Ruined

“I haven’t been in California that long. Born and lived most of my life in North Carolina. You ever been to the Carolinas?”

I recall that he already said he’s never been to the South.

“We’re not all rednecks,” I blurt, then wonder why the hell I said that.

“What is a ‘red-neck’?”

“It’s a derogatory term for a white person from the South who’s not very, um, cultured, and who’s often a bigot. What part of China are you from?”

“I’m not from China. I spend far more time in Vietnam than China.”

“You’re Vietnamese?”

“I’m Chinese, but my family settled in Vietnam hundreds of years ago.”

“Your English is very good,” I say, then wish I hadn’t in case he might take offense at that. I sip more of my drink.

“It’s okay. My French is better.”

“You speak French, too?”

“Vietnam was a French colony until the 1950s. Many families of privilege sent their children to Paris to be educated. My family temporarily moved to Paris after the war. I was born there.”

“Did you grow up there?”

“Mostly.”

“I’d love to go to Paris someday. My family didn’t travel a lot, not even to popular destinations within North Carolina like the Smokey Mountains or Nags Head. Did you like it in Paris?”

He draws on the cigar and releases the smoke in one long breath. “It’s worth visiting.”

That seems like an understatement for a city considered among the most beautiful in the world. “Are there places you like better?”

“No. They’re just different.”

We’re back to silence. I end up finishing my drink. I would continue the conversation, but I’m not sure he’s all that interested.

“We’re gonna hit the hot tub,” Eric announces. “Want to join?”

“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” I reply.

“Who says you need to wear a suit?”

Sierra has started to unbutton the rest of his shirt. Eric looks over at Tony.

“I’ll pass.”

I’m a little relieved. If he went, I would probably be obligated to go, too.

Eric and Sierra remove various articles of clothing on their way to the hot tub, which is out on the deck. I hear Sierra giggling. The sliding glass door opens, then closes.

I’m alone with Tony.

CHAPTER NINE

My heart throbs with each beat. Here it is. The moment. It’s imminent. Now would be a good time to bail. I could probably catch a taxi home if needed.

I half expect him to slide over to my side of the sofa, but he seems content where he is as he finishes his cigar. My head has started to swim a little from the alcohol I’ve consumed. I don’t think I can take the suspense anymore. I need to make a decision once and for all about this.