“You didn’t want Lunar Love to fail,” I say.
“And neither do you.” Pó Po rests her hand on my forearm. “But don’t let your stubbornness get in your own way.”
It takes a few seconds to process what I’m hearing.
“The last thing I want to do is disappoint you,” I say.
“What would be disappointing is if you don’t take a chance to try to make Lunar Love your own. If you don’t put yourself out there, even when it means humiliating yourself. Don’t get in the way of your own future,” Pó Po instructs. “Now let’s eat! Our food is getting cold.”
We settle onto the couch in the living room and hit Play on the movie. In a toast, we tap our dumplings together with our chopsticks.
I’m finishing up my third dumpling when a message from Bennett lights up my phone screen. Pó Po is enthralled with the movie, hardly noticing that I’m using technology in the Movie-Screen-Only Zone.
I had a great time with you yesterday, he writes.
I balance my plate on my lap.Me too, I respond. What else do I say? Do I mention our kiss? Do I ask about the date? There are no manuals for what to do when your business competitor turns into your pseudo-client and then turns into someone you kiss.
Another text from him comes through.So your date tomorrow…
I craft my response:What about it…
It’s tomorrow…he replies.
Right…I text.
What feels like an unbearable stretch of time passes before Bennett responds again.
He seems like a great guy and everything is paid for…Bennett writes.
Are we…I start to write at the same time his message comes through. I want to know everything he’s thinking about what happened between us last night. After a few seconds, I delete the message.I guess I do owe you a second and final date. Are you going to be there?
Bennett responds faster this time.Do you want me to be there?
I don’t want you to not be there, I reply.
I watch three dots bounce on my screen as Bennett types. I hold my breath.
Then I’ll be there, he messages.
I grin when I read his response.
“Are you in the mood for love, Pó Po?” I ask, giving her a light nudge with my shoulder.
As the movie plays on the screen, Pó Po pats my hand and smiles. “Always,” she whispers. “I hope you are, too. It’s about time.”
Chapter 16
Ismell the ocean before I see it. The cloudless sky is a stunning cerulean blue, but the gorgeous day doesn’t quell my nerves about how close I am to the water.
I miraculously manage to find parking and walk the rest of the way to the address Bennett provided in his vague text message. His instructions were to bring a sweater and sunglasses and to meet him in Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey.
I look up from the directions on my phone to gauge my surroundings. Dozens of gleaming white sailboats and powerboats of all sizes are docked, bobbing up and down in the teal water.
You’re still on land, Olivia. Breathe.
My heart pounds faster in anticipation of seeing Bennett again, a welcome distraction from my wobbly knees. With my cream-colored sweater slung over my arm, I find Bennett standing next to a kiosk holding a bag. Today he’s wearing a cornflower blue tee that looks soft from years of wear and khaki shorts. He adjusts his light blue baseball cap a few times in a way that almost looks like he’s fighting off nerves. Is he doubting his ZodiaCupid match for me?
“Hi,” I call out, adding a small wave.
