Make Me Yours

It hadn’t been a funny incident; not in that moment. But it had brought their parents together and whenever they told the story now, it was with laughter and joy. They had since grown to actually have their own distinct individual looks, but they were still easily mistaken for brothers.

Charles Coleman was the third one. They had met him in college. The craziest amongst them, the daredevil, and he had been convincing enough to make them try things they had sworn they never would.

They had come a long way since then. These days, each person was mostly busy with their personal lives, but whenever they had the time, they got together nicely. Xen was certain this time out would serve as good distraction from his thoughts. So, why not?

“Sounds like a good plan. I’ll have Sung get a limo over here. Say we meet outside in thirty?” They were both staying in the same hotel; just different rooms.

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

As soon as the call ended, Xen got up and started to take off his suit and tie. There was no way he was driving around town in that. No way.

Twenty-five minutes later, he stepped out if the hotel’s lobby in a sweat shirt and jeans. Fully refreshed, and smelling of cologne and body wash. Sung had called him only ten minutes ago to tell him that the limo was ready.

A quick look at the name cards told him which waiting limo was for him. Turning slightly to his left, he began to walk in that direction. The chauffeur was a white man and as Xen reached him, he bowed and tried to speak Chinese.

It made Xen smile.

“I understand English, Mr…”

The chauffeur tapped his name tag, causing Xen’s eyes to follow the movement. Carlos Casteo, it read.

“Mr Casteo.”

“I thought you would, but I also thought to make you feel at home. It is always nice when someone does that to you in a strange country. I would know. I have been here for most of my life and you cannot imagine the joy I feel when I hear my mother’s tongue being spoken. America is nice and all, but it is not home.”

The man’s thoughtfulness impressed Xen, but he was even more impressed when he spied the complimentary card that Mr Casteo handed him.

“Your P.A made me understand that you would be around for a while. In case you would need more rental services, please do not hesitate to contact the company. We have cars for every occasion.”

Xen was in for more surprises as he took the card and read through it. Casteo Rentals…

“This won’t happen to be the same Casteo as yours, would it?”

“One and the same, Mr Li. I own the company, but I run shifts when we have busy nights, like this one.”

The man was so pleasant and every word he spoke preached humility. It was humbling for Xen. This man could be no more than thirty years old with such a successful company in his name; it was something that was worthy of noting.

Slipping the card into his pockets, he replied happily. “You know what, Mr Casteo? I might just take you up on that offer.”

“I shall look forward to it, good sir.”

Before Xen could reply, he heard his name being called. Turning around, he wasn’t surprised to see Yun and Charles, exiting the Hotel only then.

“It took you long enough,” he said as they reached him. He got no warning before Charles pulled him in for a hug, accompanied by two hard pats on the back.

“We are right on time! My friend. You are always too serious. Laugh a little, would you?”

And because it was Charles, he did laugh.

“You still haven’t changed a bit,” he told his friend as they pulled away.

“Only for the better. Only for the better.”

“How was your flight?”

“Perfect. It was perfect. Summer in Alabama is beautiful, my friend. Perhaps, if you can get your nose out of work for long enough, you both can join me there. There are plenty of fine women too.” That last bit was said with a sly wink, and they all piled into the limo, chuckling at Charles’ words.

Three marriages, all failed. His friend didn’t look like he was planning to stop anytime soon. Meanwhile, Xen had given up entirely after one failed marriage. He had been twenty-five. Young and stupid. She had only been in it for the money, but he had been too blinded by love to see that. Maybe he had been part of the problem too.

Three years. That was how long the marriage had lasted. He had never thought to try again after then. Maybe it was because he was afraid of being betrayed again. Or perhaps, it could simply be that he didn’t want to make another woman feel the neglect he had made Lin feel. He was too busy, anyway. Too busy a man for marriage, or raising kids. And in his opinion, the only thing worse than an absent husband was an absent father.

He did not want to be either of those men.

Luckily enough, the spin around the city was able to get those thoughts off his mind, the moment they pushed their heads through the open roofs. He soon relaxed and started to enjoy the ride. By the time it came to an end, he was glad that he had chosen to come.

“So, what are you going to do about the property? Give it up or chase it down?” It was Yun.

Xen said nothing as he stared intently at the balls. He needed to hit right, so he could get at least eight, into different holes. He hadn’t played pool in a long time, but he wasn’t that rusty. Surely not.

With one deep breath, he struck.

“Yes!” he exclaimed, jerking his elbow as all of twelve balls got into one hole or the other. “Guess I still got it.” He winked at Charles who playfully scoffed. With that shot, he was leading.

Passing the cue to Yun, he stepped aside and reached for his drink.

“I don’t know, man. That Miss Martins is sure messing with my mind. I had this perfect plan and I was so sure it would work. Now, I’m not even sure I want it to, anymore. I really want to move the business here. This move is one we have been planning for the past one year. However, I’m not sure I have the cruelty to make all of those people, homeless.”