Sons of Fortune

“Well, can you tell her that I have been chosen to run against Boston University.”

“No doubt you’d expect her to stand around in the rain and wait until you trail in near the back, like all your other adoring fans?”

“No, the truth is that I need my tracksuit cleaned, and I’m told her mother takes in washing.” Su Ling burst out laughing. “Of course I’d like you to come to Boston,” said Nat, taking her in his arms.

“I’ve already booked a place on the supporters’ bus.”

“But Tom and I are driving up the night before, so why don’t you come with us?”

“But where would I stay?”

“One of Tom’s numerous aunts has a house in Boston, and has offered to put us all up for the night.” Su Ling hesitated. “I’m told she has nine bedrooms, and even a separate wing, but if that’s not enough, I could always spend the night in the back of the car.” Su Ling didn’t reply as Mario appeared carrying two cappuccinos.

“This is my friend Mario,” said Su Ling. “Very good of you to keep my usual table,” she added.

“Do you bring all your men here?”

“No, I tend to select a different restaurant each time, so that way no one finds out about my vestal reputation.”

“Like your reputation as a computer whiz?”

Su Ling blushed. “How did you find out about that?”

“What do you mean, how did I find out? It seems everyone on campus knew except me. In fact my closest friend told me, and he’s at Yale.”

“I was going to tell you, but you never asked the right question.”

“Su Ling, you can tell me things without having to be asked the right question.”

“Then I must ask if you’ve also heard that both Harvard and MIT have invited me to join their computer science departments.”

“Yes, but I don’t know how you responded.”

“Tell me, Captain,” she said, “can I ask you something first?”

“You’re trying to change the subject again, Su Ling.”

“Yes, I am, Nat, because I need my question answered before I can reply to yours.”

“OK, so what’s your question?”

Su Ling lowered her head as she always did when she was slightly embarrassed. “How can two such different people,” she hesitated, “end up liking each other so much.”

“End up falling in love, I think is what you are trying to say. If I knew the answer to that question, little flower, I’d be a professor of philosophy, and not worrying about my end-of-term exam grades.”

“In my country,” said Su Ling, “love is something you do not talk about until you have known each other for many years.”

“Then I promise not to discuss the matter again for many years—on one condition.”

“And what is that?”

“That you will agree to come to Boston with us on Friday.”

“Yes, if I can have Tom’s aunt’s telephone number.”

“Of course you can, but why?”

“My mother will need to speak to her.” Su Ling lifted her right foot, slipped it under the table and placed it on top of Nat’s left foot.