Chapter Ten
Ethan:May I ask a question?
Bethany:May? We really need to get you to stop sounding so formal. Chill out, dude.
Ethan:May is grammatically correct. Can implies I don’t know if I am physically capable of asking a question, which is not correct. Precision and accuracy matter.
Bethany:This. This right here? This is why people think you have a stick up your ass and you have no friends. You’re lucky I can overlook your pompous ways.
Ethan:Do people really think I have no friends? And how am I pompous? How is speaking correctly pompous?
Bethany:What can I do for you, Dr. Wu?
Ethan:Since I am still relatively new and learning my way around New York, I wanted to ask if you have any mooncake recommendations for me.
Bethany:Mooncakes?
Ethan:Yes, mooncakes. You’re familiar with them, surely.
Bethany:I need a minute.
Ethan:Why? I still haven’t asked you my question.
Bethany:Well, I have a patient coming in with a broken arm, and they take priority. So I think your mooncake issues, whatever they are, need to wait.
Ethan:You should have told me you were at work. We can speak later. Or better yet, forget I asked. This is a silly minor thing—nothing you should be bothered with. Sorry to have wasted your time.
Two hours later
Bethany:Okay, I’m back. What’s your mooncake emergency?
Bethany:HELLO???
Bethany:Oh my God, what was with that apology? All I said was I’d be back. It’s not like I accused you of a capital crime.
Ethan:I should have been more aware and respectful of your time.
Bethany:That stick up your butt must be hell to deal with.
Ethan:I already apologized. No need for rudeness.
Bethany:Just trying to get you to lighten up. You’re fine. Stop apologizing. Now what’s this about mooncakes?
Ethan:Let’s drop it. Like I said, I shouldn’t have bothered you.
Bethany:All you’re doing is increasing my curiosity. Now I have to know. Spill.
Ethan:I wondered if you had any recommendations for mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up and I wanted to know where to get the best ones.
Bethany:Oh.
Bethany:Well I can ask Ma. She usually does the shopping and she’d know. For a minute I thought you were asking for homemade.
Ethan:Homemade is best but I assumed that wasn’t an option here.
Bethany:Damn you are a snob.
Ethan:Merely a discerning palate.
Bethany:Give me a few days and I’ll have a list for you. Actually…
Ethan:Yes?
Bethany:The Chinatown Association is throwing a Mid-Autumn Festival near Sunset Park next weekend. We can go. Vendors will be there and lots of food and activities for kids and families. Plus, I can show you my favorite bakeries and shops in the area. It’s a trek but it’s worth it.
Ethan:You’re willing to spend time with me outside the hospital? Voluntarily?
Bethany:I believe in charity work.
Ethan:Very amusing.
Bethany:Do you want to go or not?
Ethan:I accept your generous offer.
Bethany:I have to say this was not what I was expecting when I first saw your text.
Ethan:What were you expecting?
Bethany:Not a mooncake crisis. It’s kinda sweet now that I think about it. You’re venturing out in the world, mixing amongst us mere mortals. I’m proud of you.
Ethan:Am I really that bad?
Bethany:Giving you some grief is more fun than what I spent the past two hours dealing with.
Ethan:I thought it was a broken arm.
Bethany:It was. That went fine, the kid was a champ. Accident at soccer practice, and her coach brought her in. Parents came in, all good. Until Mom freaked out at the blood, threw up, and fainted. It was a mess. In all senses of the word.
Ethan:That sounds…unpleasant.
Bethany:Took forever to calm everyone down and clean everything up. Poor kid was so embarrassed he couldn’t even look at me. But he’s twelve so Mom breathing wrong would have been embarrassing. Though finding out your mom had shrimp kebabs and rice for dinner because she upchucked it would push anyone’s limits.
Ethan:You have such a way with words. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing that lovely image with me.
Bethany:It’s one of my many many skills. And you’re welcome. Just be grateful you didn’t experience it firsthand. Do not recommend. #IsharebecauseIcare.
Ethan:For the record I have friends, you know.
Bethany:Never mind. See you for the mooncake extravaganza. Do not wear a tie.
*
“Are you surethis is the right place?” Ethan looked at the storefront with more than a shade of skepticism. Far be it from him to be judgmental but this place was not impressive. It was tiny, sparsely decorated, barely anything on the shelves, and there wasn’t even anywhere for anyone to sit. The woman behind the counter was busy on her phone and wasn’t even paying attention.
“Don’t be such a snob,” Bethany scolded, dragging him inside. “Everyone knows the hole-in-the-wall places are often the best. Besides, it’s getting late; they’re closing soon. The good stuff’s already been snapped up by now. We should’ve come this morning when everything was fresh. Remember, beggars can’t be choosers.”
“I skipped lunch for this. I was under the impression there would be plenty of food and I was saving room.” He looked at the display case through the window and lowered his voice so as not to be rude. “And I don’t see any mooncakes.”
Bethany gave a small smack on his arm. “Don’t worry—you won’t go hungry.”
Ever the gentleman, he followed her into the shop. His ears immediately perked up when an older woman came in from the back and spoke to someone on the phone in Taiwanese. If he was understanding correctly, she was berating her daughter for being lazy and inattentive. He felt at ease at once.
“You didn’t tell me the owners were Taiwanese.”
Bethany gave a grimace. “It’s why my mom loves this place. She stays here for ages, chatting. Always makes me twitchy though,” she admitted.
“Why?” he asked, curious.
To his surprise, she gave a sheepish look. “My Taiwanese isn’t the best, and I have a hard time following the convo, especially when they get going and speak so fast.”
“This may be the first time you’ve admitted any sort of weakness.” He was tempted to look up to see if pigs were flying. Or whatever the phrase was.
“I never claimed to be perfect, only pretty damn close.” Bethany sniffed. “And improving my Taiwanese is on my to-do list. I want to know what they’re saying. I’m convinced Ma and Auntie Eileen are talking smack about me behind my back,” she finished darkly.
“More to your face I would think. You’re right there, aren’t you?”
“Now you decide to be pedantic.”
“Accurate.”
“Bethany!” Auntie Eileen saw her and stopped her stern lecture. She turned to them both, polite customer service smile plastered on her face, but then she saw Ethan and she didn’t even bother hiding her curiosity.
“Do you have any mooncakes for us?” Bethany asked.
“Who is your friend?”
“We work together at the hospital. We’re here for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Ethan is looking for mooncakes.”
Auntie Eileen began a stream of rapid-fire Taiwanese, and Ethan watched with some amusement as Bethany tried to get the conversation back on track, but Auntie Eileen was having none of it. Finally, someone the great Dr. Lee couldn’t steamroll. What a refreshing change.
“We’re here for mooncakes,” Bethany tried again in vain.
“You have a lovely store,” he said in Taiwanese.
Everyone in the shop fell silent and looked at him as if his head had started spinning.
“Ai ya Bethany. Why didn’t you tell me he understood Taiwanese?”
“I’m from Taipei. I moved here a little four years ago.” The statement seemed to have earned him even more points as Auntie Eileen came out from behind the counter and ordered some boba teas for the guests.
“I thought he was just another American. You’re smart to find a good boy like him.”
“We’re co-workers.”
“You work with Bethany at the hospital?”
“Yes, I’m an emergency physician like her.”
“What’s wrong with you? He’s young, smart, good-looking and a doctor. Why don’t you want to date him?” Eileen turned to Bethany, hands on hips.
“I don’t have time to date. Like I’ve explained to you at least a hundred times.”
“Don’t be fresh. This is the problem with you young people. Always focused on the wrong things.” With a shake of her head, Eileen turned back to Ethan. “If she’s stupid enough to let you go, I can introduce you to my niece Sydney. She works as a manager at an art gallery in Chelsea.”
“Ethan doesn’t need help—he can find his own girlfriends,” Bethany interjected. “He’s a doctor. I’m sure he has plenty of women throwing themselves at him.”
Was that supposed to be a compliment?
“And if I want a relationship or a boyfriend I’d have one. I just don’t have time,” she continued.
Auntie Eileen’s eyes narrowed. “Wait. Your name is Ethan?” She whipped her head to him.
“Yes.” He took a step back, suddenly afraid.
Arlene clucked her tongue. “It’s a shame. Pam was here last week, talking about you. She has high hopes.” The look in Eileen’s eyes left no doubt as to exactly what hopes Bethany’s mother was harboring. Eileen gave a sigh. “Never mind. If things don’t work out, come back and I’ll give you Sydney’s number.”
Fascinated, Ethan looked on as Bethany’s cheeks flamed. And if he wasn’t mistaken, she was muttering under her breath. He’d bet his bottom dollar that whatever it was, it wasn’t repeatable in polite company.
“It’s rude to mumble,” Eileen lectured. “If you have something to say, say it out loud.”
“The mooncakes?” she repeatedly, more forcefully this time.
“Oh yeah. You’re lucky I have some set aside for friends and family in the back. Next time, call me the day before. I still have the ten your mother reserved.” With that, Eileeb bustled into the back of the bakery to fetch the mooncakes.
Bethany crossed her arms and stared at the ceiling. She caught his expression out of the corner of her eye.
“Don’t,” she warned. “Just don’t.”
Whatever she said.
“Here you are,” Eileen beamed, mooncakes in hand.
Both he and Bethany reached for their wallets and were sternly rebuked.
“Don’t insult me. What would your parents say if they knew I made you pay? I would lose all face,” Eileen tsked as she boxed up their purchase.
Apparently, some aspects of Asian culture transcended geographic distance and were universal.
“Well, that was interesting,” he commented as they walked out of the shop.
“Understatement of the century,” Bethany muttered as she marched forward.
“I had no idea your mother was matchmaking,” he remarked. Part of him was flattered. Asian mothers were hard to please. He was happy to know the Lees were inclined to think of him favorably. Surely it would strengthen his case to remain in the country to demonstrate he’d established ties and roots and formed a network. When he was growing up, his life had been insular and structured. He wondered if Bethany knew how lucky she was to live in a neighborhood like Sunset Park where she had free run, and everyone knew everyone. It must have been wonderful.
“Please don’t read too much into it. Ever since she found out the friend I was bringing the homemade food for was you, she made assumptions. I’m the youngest and last single one. She’s been desperate to marry me off ever since Jeffrey and CeeCee tied the knot.”
“My mother as well,” he admitted. Part of him was tempted to suggest they teamed up to throw their mothers off the scent. Fake a relationship, so they’d be left alone.
He gave a mental shake. It was a terrible idea, and Bethany would laugh in his face. What was he thinking?
“Well, if and when my mother realizes we will never happen, expect Auntie Eileen to shove Sydney in your face.”
“Do you think I should ask her on a date?”
“Why should I care? It’s your life—do what you want.” Her tone was sharp, surprising him. Her reaction made no sense. Why would a set-up from a typical meddling nosy Taiwanese auntie nettle her? He was in the matchmaking crosshairs, not her.
“All right then.”
The two of them walked down the street, on their way to their next destination. But eventually, he couldn’t take it anymore.
“Is there a problem?”
“Why would you think there was a problem?” she scoffed.
“I realize the comments were overbearing but they mean well. You know how it goes.”
“Doesn’t stop it from being annoying as hell.”
“Can’t disagree there.”
Bethany let out a deep breath and rolled her shoulders. “Much as I hate to admit it, you’re right. I shouldn’t let that ruin our day. I mean…my day off.” She finally smiled. “Come on, let’s hit the next spot. They make a scallion bun that’s to die for. It’s my favorite. And they put almond slivers on top of the sponge cakes.”
“Do they have char shui pork buns?”
“What self-respecting bakery wouldn’t?”
“Lead the way.” Ethan was glad things were back on an even keel. His shoulders relaxed and his mood lifted. It really was a lovely crisp fall day, so much better than the muggy, soupy, humid Taiwan summers. Maybe it was silly and shallow, but he truly loved experiencing all four seasons in New York. Seeing his first snowfall in person had been a revelation, as well as buying heavy coats and gloves for winter, as opposed to Taiwan’s more tropical weather. Less likelihood of hurricanes or typhoons here, at any rate.
“Keep an eye out on the stalls and vendors,” Bethany reminded him. “You can get a lot of holiday and birthday gift shopping done. I always find something for the Secret Santa at work.”
“So you finally believe I actually have friends,” he drawled.
She threw him a look. “Oh, don’t be like that. You know I was only kidding. Besides, you’re here with me, aren’t you? Do you think I waste my precious time with people I actually hate?”
How far they had come. “Then maybe I should buy you a present this afternoon,” he murmured. They were friends now, weren’t they?
Bethany gave a cheeky wink. “I never say no to presents.”
Instinctively, he circled behind her, so he was walking curbside. She rolled her eyes and gave an exasperated huff. But he could detect her fighting a smile.
“I’m a big girl. I think I can handle walking by the street—been doing it for a long time now. Besides, it’s dry as a Bond martini, so no risk of my getting splashed by a puddle. It’s quite safe.”
“Just humor me,” he said. Call him old-fashioned but this was all part and parcel of Poppy’s etiquette lessons on how to be a proper gentleman.
“Fine. I will repress my feminist sensibilities just this once.” She paused. “Be sure to pull that move when you go out with Sydney. She’d be putty in your hands.” Her tone was just a shade too bright and innocent.
That again? “Would it help matters if I went back there and made it clear I have no interest in asking Sydney out on a date?”
“Why not? She may be good for you. Be warned though. She has pink streaks in her hair and a nose ring. I think Auntie Eileen mentioned that she went vegan a few months back. You’ll have to be creative. Can’t impress her with dinner at Le Bernardin and tickets to the Met. Or even your dumplings, though I suppose you can make them vegetarian. Not sure what you’d have in common but go for it. She could help loosen you up. On the other hand, maybe I should give you my recipe since Mrs. Nogales voted for my dumplings and I officially won.”
Ethan was the first to admit he wasn’t the best at reading social cues or subtext, but he’d been trying to make sense of Bethany’s behavior and he kept coming up with one conclusion.
And he was still irked Mrs. Nogales chose Bethany’s dumplings over his.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d suspect you’re jealous,” he broached mildly.
Bethany turned on her heels and came to a sudden stop. “Someone thinks highly of themselves.” She sniffed and tilted up her chin. “I would think you’d thank me. I’m doing you a favor by sharing some inside info and advice.” Her cheeks flushed and her breathing was shallow.
“Well, Sydney sounds like a lovely girl.”
“Woman.”
“Woman,” he corrected. “But I don’t think she’s who I’m looking for.”
Bethany narrowed her eyes. “Who are you looking for? Let me guess, some paragon of virtue. With perfectly coiffed hair, clothes, and manners. Who’ll be dazzled by your suits and good looks and be putty in your hands. So typical and shallow. I expected better of you.”
Nice to know she thought he was attractive. Coming from Bethany Lee, good-looking was damn high praise.
But it was time to set the record straight.
“Honestly the woman you just described sounds boring. Maybe I don’t want to date someone who’d be putty in my hands. Perhaps I want a more interesting challenge.”
His words hung in the air between them, weighty and significant. He may have accidentally revealed more than he intended but it was too late to take them back.
“You just want to walk back calling her a girl so you don’t look like a neanderthal. Prove you’re more evolved.”
He could have dropped to his knees in gratitude for the out she’d given him.
Ethan gave his best cocky grin. “I am no neanderthal. Modesty aside, I promise you, any woman I’ve dated will vouch I am the ultimate gentleman and boyfriend.”
“So you’re the boyfriend of all boyfriends?”
He bit back a laugh. “I know what I’m doing.”
They found some benches in the park and sat down to enjoy the scenery. The Chinatown Association had gone all out on the decorations and music. Multiple couples strolled by, arm in arm.
“For instance, in other circumstances, this outing could be a really nice date. Especially at night when the lanterns are all lit and everything has a nice warm glow. Not that we’re on a date,” he quickly added.
“I have to admit, meddling aunties aside, this place has a nice atmosphere. I’m having a good time.” Getting into the spirit, Bethany grinned cheekily. “So what would you do next? The clichéd stretch and yawn so you can drape your arms around her?”
“Give me more credit than that.” He chuckled. Then he did an exaggerated version of that exact maneuver.
Bethany threw back her head and laughed.
“Who knew you had a sense of humor? But you’re right,” she admitted. “At night, this could be construed as very romantic. Which of course would be wasted on us.”
“Of course.”
“Besides you pride yourself on being a gentleman. So proper and staid. A woman doesn’t want to be kissed by a gentleman. How boring,” she teased.
Nettled, and feeling like he had a hell of a lot to prove, Ethan couldn’t help but take the bait.
“Would you like a demonstration?”
“Do your worst, Casanova. See if you can make me tremble like some romance novel heroine.”
Never one to back down from a challenge, Ethan blocked out the rest of the world and finally gave in to the urge that had been growing. He lowered his lips to hers and feasted.
It was better than he’d ever dared imagine. Now that he finally had the opportunity to kiss Bethany Lee, he intended to take his time and savor every moment. And some primal part of him reveled in how quickly she melted under his ministrations.
Then suddenly, Bethany flipped the script, and she took charge, and now he was the one being kissed senseless. Bethany kissed the way she did everything else, throwing herself totally into the experience, and he loved it. There was nothing like finding someone who was his equal in every way and gave as good as she got. They were kissing each other and that was exactly how it should be.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were flushed with eyes glazed over. And Ethan was damn sure he wasn’t the only one having trouble breathing.
“I can’t believe that just happened,” Bethany said. Her gaze darting around, as if trying to ascertain if they’d been caught.
“But it did,” he couldn’t help pointing out. “What we do about it is the question.”
“That’s easy. Nothing.”
“Nothing?” he asked, puzzled.
“We pretend this never happened. Because it’s the only solution. I refuse to put my reputation at work at risk, and like I already said, I can’t afford the distraction of a relationship right now. And you’re still my competition for the Fellowship. We’re co-workers, friendly competitors, but that’s all.”
Ethan acknowledged the truth of her words, even as something deep within him wanted to rebel and protest. And kiss her again until she changed her mind.
“Very well.”
“Great. Now let’s enjoy the rest of our day.”
But somehow, Ethan knew he wouldn’t be able to get that kiss out of his mind anytime soon.