great guy, and he deserved to be with someone who truly loved him for who he was, not for the continued success of our family’s business relationships.
“By the way, Mom asked if I’d heard from you.”
“She did?” The sadness multiplied, and a sharp jab of guilt hit me. She and I might’ve not seen eye to eye, but no matter how challenging she could be, she was still my mother. “How is she? How’s Dad? Are they well?”
“They’re both fine. But they haven’t forgiven you for turning down George. They’re still talking about that.”
Of course. I forced out a smile. “So… nothing’s changed.”
“Anyway, she asked if I’ve heard from you. Don’t worry, I didn’t say a word.” He paused. “I never asked, actually. Where are you staying now, anyway?”
I opened my mouth, then closed it again, glancing at Alec for help.
“She doesn’t live far from me,” he answered, without missing a beat. “Within walking distance from my place.”
I snorted, turning it into a cough when Naomi shot me a suspicious gaze.
“Thanks for looking out for her, man. I owe you one,” Eric said. “How’s work going?”
“You’d have done the same for my sisters,” Alec replied. “And work’s been busy. Had a big work function on the weekend.”
Heat flooded my cheeks as a full-length movie of The Strictly Professional Kiss began playing. I stole a glance at Alec, but he seemed unfazed, so obviously he’d forgotten all about it, and I was the only one still affected.
Our food came, and we said our goodbyes, with Alec promising to catch up with Eric and Naomi at his sister’s wedding in a few months. I bolused for my food while Alec poured some soy sauce into two small dipping bowls, then mixed a generous blob of wasabi into his.
“Did you know? That he was going to propose?”
I shook my head. “No. Great news, though. Couldn’t be happier for them.”
“Not Eric.” Alec picked up a piece of salmon sashimi and dipped it in his mixture. “George’s proposal. I watched the video.”
I groaned. “Yeah. You and eleven million other people.”
Alec grinned. “It is entertaining. I might have contributed quite a bit to those eleven million views. Why’d you say no?” He turned to watch me. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“He is.” I swiveled in my own stool and returned his stare, our gazes holding for a few beats, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. “Just not the right guy for me.”
I knew I was setting myself up for a long, hard fall, but right now, in this crowded Japanese restaurant, I couldn’t see anyone else but him. I realized he would never be mine, so I might as well make the most out of whatever time I had with him in the next few weeks.
Even at the risk of having my heart bruised and battered for the second time.
Alec was the first to break the moment. “By the way, just in case the topic ever comes up with Jacqui,” he said, turning his attention back to his food, a teasing smile playing on his lips, “my favorite movie of all time might be that YouTube video.”