Chapter 9
I droppedKaylee off at the airport this morning. She was joining her Whiz Kidz team in Texas for a robotics contest for a week. Her team had made it to the national competition, and I was so proud of her. On top of her good grades at school, she was doing fantastic at Whiz Kidz.
Last night’s workout with Arrow had been extraordinary. The chemistry between us was something I’d never experienced. The hour flew by, and I wanted to continue sparring, but he had to go. He didn’t ask me when I’d return to the studio, and I didn’t ask him. A part of me wished he’d asked.
I didn’t like this internal confusion. How could I want a man to continue pursuing me when I’d turned him down? What was wrong with me?
I’d slept like a log last night and decided I deserved a latte from Sunshine in a Cup Café across from my apartment. I walked into the shop, got in line, and glanced toward the tray of blueberry muffins to my right. My staff would love a treat.
When I got my order of six muffins and a latte, I headed out as Arrow was heading in. He wore a gray felt coat over a navy suit, looking deliciously sophisticated and dangerous. God, he was so gorgeous.
He smiled and held the door for me. “Good morning.”
Joy thrummed in my body like I’d just gotten a dose of caffeine in my bloodstream. All I had to do was look at him, and my body felt invigorated. He could be my morning latte.
“Good morning!” I replied too excitedly.
He glanced at the box in my hand. “I guess you have an appetite after last night.”
“It was a good workout. Thank you.”
“It was indeed. Have a great day.”
“You too.”
He had moved on. Sadness and disappointment clung to me as I entered my office and got to work. What did I expect?
I should be the one to move on. I was the one who didn’t want any complications or distractions. And here I was, standing in the middle of my mess. No one got me here. I placed myself in this dilemma, and I had to get myself out of it.
* * *
The next day, I had my special training class so I could enter Midnight Chaoss. Missing that class wasn’t an option. I’d invested too much time into it. Kaylee thought it was weird that I was taking a hip-hop class, but I told her it was just another workout for me.
“But you’re a kung fu master,” she had said.
“And?”
“Why do you need to find another exercise?”
“Because it gets boring if you do the same thing repeatedly. Speaking of exercise, you need to exercise too. Wanna come?”
“Nope.”
I knew she’d decline the offer. Though she was a smart girl, she was like a lot of teenagers—lazy. She had promised to learn self-defense from me later this year.
After work, I changed into my workout clothes and headed straight to class. The evenings had gotten darker during the late fall season. A sense of melancholy filled the air, which was peaceful and beautiful in its own way.
I entered the brick building and raced up two flights of stairs. The hallway had a collection of eclectic art on display from the artists occupying the studios on the first floor.
My instructor Lamar and his son Dion were patients at my dental office. I’d already taken three lessons from Lamar, who knew about the underground club. To enter Midnight Chaoss, I had to pretend to be his cousin, Jayden, who was sick and wouldn’t be attending any events there. Jayden was part of a gambling ring that often visited the club, so he had a VIP ticket. He walked with a pronounced bounce and a faux half-limp. Basically, I was learning how to do the pimp roll. Special events occurred there, and I was waiting for the call from Lamar to inform me when I could attend.
Do you know how hard it is to walk like that? Like your pants are falling off while trying to look cool and confident? Gosh, if my pants were falling off, trying to be cool would be the last thing on my mind. But I had to play this character well in order to use his identity. I wasn’t familiar with hip-hop fashion. On top of that, I’d never been good at acting, so this entire ordeal could be a disaster if I didn’t prepare well.
I’d never imagined I’d ever say this, but Vivian Vo had to master the pimp roll. What if Calvin didn’t come through for me? This plan would ensure I had another way to find Aimee. If Dad found out about my plans, he’d beg me to come back to California. Knowing his weak heart, I’d oblige because I didn’t want to lose another parent.
I wasn’t doing this only for Aimee. Saving Aimee was like saving my mom—saving the girl who never had a normal childhood. In some way, I was also saving myself.
Mom had exceptional mathematical skills. Her mind was like a high-tech computer. She could solve difficult equations as though she were coloring a book. The answers came easily to her. On top of it all, she had an impeccable memory.
Music boomed as I entered the studio.
“Dr. Vo!” Fourteen-year-old Dion walked out of the small studio and fist-pumped me. He had a bright smile and short, dark hair. He wore a sweatshirt with jeans and fancy sneakers.
“Hey! I didn’t know you’d be here today.”
“My dad said I could teach you today. He has desk duty because his leg is in a cast.”
“Oh, no! What happened?”
“He tripped on something on the floor.”
“Where is he?”
He gestured to the other end of the studio.“In his office.”
As I made my way there, I passed a room where an instructor was teaching a hip-hop dance class.
Lamar, Jayden, and their friend, Willy, had rallied the community to support my practice when it first opened. This was because I’d given Lamar and a few other members of his family necessary treatments that weren’t covered by their insurance companies. A friendship started between us, and I told him I was looking for information about a kidnapping. He’d told me about a man named The Tip who hung out at Midnight Chaoss. Apparently, he could retrieve information for a price—the more difficult to obtain, the higher the price.
When I arrived at the office, I found the door open.
I knocked on the opened door, getting his attention. “Sorry about your leg. How are you doing?”
Lamar glanced up and beamed. Dion had his father’s warm smile. Unlike his son’s short hair, Lamar wore his in long dreadlocks.
“Torn ligament. I’ll be out for a while. If you don’t mind, Dion’s been dying to teach you. He thinks I’m too boring. But if you’re uncomfortable with him, you’ll have to wait until I’m healed. That could be over a month. Tamara is being very strict about my injury this time.”
“She should be,” I said. This wasn’t hisfirst time with a leg injury.“I’m fine with Dion teaching me. I’m curious what he offers.”
After catching up with Lamar for a few more minutes, I walked into the small studio where Dion sat on the long couch by the wall. His two friends were beside him. The rest of the room was an open space with hardwood floors and a wall of mirrors.
“Okay, I’m ready to learn,” I interrupted the boys, who were all engrossed with their phones. “Dion, your dad said you’ve got some ideas for me? Bring it on!” I smiled at my patient, who recently had a cavity filled.
Dion looked up from his phone and grinned. “I do. I can help you ace it, Dr. Vo!” He turned to his friends. “She’s cool. She’s my dentist, and she’s learning how to walk, yo.”
He jumped up from the couch and crossed his arms, striking a pose. His friends laughed.
“You gonna teach her something she already knows? That’s weird, yo,” said the boy with spiky blond hair.
Dion rolled his eyes. “These are my dumb friends, Tim and Raul.”
Raul had olive skin and curly dark hair that went past his ears. Tim had short blond hair and braces. All the boys wore jeans and T-shirts. These kids must not be cold. Here I was, wearing an oversized sweatshirt over a long-sleeve shirt with knit pants.
“Nice to meet you both.” I waved at Tim and Raul. “I’m playing a guy in a play. He has a certain walk I need to master,” I lied, and Lamar had already agreed to keep the story consistent. Teenagers didn’t need to know I was embarking on something illegal. “And Dion is gonna help me do it, right?” I patted his shoulder.
“That’s right! C’mon.” He gestured for me to follow him to the center of the studio floor and faced the mirror.
“Just watch me and mimic.”
Dion loosened himself up while Tim and Raul stood nearby, making a rhythmic beat with their mouths. Dion stepped forward, walked, and added the dip and faux-limp. He looked so natural doing it.
I tried my best to follow his movements and failed miserably. My hips swayed in the wrong direction, and my legs felt too stiff. I was off-beat and couldn’t perform the “dip” of one side of my body. I felt like a kitten in the body of a duck. It wasn’t working out the way I’d hoped.
Tim snickered, but Raul elbowed him.
Dion made a face, lifting a clenched fist at his friends. Then turned to me. “Try again, Dr. Vo.”
How was it I could pull out an infected molar with swiftness, precision, and ease but stumbled on a walk? I couldn’t give up with these kids watching me.
Insecurity flushed onto my cheeks as I gathered courage and tried again. I watched myself in the mirror, saw how horrible and silly I was, and burst out laughing.
Dion, Tim, and Raul joined in on the laugh.
“You’ve gotta loosen up, Dr. Vo,” said Tim.
“Pretend we’re not here,” added Raul.
“I’ve got it.” Dion lifted his hand. “Pick a song with a good beat, Tim.”
“We’ll help you win the Oscars.” Raul walked up and fist-pumped me.
“You mean the Tony Awards. Oscars are for movies. I’m in a small play.” I loved that these boys felt sorry for me and wanted to help.
“We can make our own award show. It’s called the Providence Oskars with a K,” Dion teased.
More laughter erupted in the room, and I realized how much fun these kids were. They truly made tonight’s lesson unforgettable.
Tim chose a beat I didn’t know.
Dion jerked a chin at Raul. The boys walked around me, and Dion rapped.
Yo, yo, yo, Dr. Vo.
I want no more fillin’
Just put my grill in
That’ll complete my style
For when I pimp roll up to the ladies and smile.
Dion emphasized the last word and beamed. All the boys laughed as they each performed the pimp roll in their own way. Their silliness and joy warmed me up and set me free. When they rapped again, I joined them and mimicked their moves. I felt less embarrassed and didn’t overthink the moves. I didn’t care how foolish I looked. After a while, I was sweating and realized we’d been rapping and pimp-rolling for about thirty minutes. This was one evening I’d never forget.
Wait until I tell Kaylee about the dentist rap.
Before I left, I thanked the boys for their time and made another appointment for next week. When I got home, I practiced again and again. Since my body was accustomed to the movements, I wanted my muscles to remember everything. Just like with kung fu, I could only get better with practice.
That session and a hot shower cleared my head. While I ate three fresh spring rolls and a papaya salad for dinner, I read all of Kaylee’s texts and loved all the pictures she took of the robotics projects from kids all over the nation. I replied to her messages and told her I loved and missed her.
While in bed, I logged into Heartstrings, wanting to talk to Bullseye. I shouldn’t, but I enjoyed chatting with him. Besides, we were only friends, and there was nothing wrong with talking to your friend, right?
Why don’t you text the girls?
I immediately shoved that thought away. I didn’t have the urge to chat with them tonight. It was already ten, and if he wasn’t online, I’d take that as a sign from the heavens. It meant God wanted me to go to sleep.
When I logged on, the active symbol glowed in his profile.
He was online. Joy burst within me, and I sent him a message.
Tulip: Hi.
Bullseye: Hi back.
Tulip: Why are you online?
That was a stupid question, but it was too late to delete it now.
Bullseye: Why are you? (smile emoji)
Tulip: Bored.
I didn’t want him to know I was looking for him.
Bullseye: Me too.
Was he lying too?
Tulip: I guess this app is perfect for people like us. Lol.
Bullseye: We need a life.
Tulip: Lol.
Bullseye: Did you get a lot of heart tugs today? I got five.
Jealousy stirred in me. I guess a lot of women wanted to talk to him.
I checked my page. No heart tugs.
Tulip: No. You’re my only friend.
Bullseye: You’re my only Tulip. (smile emoji)
Heat flushed my cheeks. He was probably referring to their profile pics, but I didn’t care. It had been a long time since I felt this giddiness.
Tulip: You must be a great catch.
Bullseye: Obviously. (wink emoji)
Tulip: So arrogant.
Bullseye: Nothing wrong with confidence.
Tulip: Why don’t you have a girlfriend?
Bullseye: What makes you think I don’t?
My heart deflated.
Bullseye: I don’t have one.
My heart immediately felt full again. Oh, God, I was like a teenager unable to control the bliss.
Tulips. Why?
Bullseye: Waiting for the right one.
Tulips: Define that.
Bullseye: Then you have to tell me your perfect guy too.
Tulip: Deal.
Bullseye: A woman who I can fish with.
I paused a moment. He knew I enjoyed fishing. Was he teasing me? Was I reading too much into his message?
Tulip: That’s it? I’m sure you can find someone like that.
Bullseye: I don’t know anyone.
Was he tossing out bait to see how I would take it? Was it possible to be attracted to someone I didn’t even know? I knew Bullseye’s personality from the chat, but I didn’t know what he looked like. Could this be a good way of knowing if you like someone despite their appearance?
Maybe Bullseye was some antisocial weirdo who never went out and spent all his time online. Was he an online predator? My intuition told me no, but I couldn’t trust myself right now.
Tulip: What other traits are you looking for?
Bullseye: Intelligence. A kind heart.
I noticed how he didn’t say beauty or wealth. Maybe he knew the online game and knew exactly what to say. I was trying to make him look bad to discourage this growing attraction.
Bullseye: Your turn.
Tulip: Someone I can share my burden with.
Bullseye: You’re stressed? Gimme.
My smile grew. He knew exactly what to say. Bullseye was either a dangerous man or a nice guy.
I had to change the subject.
Tulip: Why do you like to fish?
Bullseye: Clears my head. Practice patience.
Tulip: Are you not patient?
Bullseye: Sometimes.
Tulip: What do you fear most?
Bullseye: Dentist.
Shit.
Tulip: Why?
Bullseye: Had a terrible experience as a kid.
I could understand that. So many people had extreme anxiety going to the dentist.
Tulip: When was your last checkup?
Bullseye: . . .
Tulip: You could have a cavity and not know about it!
Bullseye: (shhh emoji) (smile emoji)
Tulip: What’s one thing that would make your dental visit better?
Bullseye: Quieter tools.
Tulip: I love the dentist.
Bullseye: (shocked emoji) This friendship isn’t going to work out.
Tulip: On shaky grounds.
Bullseye: Tell me about your dream guy. Three words only.
Tulip: Exceptional. Smart. Funny.
Bullseye: You’re describing me! (wink emoji)
Tulip: Tell me about your dream girl. Three words.
Bullseye: Extraordinary. Exotic. Mysterious.
Tulip: You like solving mysteries?
Bullseye: (bullseye emoji)
Tulip: Why? Isn’t that too much work?
Bullseye: Nothing worth having comes easy.
I let that statement hang in the air for a moment.
Bullseye: You there?
Tulip: Yeah. Had to get a drink.
I lied because I didn’t know what to say.
Bullseye: You never told me what you fear.
Tulip: Clowns and sizzling sounds.
Bullseye: I get clowns. But sizzling? Why?
Tulip: (shrug emoji) Sometimes fears make little sense.
I didn’t know him well enough to share that part of me yet.
Bullseye: You’re weird.
Tulip: At least I’m not boring. (smile emoji)
Bullseye: You’re lying to me.
Tulip: Huh?
Bullseye: Sizzling. There’s a reason.
Tulip: (eye-roll emoji) Nope. What’s your longest relationship?
Bullseye: Ahhh. Changing the subject now? (smile emoji)
Why was he so hung up on the sizzling comment?
Our conversation continued, and he stopped asking about the sizzling issue. The more I chatted with him, the more I discovered things about myself. I remembered that carefree version of me that had been lost so long ago.
My chest tightened. I was developing feelings for this stranger. I was stepping into the danger zone and didn’t know what to do about it. Arrow’s face intruded into my thoughts, and guilt gnawed at me.
Let me know when you’re ready to date.
Arrow was waiting for me? Was he just saying that, or was he truly waiting? I couldn’t trust someone like him. He was a man who had a lot of options. Would he toss me aside once he got what he was after?
The last two encounters with him had been casual and friendly. He didn’t appear like he was still waiting for my answer.
I had suppressed my attraction to him. Arrow seemed to demand complications, whereas Bullseye didn’t. Confusion sparked in me, but I stopped it.
I wanted an easy evening with no complications. I returned my focus to the mystery man tugging at unfamiliar places in my heart.