Chapter 3

"Lady! Ted, Peter and I go for a Chinese meal and then we trot. Ted has some great plans so we can win tonight. Would you like to join us?"

Ignoring Jennifer's coldness and responding to Karen and Ruth's nods and warmth, he continued, "So that's settled. We're trotting."

Realizing Jennifer's expression, Bob quickly added to her, “Harness Racing. First we will eat a Chinese meal and then we will trot. He made sure everyone knew it, so he enthusiastically started pairing people up.

Karen kept her promise to Jennifer to spend the evening with them, but too much

Their plan was cut short when two uniformed police officers took Peter to a quiet corner, where they questioned him about the incident. fight.

When the two policemen left, as quietly as they had come, the group left the bar but Jennifer was unimpressed with the entertainment on offer. The stiffness as she stood and the reluctance to allow Peter to take her arm made it painfully clear. His silence was frozen. To his surprise, Peter understood.

His consideration for his feelings is shown when he leans over to ask her, "Do you want to come?" I'll take you home if you like. Honestly, trotting isn't my scene either. Others have never coached me before. I always find an excuse. Tonight will also be my first.

Surprisingly, Jennifer found herself interested in Peter. She liked his sensitivity. to convince her to go with him.

"I brought in an exchange we detailed this afternoon. It's big enough for anyone to travel with me!" Peter gave the order by throwing his key at the valet.

Jennifer looked at him and laughed at Bob's comment, "God, Peter brought a bus into town. I bet the company is paying for gas to the thug. Peter, you're lying, We'll keep an eye on you, you son of a bitch." damn it! "

Instead of taking the bus, a group of adults arrived and Peter put his two friends in the back row before helping Karen and Ruth into the second row. Then he helped Jennifer into the front seat.

"I don't want you two thugs to misbehave. You'll give me a bad name," was his excuse.

The trip to Chinatown was swift, and as they strolled the streets, Bob took the helm.

"You all should understand that Peter has a sixth sense when it comes to food. He may not drink much, but he knows how to eat. Peter, choose the restaurant and order for all of us.

Not wanting to show off his language skills in front of Jennifer, Peter looked uncomfortable. However, despite his apparent embarrassment, he made no comment. Instead, he studied the Chinese signs above. stores as if reading them.

Peter realizes that he has to do what Bob asks.

Now is not the time to pretend. Suddenly he dashed through a rudimentary door and climbed a narrow, rickety flight of stairs.

Jennifer stepped back. No tablecloths and no English signs anywhere. It is resplendent with red lanterns, while in the far corner is an altar burning incense. Although no European faces were visible, Peter seemed completely at ease.

The maitre d', in horrible English, tries to inform them that there are no tables available but Peter doesn't, responding with a Chinese sentence that seems to flow endlessly from his tongue. Stepping back, the waiter hurried into the kitchen as Peter slowly made his way to the corner altar where he was kneeling. Lighted three incense sticks, he seemed to bow his head in prayer, completely ignoring the crowd.

“Oh my god, he's gone again. Don't worry, Jennifer, Peter is completely harmless but sometimes he thinks he is more Chinese than Chinese. Ted's calm explanation seemed to ease Jennifer's apprehension. never had the experience and was never on the menu.

Seduced by Ted's benevolent explanation, Jennifer listened to the ensemble of Chinese voices.

“It sounds strange - sometimes it is - but it will never hurt you. Tonight is the first time I see him with a woman. For the first time since I got to know him, he asked us to introduce him to a woman - you! The Headmaster arrived, wearing an invulnerable mask, but seeing Peter praying, he still waited patiently. When Peter got up and turned to join his group, that mask turned into a broad, amused grin and the director led the boisterous group into a back room furnished with tables and chairs, touching Heavy carving on the high back is finely carved. Cautiously, he made Peter sit at the end of the table. Jennifer, he sits to Peter's right, but lets the others sit where they want. He clapped his hands and waiters appeared beside Peter.

Not paying attention to the menu, Peter struck up a conversation with a waiter, apparently discussing the dish.

However, Jennifer could not decide whether Peter's conversation with the waiters was polite or rude. Throat whistles and rapid tongue snarls combined with his ability to read facial reactions made it impossible to guess the mood of the conversation.

Jennifer was completely confused. This strange man with blue eyes, once so caring and considerate, has changed. Now he seems very bossy - almost totalitarian in overseeing meal ordering. Paying full attention to the waiter, he even took the order book to check what he wrote. Peter seems to be fixing things as if he could read kanji.

He doesn't brag about his competence, he doesn't brag about being fluent in another language, he's at home, perfectly comfortable in this second culture.

Hearing one of the waiters whisper, "Le Petit est," Jennifer looked around the table to try and find Le Petit. La Petite is one of her two friends who are far from rich? It can't be Bob or Ted, who aren't small. That's definitely not one man's big bear, Peter. She wasn't sure who had carried this unusual title. Surely they didn't apply that name to him.

"Please forgive me. I took the liberty of ordering you." The waiters fled and Peter leaned toward Jennifer. "I've been really trying to order a meal that matches your palette and thank you for coming with me tonight. I used my Chinese cooking experience to order dishes that aren't normally available. I hope that you will enjoy the meal."

Jennifer nodded.

A waiter places a small bowl of chili peppers floating in fish-scented oil in front of Peter.

After filling the bowl with soy sauce, he brought it to his lips and began shoveling chili peppers into his mouth. Expressive but alert, the waiter watched intently. Peter growled "Cough" as the last pepper disappeared from his mouth.

"Damn it, Peter, I wish you could just forget about that stupid hand." Bob looked like he was about to get up. "I'm dating rashes just looking at you! My throat is burning and my stomach is throbbing with pain. Let's talk about heartburn!"

Stunned, shivered and speechless, Jennifer could only stare at Peter. She felt disheartened because only the chopsticks were visible and she felt embarrassed. Looking at her friends, she sought support, but they were too absorbed in playing with their partners over dinner.

Karen, to the waiter's disgust, pretends to be fencing Bob with a wand while Ruth leans on Ted begging him to help him learn how to use chopsticks.

Jennifer knew that no help would come from that direction.

Noticing her dismay, Peter smiled. "If you don't use chopsticks, you'll starve," he laughs, putting rice in his bowl and another in his own. Then, bringing the bowl to her lips, bringing the rice to her mouth, encouraged her to do the same. “Don't forget to make three shovels. It's polite - more than that and you're rude and you're from Hong Kong.

Laughing at his surprise, he turned his attention to the food.

During the meal, he chooses sweets and brings them to her lips for her to taste.

During dinner, the manager leaned over Jennifer to whisper, "You know he's one of us," making her even more confused.

The discussion around the table was light and flirty, and she knew her two new friends were intent on stunning their dinner friend.

When the meal was almost done, the waiters placed a small bottle of Tiger beer next to each member of the group and three giant plates of chili crab arrived.

Jennifer was confused because no waiter tried to give her a beer.

Turning to her, Pierre asked her: "May I have the honor of sharing my beer?"

She could only nod. The waiters filled everyone's glasses and Peter carefully shared his beer with her. She was surprised that no one tried to touch their drinks until a waiter bent down to turn the duck's head. When it stopped spinning, the beak pointed at Peter.

Jennifer couldn't believe what was happening. Her mind was shaken, she found it difficult to face this unusual and unfamiliar situation.

Glass in hand, Peter stood up. Suddenly the room was filled with waiters and chefs, all smiling brightly, each holding a glass in one hand and a bottle of Tiger beer in the other. Chapter

"Yam Seng!" Peter growled, and he seemed to burst with pride and happiness as he drained his glass of wine. Chapter

"Yam Seng!" came from everyone in the room and Jennifer was surprised to see her join her. His surprise continued as Peter pulled a pink envelope from his pocket and handed it to everyone in the room, including each guest. He bowed deeply to his manager with the words "Kong hee fatt choy" as he handed him his own pink envelope.

When he handed Jennifer his envelope, his words changed to "Happy New Year" and he smiled widely.

Believing the man must be Eurasian because of her knowledge of Chinese customs and language, she gladly accepted the gift.

In the dressing room before leaving the restaurant, Karen and Ruth expressed how excited they were about the evening's events.

"And you, Jennifer?" What do you think about Peter? Karen asked.

Not wanting to reveal anything, Jennifer answered cautiously. “He seems to be fine. "

" It looks like a dream boat and isn't stingy at all. Did you notice that he paid for the meal? "Ruth continued." But, the blanket was a bit wet for me. as long as you leave Bob alone. He is mine.

"You can have it," was Jennifer's reply. “Also, Ruth seems completely smitten with Ted and I'd rather be with Peter than with either of them.

"Ted is loaded," Ruth candidly contributed, "completely loaded."

"He's happy but not drunk," Karen defended. "Like Bob - just happy. Damn, pretty, rich. His family had buckets, and his grandfather used to pass it on to Ted. "

" Your lucky half. Karen was surprised and thoughtful. " I don't know. She shrugged. "We'd better not keep them waiting too long."

No soul opens an envelope and suddenly it's time to go. No one commented on the meal and the quirky setting, although Jennifer was full of questions. The group boarded the car as if in a trance.

Jennifer's mind was still hazy and her thoughts racing. The Chinese meal is unlike any other. Small portions, could eat whatever she wanted, the meal was amazing. Chapter

: Is Pierre a dancer? How can Peter speak Chinese so fluently? Why is he so welcoming? Is he a Christian or...? He seems to love this temple and he knows what he has to do. Now what will happen? She's leaving for Trots, so what weird plans does he have in mind now?

Bob calls Jennifer the Ice Servant. She is really great. Not once during the meal did she appear more polite and cold, her laughter nothing but cold ripples.

More noise but not too harsh when meeting them at the trot.

Jennifer used to watch these races at what she called Gymkhanas as a child, but at the time, betting was absent. Here, the frenetic atmosphere of the game pervades and overcomes the crowd, creating excitement.

Karen clung to Bob's arm while raising innocent eyes in Ted's direction to ask his opinion on the bet. Satisfied with constantly distracting her attention from Ruth, she will then sell Bob more money to win her bet. Bob clearly spent too much money. Apparently, he expected to recoup any late-night losses in bed with Karen.

Ruth won. Ted has filled her wallet with tickets and is squeezing more money for her to double her bet.

Peter hoped the excitement of the horses trotting under the arc lights would amuse Jennifer, but she remained unimpressed. Together they leaned on a rail to watch the concerts unfold.

"I love the sound of rustling tires and the pounding, pounding hooves of horses. There's almost a symphonic poem in the strange musical sound. It's no surprise that the appeal of the track is so strong. Even the sounds add to the excitement.” Desperate, he tried to break Jennifer's reservations.

With green eyes even darker than before, she turned to him.

"You haven't placed a bet. Don't let me ruin your fun."

"Ruining my fun?" Peter almost suffocated. "I don't know the end of this trot game. I don't play these days, I've played enough when I was young," and his eyes darkened until he shook his head. Orient's impregnable mask covered his face before he spoke. Her childhood taught her to hide her thoughts and feelings. “It wasn't really my idea of ​​a night out. Like you, I followed the arrangement. Bob and Ted thought I needed…” He didn't try to move on.

Jennifer tried to hold back her laughter. “I think you are a player just like everyone else.

Even in the dark, away from direct, dome light, Peter could feel her confusion as she asked him his next question, quickly turning to look at the trail.

"What's your idea of ​​a good evening?"

When he answered, Jennifer turned to him again, unable to believe what he said.

"I love opera, ballet, and symphony orchestras. I have two permanent seats at concerts, but never a second in the right. I have always been lonely. However, I want you not to tell others. They think I'm pretty weird like that. "

Peter found himself opening up more to this delicate young woman, whose presence made him extremely nervous. I prefer a game of chess."

Hmm. He says he enjoys chess, ballet, opera, and symphony concerts. Her eyes sparkled in the mirror as she studied the road before turning back to Peter. The rhythm of laughter softened his words.

"You are an unimaginable chess player," she said aloud. Jennifer, however, did not express her thoughts. She always wanted to play chess but no one taught her. At this moment, she saw the inexplicable sparkle in Peter's eyes that confused her. It just has to be too good to be true. There must be some mistake.

Peter spoke the truth about the things he cared about most, but the evening was so remarkable that Jennifer still couldn't believe it. How can one man do so many things with such skill? She couldn't tell that his early years weren't filled with family or stable relationships, so he went to college and played sports.

When the others arrived, a group of people babbling loudly and excitedly interrupted all subsequent conversations.

"Come on, you two. Peter, you're leading us to the Casino." This time Ted took over the helm, trying to inspire Ruth, who was clutching his arm.

At the casino, as others stood around the roulette table, placing bets and trying their luck, Peter stood with Jennifer, sadly noting that Ted and Bob had been far more successful than he was with their partners. surname.

The game wasn't worth watching and Peter was afraid Jennifer would want to bet. He was standing beside her - believing that a girl like her needed someone to take care of her. She doesn't seem to know much about a place like this.

Finally, she turns to a card game in which Peter is interested in the movements of a professional gambler's hand as she fanes the cards toward players gathered around a colored felt table. green. Fascinated by his elegant fingers, gliding through the cards as they fly toward the player with unmistakable precision, Peter notices nothing else. "You've never seen a clone?" Jennifer's words, full of irony, flashed through Peter's thoughts. Chapter

: "Oh my god." Peter didn't realize he was looking at her, but Jennifer's comment certainly made him think. Neckline - it's for suction cups only. However, he noticed that the more the dealer revealed as she leaned forward, the more players' attention wavered and the more they lost.

"Oops! Sorry - I was looking at his hand. I have never seen anything like it. Peter laughed. “Not that I can handle it. I can usually drop half of the cards on the deck.

Jennifer was even more worried. Is this man a quick thinker, an idiot type or a worthy one? There is still a return trip to do. That will be the test. Will he suddenly become a thug? If he did, what would she do? He is very strong. His body is attractive and he moves with a normal softness that is completely deceiving.

Was it safe for him to drive her home, she wondered? She didn't have to wait long for an answer to her last question.

A revealingly dressed waitress served drinks to one of the players, an old, athletic, lustful moron drooling over the dealer's body. As the waitress leans forward to order a drink, one of her hands is draped over her shoulder to force her down as the other digs deep into her blouse where her fingers extend. too long.

"No!" Jennifer hissed, looking Peter in the face before dragging him out of the casino into the cool night air.

"What is all of this?" Peter looked puzzled.

"I think you're going to hit that old goat. The bouncers think so too." Her comment surprised Peter. "I can feel your anger, and the glint in your eyes scares me."

"Thanks for saving me." Laughing, Peter continued, "It's just that I hate men who believe a woman is theirs because they have money or power. This waitress just does her job but the old goat as you called it. he believes he has the right to mutilate her. You were right to tear me out of this situation. I don't want to mess with these gorillas. They will kill me half. "

" You're an asshole," Jennifer laughs.

"Yes, but harmless," Peter replied, joining the mirror on them before emerging as the blue eyes hovering over them shone and the The crease around her mouth adds an exclamation point to her wide smile. He calmed down and looked Jennifer in the eye, as if to reinforce the idea he repeated the words. "A harmless one."

Time stopped for a moment before he gently took Jennifer's hand and led her to the car. She relaxed but had to ask a question. "How do you explain being fluent in Chinese?" " He ignored her question until a few minutes later, when they pulled up in front of his unit.

"I am not fluent in Chinese. There is no such language." he corrected her.

Jennifer grimaced. She didn't seem to have asked the right questions about Peter all night.

"I speak Cantonese fluently. I can swear like a soldier in Hokkien and I can speak Mandarin. I can read and write Chinese, that is, write Mandarin. Also, I fluent in Tamil, Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Malay and Indonesian.” Jennifer looked at him, her eyes wide. Peter was very serious as he basked in her green eyes.

"Don't ask how or why - not even my best friends know. Maybe when we get to know each other better, I'll tell you."

Peter is an expert - his psychology degree and years of study have assured him that he knows how words can affect his listeners. Jennifer was one of the people he wanted to influence, and he cleverly came up with the idea of ​​getting to know himself. He was desperate to get this woman's attention and for the first time in his life he used all the tricks in the book to establish a friendship.

He tried to laugh at it, but it was clear that bringing it up from his youth struck a chord deep within him. Looking through the windshield, he took a deep breath before opening the door to slowly move to the passenger side to help Jennifer out.

Alerted by her sudden stress, Jennifer's mind returned to the mind of her own reality, her own fear. She realized that she had forgotten what could be expected of her at the end of an evening of such a generous welcome. Her face pale, she whispered a hasty apology. “I won't invite you to coffee. I'm sorry your evening with me was ruined, but I don't do these things.

Peter took her hand and hugged her for a moment.

“I'll take you back to your door to keep you safe. He is resolute. That's the least I can do. Don't bother yourself unnecessarily. I don't have any worries or problems when I'm with you.

Jennifer knew he felt his body tense. She felt uncomfortable. Peter had been a good friend with a depth she couldn't accurately gauge and she thought she should say something else but what? She wanted him to know the truth about her. Back at the bar, his words may have been too bold.

Let's face it - I want you to kiss me, but I don't want it to happen too quickly. I want to see you again and... She is silent, her thoughts are silent.

Asking her for his key, he interrupted his train of thought.

"I'm sorry your evening was ruined but..."

Her joyful howl interrupted her. Giggling loudly, he unlocked the door.

"Ruined my night? You ruined my night. Don't do this, what are we talking about here, Jennifer? Was my night wasted, when I was with you the whole time. ?" He pushed hard on the door and it opened.

In disbelief, Peter stared at her before continuing.

"Surely you're joking. That night itself was a disaster not of our own making but a disaster. Even so, I enjoyed your company. You are a beautiful young woman and smart and I'm grateful you've been elected." escort for the evening. For good coffee, I would love a good cup of tea while drinking. "

He chuckled as Jennifer widened her eyes in surprise. "But here I am - I escorted you to your door like a gentleman should." He pointed to the entrance to her apartment and then turned to her.

At that moment he knew he had to - do something that reflected the authenticity of his liking for this icy beauty with a fragile soul. There, outside her open door, he held her head in his soft hands, reveling in her hair between his fingers. Leaning forward, he gently tilted his face toward hers. For a moment, he paused to look her in the eye quietly, before sighing.

He kissed her hair and left.

Jennifer closed the door and leaned against it, taking her breath away. His mind was filled with thoughts. What did he say? I have no worries, no problem? Of course I have them. Too many of them - and they will never go away. However, will I have a chance to see him again someday, even if only for a moment? What about his love of ballet, opera, symphony concerts, chess? That kiss in my hair - and the ease with which he beat those three at the bar? Finally, also... well, I have to admit the question... Is he gay?

She picked up the phone.

"Jesus Jennifer, some people work for a living, you know. You know the time? Anyway? Are you OK? A sleepy male voice reassured her.

“Andrew, I'm very nervous. I met a man tonight and he… ”

“ Damn, I'm going to pack my cricket bats and get there by Monday at the latest. Andrew looked worried and angry.

Jennifer laughed and interrupted him, "No Andrew, you don't have to." Tonight I…”

“I am not your priest, Jennifer,” was Andrew's polite refusal. “I think you are giving me too much information. Maybe your doctor can give you medicine!

"Andrew, you're disgusting. How can you? Behave!" Jennifer begins to doubt the wisdom of asking for her help.

Patience, she restarted. "Tonight makes me fear that I will never be able to love, be free, and distrust men. I am so scared, my mind will never be able to get through the night of terror. when you saved me. I felt like I couldn't let go." I will never be able to give myself to the man I love," and she began to cry.

"Come on, use my shoulders. You've done this in the past, so use them now. What happened? Suddenly Andrew's voice reflected his love and concern for her.

“Tonight I met a man, Peter, he was caring and charming and when I repelled his attempts to get me home safely, he just kissed my hair and left. I wanted him to kiss me and I sent him away. What do I do because I just got frozen? "

" Listen Sis, don't worry. If this Peter is your man, he will set you free. He kisses your hair you say. Are you sure it's a man?

The answer was a sob.

"So he does nothing but kiss your hair to wish you good night." Well, that could mean one of two things. He wants you and doesn't want to risk any relationship by moving too fast or he just wants a pretty woman to put his arm around to make him feel like a man. If you need me to get on the plane, give me a week to sort it out.

“Sleep well sis, I got beaten up - it's been a while since all the new calves have been marked.

“Sleep well, everything will be fine and forget that night is long gone - make it easy for me to enjoy your new friend. He looks so funny.

The phone was lost in Jennifer's hand.