Her hands resting at the edge of the vanity, she stares at her reflection as though gathering herself before a battle. Somehow, her attempts to be strong and stand on her own cause my heart to pinch more than it would if she tried to lean on me.
Fuck it.
I get to my feet and cross the short distance. I put my right arm around her shoulders. This close, I can sense the tremors still running through her.
“You don’t have to stand alone.”
She stays stiff, her body rigid in an effort to remain upright.
I continue to keep my arm around her. Her gaze grows unsteady, and slowly she closes her eyes, leaning into me. I tighten my hold, longing to lend her my strength.
Gradually, the tremors subside. Opening her eyes, she covers my hand on her shoulder with hers. Her fingers wrap around mine, then she slowly pulls my hand down and lets it go.
“Thank you. But I’m all right now,” she says quietly.
I search her face, noting the pallor. “You don’t have to be strong, not when I’m—”
“I’m not trying to be anything.” She swallows, then lifts her eyes to mine. “It’s already late. I need to get ready.”
She walks away, and the absence of physical contact leaves me feeling bereft and slightly lost, as though I needed her to comfort me after seeing that terrible package.
While I watch, she puts on a set of nude lace underwear, a royal-blue silk dress and a pair of jaunty silver sandals. Then she grabs a bag of cosmetics and returns to the vanity. With deft touches, she applies makeup, covering up every sign of fatigue and worry, all the horrors she must’ve felt. Once she’s finished, I can’t tell anything is wrong.
“There’s going to be more partying,” Elizabeth says while packing everything back into her suitcase. “Ming Ming always celebrates her birthday over two days. You should get ready. Unless I’m mistaken, Zhao isn’t leaving for China until tonight.”
“You’re rejoining the party?” That’s got to be a bad idea.
“No. I’m flying back to L.A.”
I hate the idea of her returning to the city because I know she plans to go into the office. Besides, I can’t bear the fact that whatever sociopath sent her that box might be waiting.
“You should stay. There’s nothing you can do in L.A.”
“I’ve been away long enough, and we’re very busy this time of the year. I’ve already introduced you to the other major players you need, so…”
“Have you considered the idea that it might be safer in Kauai?”
She gives me a soft smile. But her eyes aren’t smiling. “This kind of stuff is par for the course. I’ll be fine.”
Par for the course? “Give me a few hours, and I’ll fly you back.”
“That won’t be necessary. There are plenty of commercial flights.”
“I insist. I’ve come here as your date. I’m responsible for your safety.”
She hesitates for a moment, but finally nods. “All right. Thanks.”
There’s a minute tremor underneath that last word. And I know I made the right decision.
While I put on a T-shirt and denim shorts, Elizabeth texts Ming Ming. We go downstairs to the lobby and spot her sipping a huge coffee, her small body virtually engulfed in a gigantic couch. Although the light is muted inside, she’s wearing a pair of dark sunglasses. The yellow of her sundress accentuates the sallowness of her complexion.
“I shouldn’t have drunk so much,” Ming Ming moans.
Elizabeth sits next to her and gives her a small smile. “You say that every birthday. But next year you’re going to do it again.”
Ming Ming starts to laugh, then winces, groaning softly. “It’s unfair how disgustingly healthy you look. I know you had enough vodka to fill a pool.” She cranes her neck to look at me. “Hi, Dominic. Can you sit down? It hurts to move my neck.”
I take the armchair next to Elizabeth. “Have you had any aspirin?”