Page 80 of Dangerous Rhythm

Daniel studied him with a serious frown. “Of all of us, she’s the worst at showing emotions.”

“Doesn’t mean she doesn’t have them.” Curtis smiled. “I’ve learned to read her better. I know how she feels about me.”

“See,” Ed said to Russel, who walked in front of him and Daniel. “He’s good for Lina.”

“Thanks, Ed.” Curtis laughed. “I appreciate the endorsement. But I think Lina is good for me.”

He’d never been this attuned to anyone before in his life. He loved his family and friends, but even they would say he could be clueless at times. It wasn’t as if he didn’t care; it was easier to be oblivious.

He’d learned the hard way with his sister. If he’d made more effort to be a better brother, he could’ve spared her some suffering. He’d almost lost his sister and hadn’t even known it.

He was lucky he had a badass sister. And now he was lucky to have fallen for another badass woman. But he believed even badass women needed back-ups. Badass women needed someone to take care of them, too, because they carried everyone else.

A thought that had been churning around his head for some time took hold of him. He made up his mind on what step he had to take next.

I’m done being scared.

The words echoed in Curtis’ mind as they strolled through the market. Rows of paper lanterns in the shape of a Chinese dragon caught his attention. He stopped and studied the long, wavy body of one of them, suspended with string as if it was flying.

A soft hand touched his arm.

Curtis turned to the older lady selling the lantern. She spoke to him, but he didn’t understand her.

“She asked if you like the red dragon,” translated Lina, who appeared at his side.

Pleased at her presence, Curtis smiled. “Yes. It looks majestic.”

The old lady smiled and said something else.

“She said the dragon signifies change or transformation. She asked about your zodiac sign,” Lina explained.

“Ah…”

The lady pushed a paper where all the Chinese zodiacs were listed with pictures and years.

“The goat.” Curtis pointed. “I think.”

Lina nodded, confirming it.

The lady beamed and gave him a fortune for the new year of the dragon with Lina translating. “You have an artistic flare. You’ll continue to thrive in your arts. But the year of the dragon will mark personal growth for you. This is the year for you to really discover yourself.”

Curtis smiled. “I think I see that.”

They bought the red dragon and thanked the woman. Well, Lina bought it for him because he wasn’t carrying any money and couldn’t use any of his cards.

“Thanks, honey. I really love it,” he teased.

“Curtis…” Lina’s voice was serious. “About before.”

“That can wait,” he assured her. “Let’s table that until we’re in private.”

“No, I—”

“Miss,” the lady vendor interrupted. They both turned back to her. The lady asked Lina something while still holding the zodiac calendar.

“I’m a rooster,” Lina answered with a smile. “But I don’t need a fortune.”

“Ah…” The lady looked thoughtful before she started talking in Cantonese.

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