“It’s just not how I was brought up and it’s not the future I wanted for you.” Ling’s eyes welled up. “I love you either way, sweetheart. But I hope you understand that it will take me some time to get used to this.” She reached for Zoe’s hands and took them.
“That’s okay.” Zoe’s eyes welled up as she stroked her mother’s hands with her thumbs. The truth was out, and her mother was still here. “Take your time. I won’t be bringing anyone home soon, but I won’t lie to you anymore either.”
Ling nodded. “I don’t want you to lie to me; I never wanted that. I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t tell me. I guess I’m a little behind the times, but where I come from…” She paused. “What do we tell our family in Hong Kong?”
“Do you have to tell them? Is it really important for them to know?” Zoe regarded her mother. “I don’t think so,” she said when Ling didn’t answer. “Let’s just leave the conversation with this. You have a lot to digest, and I think we should give it a rest.” She smiled. “But feel free to ask me anything, anytime.”
55
“Marcy, darling. This is beyond my wildest dreams.” Having trouble keeping her voice down through her excitement, Delia was hushed by her husband.
“I’m proud of you, kid.” Marcy’s father patted her on the shoulder as he looked over the premises wide-eyed once again. “I had a feeling you were working on something, but I hadn’t imagined anything like this.”
“You did?”
“Yes. You used to help me with personal projects on weekends but over the past few years you’ve been so busy. Since you were never home, I always wondered what you were up to.” He stared at the majestic home that merged into the hills, it’s aesthetic perfectly complementing the landscape. “I never imagined it to be anything as spectacular as this, though.”
“Thanks.” Marcy felt choked up by her parents’ reaction. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I thought you would try to talk me out of it. It was just a cave back then, and I didn’t think you’d see the potential. And once it was starting to look decent, I just loved having this as my secret.”
“You were always the one with the creative talent, the craftsmanship in here is outstanding.” her father said. “And look at you now. You did this all by yourself and that’s incredibly brave. I just hope you know you could have asked me for help.”
“I know, Dad. I’ve always felt comfortable asking you for help but this, I wanted to do it on my own.”
“I understand.”
“It’s amazing. Can we move in with you?” her mother joked.
Marcy laughed. “You can stay over anytime you want after the kittens have left but that won’t be until next year, I’m afraid, and I don’t have a spare room.” She lingered there for a while, weirded out by suddenly having her parents here. “Want a drink? We can sit and talk outside on the terrace. I don’t want to disturb Tank.”
“Yes, dear. A drink would be lovely.” Delia smiled widely when Marcy pulled a bottle of white wine from the fridge. “So, any developments with the lovely Zoe? Did you remember to thank her again?”
“Who’s Zoe?” her father asked, taking a seat at the terrace table.
“She’s Marcy’s love interest,” Delia told him in all seriousness. “You know, that woman I told you about who helped out at the charity event with those delicious dumplings?”
“Oh, yes, I remember now. Is she local?”
“Mum, she’s not my—” Marcy stopped herself because her mother was right. Zoe wasn’t just her love interest. She was her girlfriend. “She’s—”
“Well, speak of the devil,” Delia said, narrowing her eyes when a car came up the driveway. Zoe got out and stopped in her tracks when she spotted Marcy’s parents on the terrace, then hesitantly walked over when Marcy waved her over.
Marcy’s gaze shifted nervously from Zoe to her parents and back. It was probably time she told them; there was no reason why she shouldn’t, and besides, her mother must have noticed the look of awe on her face when Zoe smiled at her. She looked beautiful and fresh-faced as always, casually dressed in shorts, sandals and a grey sweatshirt. The bandana in her hair today was black and white, and she was carrying a canvas bag.
“Hi, I’m sorry. I wanted to see the kittens and I didn’t realise you had company.”
“That’s okay.” Marcy wanted to kiss her, but with her parents here, she had no idea how to behave. She went in for a hug, which resulted in an awkward head-butt as Zoe clearly didn’t know how to greet her either. “We were just about to have a drink. Want to join us?”
“Sure. If I’m not interrupting anything. I brought some snacks.” Zoe handed the bag to Marcy and turned to Delia. “Delia, it’s so nice to see you again.”
“Likewise, darling. I was just asking about you.” Delia was smiling from ear to ear as she hugged Zoe. “This is my husband, Tom. Marcy’s father.”
“Hello, Tom.” Zoe shook his hand and studied his face. “Marcy looks like you.”
“We hear that a lot.” Tom looked Zoe over in return. “So, my daughter is finally dating, huh? First this spectacular house and now you…” He shook his head and chuckled. “There are only so many surprises I can handle in one day.”
Zoe blushed, and Marcy stepped in. “Zoe, why don’t you come inside with me to see the kittens? Mum, Dad, we’ll be out in a moment.” She pulled Zoe inside and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry about that.”
“About what?” Zoe winced. “Are you uncomfortable with me being here? Should I go? I totally understand.”
