Page 84 of Something Cheeky

Zoe had never heard her strong mother so upset. So scared. She texted her brother.

Zoe:What’s going on? Má called but she’s freaked out.

She stared at the moving dots until he responded.

Eddie:Fuckers spray-painted slurs all over Eden Center. The restaurant. Your shop. Parking lot. Everywhere.

He sent photos. Zoe’s stomach twisted. Her heart pounded in her chest. No wonder her mother was scared.

Zoe:Anyone hurt?

Eddie:No. Thank God. Police are investigating it as a hate crime.

Zoe:I’ll pick up cleaning supplies on the way over.

Her brother replied with a thumbs-up.

“Z, what’s wrong? Why are you staring at your phone like that?” Derek had pulled on his jeans but was still holding his shirt.

Her lips trembled so hard she couldn’t get the words out. She held out her phone so he could read her brother’s messages.

“Fuckers,” Derek spat. “Come on, let’s get you dressed and I’ll drive you there.”

She nodded and let him guide her back to her bedroom.

Chapter 36

Zoe had never seen the Eden Center parking lot so empty on a Saturday morning. She wasn’t sure what was eerier, the quiet or all the flashing blue and red lights from the police cars that were parked at odd angles scattered across the shopping center. She had gotten them past the barricade after flashing her ID and a Something Cheeky business card.

“Park in front of my parents’ restaurant.” She pointed it out as if he weren’t familiar with it from his numerous visits during college breaks.

Derek nodded patiently even though she’d snapped at him for missing several turns on the way here. He navigated his rental car around multiple tarps that were held down with cement blocks, rocks, and various tools found in a car trunk.

Someone had covered all the racial slurs painted on the parking lot. Based on what had been painted on the windows and walls, Zoe didn’t need to know what was under the tarps.

As soon as he put the gear into park, she bolted out and ran to the front of the restaurant, where a crowd had congregated.

“Má!” she called out as she searched for her mother’s familiar rounded cheeks and shoulder-length hair.

Several women who were also mothers turned around in response. When they realized it was Zoe, they made a path for her.She rushed through and embraced her mom, who was standing next to her brother.

“Má, are you okay?” she asked in Vietnamese. “Where is Ba?”

She’d read stories of vandalism and attacks in other cities but thought they were safe in the DMV. Broken glass could be replaced and paint scrubbed away. Her parents could not be replaced.

“Slow down, con.” Her mother stroked Zoe’s back. “Everyone is safe. Your dad is over there, organizing cleanup.”

Zoe’s entire body relaxed in relief. Her father was a man of actions not words. He was sweeping up the glass and directing people to various tasks.

“Hey, you made it.” Her brother gave her a tight smile. “I’m sorry about your shop.”

“When—how did this happen?” Zoe asked both of them. “Did the security cameras get their faces?”

“Z, breathe.” Derek had caught up with her. He rubbed her back.

“Derek!”

“Cô H?ng,” he greeted her mom with a kind smile. “Sorry I haven’t stopped by yet.”

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