Page 73 of Dangerous Rhythm

This was the man who was just talking about getting her a whip not five minutes ago. All the teasing was gone. There was just encouragement in his eyes.

“It’s almost new year,” Curtis whispered. “It’s time to let go of the past and make room for the future.”

“When did you start your gig as a fortune cookie writer?” Lina asked.

“My grandma told me that.” Curtis held out his hand to her with a challenge in his eyes. “Come. You and I are making changes this new year. But today is about you.”

Lina straightened her spine and took his hand.

You faced hostile enemies, Lina. You can face your family.

They walked through the buzzing restaurant full of families and friends enjoying different steamed and fried offerings in small bamboo steam baskets. They dodged a few carts toting those hot baskets being pushed around the tables by the wait staff. The delicious aroma reminded Lina of many special weekends she’d spent with her family eatingdim sumback home in San Francisco. They would eat until they couldn’t move from the table.

“Lina.” The sound of her mother’s voice brought Lina’s eyes to the beautifully aging woman walking toward her.

“Mama,” Lina said with a hesitant smile.

“Oh, honey, you came home.” Her mother pulled Lina’s face to her and kissed her cheeks before embracing her in a tight hug.

Lina had forgotten the warmth of her mother’s aura. It was soothing. She closed her eyes as they stung with tears and wrapped her arms tighter around her mother.

She felt a heavy hand rest on her shoulder and squeezed gently. She looked up to find her father smiling at her. He looked older, with more grey than dark hair.

God, I wasted so much time avoiding them.

When her mother let her go, Lina went straight to hug her father. All the longing she’d suppressed broke out, and she couldn’t get enough of her family.

“Black for new year, Sis?” her brother, Daniel, came to her with open arms.

“It’s not new year yet,” Lina retorted as they hugged. “You’re still a smartass.”

“Always.” He smiled. “Been a while, Lin.”

“I know.” Lina looked around and went to hug everyone else: Daniel’s wife, her aunt, and her nieces.

“Oh, man…you girls probably don’t even remember me.” Her nieces were eight- and six years-old now.

“I remember you,” Mei, the older girl, said. “We got all the gifts you sent.”

“And I received your letters.” Lina smiled and hugged the girl again.

Looking at all of her family’s faces, she let out a heavy breath. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to…”

“We’ll have time for that,” her father gave her an out. “Why don’t we sit down before they kick us out?”

The cart people were giving them stink-eyes for blocking the way. They quickly tried to sit, but Lina heard someone clear their throat. She turned to a smiling Curtis. Actually, everybody turned to Curtis.

Her mother’s face brightened further. “And who is this?”

“Ah…” Lina stumbled. “This is Curtis. He’s…”

Curtis extended his hand to her mother. “I’m the boyfriend. So great to finally meet you.”

“Have some more, Curtis,” Agnes, Lina’s mom, pushed the lazy Susan around so the baskets full of dumplings stopped in front of him.

I don’t mind if I do.

Curtis took ashumaipork dumpling,har gowshrimp dumpling, and thechar siubao,or sweet pork steamed bun. He was a happy camper.

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