Make Me Yours

Chapter 10

“So now, y’all are building new homes for all of those people?”

“That’s right, papa. All thanks to Mr Li,” Zoey replied as she passed her father the bowl of salad.

“Well, if you ask me, I’d say all thanks to you. It’s you who fought for those people, baby girl. I hope they recognize what you did for them when all of this is over,” Raymond Martins stated matter-of-factly as he collected the bowl and started piling his plate with salad.

Zoey’s lips perked in a smile, her heart swelling with love for her father.

“It doesn’t really matter whether they recognize it or not, Dad. You know I don’t do these things for appreciation. I do them because they’re what feels right.”

“That’s my baby. Preach, girl.” That was April Martins; her mother and one of her very best friends.

When her father simply mumbled in disagreement, she met her mother’s eyes. The woman, as playful as ever, winked at her.

Shaking her head, Zoey simply went back to her food, the smile still on her face.

“I still think they should give you your due accolades when Mr Li makes good on his promises. They could have been kicked out and there’s nothing the government or law would have done about it. But you made sure that they’re getting new homes instead. Sounds like what a super hero would do to me.” Her father ended with a shrug.

“I agree!” Mariah chimed in and Zoey simply stared her down. She mimicked her father’s shrug, her face spelling mischief.

It was the last Sunday of the month, and they were at her parents’ for the traditional family dinner. Because her friends were family too, they were always welcomed.

So yes, it was a full house and a full table.

“We get what you’re trying to say, pops. But what sis means is that, it would be nice if these people sent her their love and gratitude, but if they don’t, it’s fine. Because at the end of the day, it’s just about doing good, not being thanked for doing good.’ Lamar Martins joined in on the conversation.

Proud, Zoey reached to her side and rubbed his head.

“Ooh! Zoey, we’ve talked about this. I’m twenty-two, not nine anymore,” he cried as he swerved out of her reach.

Enjoying it immensely, she stuck her tongue out at him. “You’ll always be my little brother, Lamar.”

“Oh, please. I’m a grown ass man. I best get married real soon. The disrespect is real around here.”

Everyone at the table laughed and the Sunday dinner officially commenced.

“That Mr Li, he seems to be a very generous man,” her mother began, breaking the silence that had settled as they ate.

She knew her mother too well to know where this was going. So, without missing a beat, Zoey continued.

“He is. His generosity was quite unexpected.”

“Hmm… the media doesn’t seem to think too warmly of his person – aside the fact that he is one of the best CEO’s there are, that is.”

“There is a lot the media doesn’t know. Mr Li is a whole lot different from what the media says.”

“Hmm. Sounds like you two are quite close.” That was her father.

Okay… was this an intervention or something? No. She wasn’t going down this road. At least, not so soon when she didn’t even understand what Xen and herself were, yet.

“We work together, pops. Of course, we have to spend some time with each other.”

“And is it just that? Work?”

She looked at her mother and nodded.

“Hmm… I see. Anyway darling, I was going to say this. Totally unrelated, but you are glowing. Did you start a new skin regimen?”

Now what was this woman on about? She knew that Zoey had been faithful to one skin regimen for half her life.

“Still the same old Cocoa Dreams.”

“Ah. So there must be something else responsible. Perhaps, a man?”

Stifled giggling pricked her ears and she turned to see that her friends were having fun with this. Of course – put Zoey on the spot and see how well she acts the clown.

Narrowing her eyes to slits, she gave them the look that said, “If you spill anything, I’ll kill you.”

“I’m just drinking lots of water these days, mama. Must be it.”

“Indeed. You see Zoey, I’ve known you for thirty years. And I was first a woman, before I was your mother. I know that when a woman starts glowing like this and smiling secretly, there is only one thing responsible – a man. And a new one, at that. I trust you would tell me in your own time. Whoever it is, I hope this one lasts.” There was that wink again, and Zoey couldn’t find it in herself to be defensive.

Her mother was coming from a place of love. No more, no less. Reaching across the table, she took her mother’s hands and squeezed.

“Me too, Mama. Me too.”

Her mother looked from their hands to her daughter’s eyes. A silent communication ensued and when April nodded, Zoey knew that she had understood.

She drew her hands back then, and they went back to eating.

*****

“Oh dear… is this what you have been dealing with? The hotel in Singapore definitely has better conditions than this. Is this the best there is? You could not get anything better? By the way, I do believe, son, that if you are going to be staying here a while, then perhaps, you should consider getting your own home. I am sure that there must be something befitting up for sale here. Perhaps, not as grand as the house back at home, but certainly better than this. I wonder why you chose this… Colorado, of all places.”

Xen shared knowing looks with his niece as his mother finished. Kim Li was a very special woman.

A perfectionist. Nothing less than perfect soothed her and that was what she always went after – perfection. It was why she had been hard on himself and Chuang as they grew.

It was why she had been less satisfied when one B grade ruined the remaining A grades. It was why she had wanted them both to leave their martial arts school with a black belt.