Her Unexpected Affair (The Robinsons) (8 page)

Roots that extended across the wide Pacific Ocean and deep into the soil of China. A land that had changed so much from the one her great-grandparents had left so long ago. So changed that those old days were more a dream than history. Her two years in China had shown her many alterations from the stories told down the generations.

“But being a modern woman doesn’t mean you’ve turned your back on our ways. You know what he expects of you. A sophisticated woman on his arm, a hostess for his home, a lover in his bed, a companion and helpmate, and children to continue the legacy.”

“Ah, children. Now there’s a concept.” Not one she’d ever spent any time contemplating. Children belonged to her brother, cousins, and friends. She was the favorite Auntie who happily returned them to their parents when they needed feeding, changing, or a nap.

“Believe it or not, children will bring joy to your life. Most days.”

The laugh at her mother’s sly expression escaped before Meilin could stop it. “I’m sure. Some days more than others.”

“Today should be one of those days, and yet, I find my heart uneasy. You agreed to this, Meilin. And while you haven’t been exactly over the moon, you seemed happy enough about it. It’s time to take on the next role. Time to do your share to honor the sacrifice your ancestors made by leaving China.”

“My honored brother already has three children. The family legacy is secure.” Her sarcasm rolled right over her mother’s head. “Why I have to add to it, I’m not quite sure, but you’ve always told me someday this would come to pass.” She raised a hand to her temple and rubbed. Traces of her night out lingered, and she could use a good long nap. “So I’ve agreed to do my duty. I’ll be the best wife I can be and hope he is forgiving when I fall short.”

“You won’t fall short. And if you do, there will be times he does as well. He’ll miss a dinner, or school event, or even forget a birthday or anniversary. It won’t be because he wants to, but rather business will demand it. A business that is there to keep you and your children dry, warm, and safe. To give you a life of security and dignity. To provide your children with the best advantages to make sure their futures are solid. It’s what good parents do.”

Yes, her own father had missed events on occasion. Not often enough she’d ever truly felt abandoned, but it had happened. Mom had always been there. “As you’ve done for me. I get it. It’s my turn to do the giving and not the taking.”

“So what has changed? Today you seem more reluctant than ever. Stop thinking about what you’re giving up and start thinking of what you’ll gain.”

“I’m trying, Mother. I’m trying. But last night…”

She didn’t have to look to know her mother shot a sharp glare her direction. “What about last night? I knew that girls’ night out with your friends was a bad idea. Did Jade tell you horror stories of childbirth?”

“What?” Meilin’s eyes popped open. “Of course not! She’s the first one to talk about marital bliss and how adorable her children are.”

“Then what happened?”

“I… I don’t know. I got home and I started looking at my apartment. Started thinking about my neighbors. How no one will be around to have tea with Edna and have her page through the latest design catalogues. She has very good taste.”

“For a poor white woman,” her mother grumbled. “What does she know of Asian art and furniture?”

“Quite a lot, actually. She’s given me some great ideas. I won’t have time for her once I’m married. Maybe once in a blue moon I’ll be able to visit her. Take her to Union Square at Christmas. But it won’t be the same. You know it won’t.”

“That old woman means more to you than your own grandmother.”

“Not true, but my own grandmother doesn’t recognize me anymore.”

“She does. She just can’t say it, but deep down, she does.”

This time the sigh was heavy and audible. “So you say. I adore my grandmother. I miss her terribly. But she’s being well cared for. Edna is all alone. Her son lives across the Bay and only makes it over to see her about every six months. She says they talk at least once a week, but he has grandchildren of his own now.”

“Again, not your problem. I’d think you’d be happy to leave that old apartment behind. That building needs a top to bottom renovation.”

“I love that building. It has character. It has warmth and charm. All of which is lacking in Shan’s high rise condo.”

“I’m sure he’ll be looking for a house very soon. Children should not be raised in such a place. They need room to run.”

A home that will be every much as formal and pristine as his condo, she felt sure. Huge and cold.

“But even if Shan doesn’t look into buying a house in the near future, Meilin, you could make it a family home without sacrificing style. But this can’t be the whole issue. A house is just a place to live. What’s important is the relationship.”

“I don’t love him, Mother.”

At this, she scoffed and waved her hand again. “Love will follow.”

“I’m not attracted to him, not the way a woman should be attracted to the man she marries.”

“Why are you bringing this up now? It didn’t seem to matter last week. Besides, that will change. Love grows and passion follows. Even then, passion may very well cool, but love will remain. Have your children and when passion in the bedroom changes, put your passion into your children.”

“And my work.”

“Your work.” Her mother practically snorted. “Your work will fit in or it won’t, and there are many designers out there ready to fill your shoes. No one can replace you in your marriage or with your children. A career just fills time until you take the next step Destiny has provided.”

A burst of anger, barely leashed, filled Meilin’s chest with fire. “How dare you discount my career? It’s kept me from sponging off you for the last twelve years. I’m good at what I do; I’m sought after, my reputation impeccable. My career has brought no shame to our family.”

“Easy, daughter, easy. Your career has brought you much respect, and the family by association. But it also brings questions. Why are you not married? It brings doubts. Is there something wrong with you that you aren’t married? Shan’s suit has ended those questions. It has brought you a new level of approval.”

The anger simmered. Was she a dog to do as she was told, to seek a pat on the head for following her master’s plan instead of her own? Getting out on her own had been hard, but she’d stuck to it, worked up the ranks to achieve success on her own terms. Of course she still had to work within the basic rules of her field, but she knew when to bend the rules, when to toe the line. And she’d paved a way for other young Asian designers. Women who fought not only gender bias, but racial prejudices as well. Although the landscape had changed over the decades, there were still pockets of people who couldn’t forget the division of Asian from white, white from black, or anyone else. People who paid her commissions but still believed themselves to be her betters, all because of their white skin.

“I don’t need society’s approval, Mother.”

“Stop growling at me. Of course you need society’s approval. Without it you’d have no business. We’re all scraping for approval from somebody, be it husbands, children, parents, colleagues, or clients. It’s how the world works. Step too far out of line and the backlash is considerable. Depending on the line.” The shrug she offered was fatalistic and reminded Meilin of her grandmother.

Swallowing a pang, she had to acknowledge her mother’s point. “True.”

“But none of this explains what happened last night to change your mind about this next step in your life.”

No. She was right about that. Meeting Drew had changed everything. The attraction she felt couldn’t have been all on her side. The way he’d held her, gazed at her, kissed her… It all spoke of a man who felt every bit of the electricity zipping between them. Something she’d never once felt in the presence of Shan or any other man. And it was the one thing she could never tell her mother.

Luckily, the technician finished by easing the disposable foam flip-flops onto Meilin’s feet as the hair stylist came for her. For now, she escaped, but not without the feel of her mother’s eyes glaring into her back.

The house in San Ramon welcomed Drew and Birdie home. With summer’s heat settling in, the warm, dry air held the scent of sweet flowers and the refreshing scent of the tall redwoods forming a barrier on the uphill side of the lot. Charcoal also coasted on the slight breeze and Drew’s mouth watered. Would dinner be a barbeque on the back deck overlooking the pool? Good thing he kept a pair of swim togs in the room Randi had changed from craft room to his own space. There was also a chaise lounge out back with his name on it. Something he meant to take advantage of as often as possible until he left for China.

The greetings from both parents were effusive. Randi glowed with love and happiness; his father couldn’t stop grinning. The tension between Drew’s shoulders ramped down a notch or two. Coming here today had been the right decision.

Randi’s soft hand stopped on his cheek, forcing him to look down at her concerned face. “You look tired. Were exams tough?”

“They’re over; that’s the best thing about them.” Drew bent enough to wrap his arms around her waist and lift her up for a tight hug. She smelled of Chanel and barbeque sauce and something else elusive and comforting. Like a mother should smell.

At her squeak, he set her down again. “I’m starved. What’s for dinner?”

“Your arse if you don’t unhand my wife.” Drew looked to his father and caught the laugh that belied the rebuke.

“She’s my mother now. I get to hug her whenever I want, or beg for kisses whenever my boo-boos need to be kissed all better.”

“Get your own girlfriend,” his father said easily and pulled Randi back against his chest. “This one’s mine.”

“Men.” Randi huffed, then laughed. “The chicken is nearly ready to go on the grill. Dump your packs, and then you and Birdie can set the table out back.”

“Mum, you’re a mind reader.” Drew contented himself with a small whoop and a kiss on her cheek.

“No, I just know you. You’re a man of simple wants. Only the best, but simple. Barbeque and sunshine. Toss in a beer or two. You, I have figured out.” She shooed him away.

Did he mind that she considered him simple? Nah, not really. After all, she was mostly right. And she had anticipated his hunger for chicken on the grill. Well, any kind of meat on the grill, really. Ribs, steak, crab legs, chicken, didn’t matter much. Football and barbeque were two of Drew’s favorite things in America. Sunshine and swimming pools figured high on the list as well. Girls in bikinis didn’t hurt, either. Girls in general never hurt.

As he undressed and glanced at the clock, he wondered what time Meilin’s engagement party started. Remembering her looking back at him from the window of her cab, he couldn’t help but wonder… Would she go through with it? She hadn’t been wearing a ring yet. Would she accept it tonight? Or some other engagement gift? Thinking about what might be happening at any moment over in the City gave him only frustration. Not a damn thing he could do about it. Had he met her a couple of months ago… Would it have made a difference? Chances were their paths probably would never cross again. In a city the size of San Francisco, their meeting had been purely a fluke, despite Jack’s family ties to her. Jack had little time for family as far as Drew knew. They’d shared a room Autumn quarter at Stanford. In between classes and small parties with the other law students, Jack had spent most of his time hitting the books just as Drew had.

And while Drew had moved into the two bedroom apartment with his sister, Jack had still been around more than anyone else. As friendly as Jack was, Drew suspected his overly polished, slightly smarmy personality kept many people away as it appeared Jack had few, if any, close friends. A cover to hide a soft heart? Sentiment and Jack didn’t seem to be compatible words, but hey, what guys let their deepest feelings hang out on their sleeves? When it came to relatives other than his siblings, Drew had no clue what Jack thought. Meilin was evidence that suggested he had an extended family in the area. How often did they meet? Would Meilin and her future husband attend local family events?

What a wanker. What right did he have to get wound up about a woman he’d met at a night club? He pulled up the baggy swim togs and tossed his clothes to the corner to be sorted later. Right now all his brain could handle was a short swim, a long soak in the outdoor spa, and a big dinner. Not necessarily in that order. Food first. Drink and swim second.

Randi had a pile of plates and silverware on the island when he entered the kitchen with a pool towel slung around his neck. “Birdie’s taken out the placemats and napkins. Can you get this bunch?”

“Sure. Where’s the old man?”

Randi’s laughing eyes looked up at him from where she tossed a green salad in a large bowl. “He’s manning the grill.”

“I hope there’s a backup plan when he burns the chicken.”

“He’s learning. He’s been practicing.”

“In London?” That didn’t seem likely.

“When we go to the Sussex house on the weekends. He had a charcoal grill installed and Cook’s been having a fine time watching him learn to cook something more than toast and eggs. He’s getting better.”

“How many chickens were sacrificed to the fire?” Sure, the guys who lived all around them here knew the fine art of cooking over open flames, but it wasn’t something done across the pond. Not by men who could hire cooks, butlers, and maids.

“Not many. Fewer than I expected, actually. I’ve never fully mastered the outside grill.”

“Sure, and you have a fine indoor one.”

“Completely different animals, I assure you.”

Birdie bounced into the kitchen wearing a one-piece suit with a sarong tied around her hips. “What else? Drinks are on the table.”

Randi handed her the salad bowl. “I’ll bring the dressings. Drew has the plates and silver. All we need is the corn from the fridge and the bread from the oven.”

“Fab. I’m starving,” Drew said as his stomach growled.

“You’re always starving.” Both women spoke at the same time.