The heat rises to my cheeks. ‘Thanks,’ I mumble. Praise always makes me antsy.
‘I’ll steam some xiaolongbao for you,’ Old Zao says. ‘Go wait in the tea room. I’ll bring them out when they’re ready.’
I hold my hands at my waist and perform a little curtsy, in the old way. In a high sweet voice, I say, ‘Abundant gratitude to learned and kind Lord Nioh and Zao Shen.’
There’s a beat of silence, and then Bullhead and Old Zao cough-laugh at my nonsense.
‘Go, silly melon,’ Old Zao says. ‘I will never, ever, be accustomed to that piss-fart coming from your mouth.’
I push open the lattice door to the next room. There’s a man sitting at a table by the window reading a book. I’m about to turn back, to ask Old Zao about their guest when his scent hits me.
Watermelon and snow.
‘Tony!’ I say, more high-pitched and louder than I mean to.
He strides towards me, stops within touching distance. My mind is blank and all I can do is gaze happily at him, tongue-tied and strangely shy.
‘I’m so happy to see you, Jing,’ he murmurs, voice low.
It sends a shiver down my spine. I am suddenly hyper-aware of his proximity.
So many possible things I could say race through my mind –Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? How have you been? I’m so happy to see you, too.
But what comes out is sharp and clumsy. ‘Why didn’t you answer my last letter?’
Tony flinches; it’s only for a moment, before he hides away his surprise at my tone.
I open my mouth to say something to fix my blunder, but my tongue is frozen.
He smiles gently, takes my hands. ‘I missed you, too, Jing.’
His thumbs draw circles on the backs of my hands. My mouth unlocks.
‘That sounded like an accusation,’ I say, embarrassed. ‘It really wasn’t. It’s only that I missed you so much.’
He tucks me into his arms. I breathe his scent; my mouth waters as my throat itches. He smells delicious. I push away so Tony’s once again at arm’s length. He frowns at my reaction. I don’t want him to misinterpret, so I take his hands and hold them tight. It seems to appease him.
‘I missed you and wanted to surprise you with a visit.’ He gives me a sideways glance. ‘Who is Lord Aengus? You’ve mentioned him a few times...’
‘Oh him,’ I say, derisively. ‘He’s so annoying. I have to escort him to Paris.’
He stills. ‘Just you and him?’ There’s an edge to his tone.
He looks away from me, his expression intense. It hits me that Tony is cranky.
I think about what might cause Tony to behave like this and realise he’s probably tired and hungry. I certainly get short when my stomach complains for attention.
‘Aiya, contain my thoughtlessness, Tony. I’m whining about myself while you must be starving,’ I say. ‘Old Zao is making us some bao. You’ll feel better with a full stomach.’
His gaze snaps to me, fiery and smouldering. My knees go wobbly. This smouldering Tony is very handsome.
He drops my hands, and steps back from me. ‘Why aren’t you answering my question?’
‘What question?’
‘You are going to Paris with Lord Aengus?’ His voice has gone pitchy.
‘Yes.’ I peer at him. ‘Are you – are you mad at me?’
