Page 39 of Noah

It was the most seductive kiss I'd ever had. Everything was different when I was with Brody. I realized I'd been operating in a world of grey until he came along. Now the entire colour palette had been released from its box and it was painting in every numbered spot in my heart.

Brody moaned and clutched my jacket in both hands near the collar. He pulled me to him until our bodies were pressed together. It only lasted a brief moment as other hikers could be heard coming up the trail to the lookout at the peak. Brody's pupils were blown wide as we stepped away.

He looked down at his feet and cleared his throat, but I could see he was smiling.

"Those hikers almost got a view and a show," I teased.

"It was perfect."

"You're right. It was. I hope we can do it again some time."

Brody tipped his head to look at me, the smile still subtle on his face. "I'd like that."

"Can I take you to dinner?"

"Tonight?"

"If you'd rather head back home, I respect that. I know it's your day away from people."

"No." Brody shook his head. "I'd like to go for dinner with you tonight."

"We'll keep it casual. Maybe sushi?"

Brody wrinkled his nose. "I don't like the taste or smell of raw fish."

"Okay, what about bao?"

"That's more my speed. There's a good place downtown."

"I know the one."

Once we were back down the trail, we took separate cars and met on Fisgard Street in the heart of the oldest Chinatown in Canada. The street was atmospheric. Light posts painted red with ornate Chinese decorations on them. Across the street, strings of red Chinese lanterns spanned Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in North America, its cobbled length filled with metaphysical, funky clothing, LP records, natural soap shops, and a Chinese Canadian Museum.

We were greeted by the smell of grilled and roasted meat and fresh bao buns as we opened the door to the restaurant. I ordered three Chinese BBQs and Brody had three of the Tonkatsu Chicken bao. Once they were freshly made, we carried our food over to a table and settled in.

After we finished out first bun, Brody got up and poured two glasses of water for us. He took a sip and then lifted his second bao bun. "Tell me more about the pub. Why did you buy it?"

"Um. I was a bartender all through university and for years afterward. When I thought about what I wanted to do for a long-term career, owning a pub was at the top of my list."

"Do you like running a pub?"

"I love it, and I know if I get everything just right, it'll take off."

That was definitely a frown on Brody's face. "Is that achievable? Perfection?"

"I want the pub to be successful."

"We've had this conversation already."

Blunt and to the point. One of the things I liked about Brody. He'd given me good advice when we'd spoken about the measure of success while in the pub. It didn't need to be revisited.

"Your parents wanted you to be a lawyer," Brody said.

"The law firm has been in the family for four generations. It's our legacy." I rolled my eyes, making Brody smile. "I have no interest in joining the rest of my family." There was more truth to be told, though. "I want my parents to be proud of me … but on my terms."

"You don't think they're proud of you?"

"Pretty sure they're not. I don't fit into their mold very well."

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