Kitchen Chinese by Ann Mah

Author:Ann Mah [Mah, Ann]
Format: epub
Tags: Asian Culture, China, Chick Lit
ISBN: 9780061771279
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books
Published: 2010-02-25T08:00:00+00:00

The next morning, I awake early and lie in bed watching a thin line of sunlight stream in through the gap in the curtains. Jeff sleeps beside me, the even rise and fall of his chest testimony to his calm. Unlike me. My thoughts feel scrambled, beaten like egg whites into an inconsequential fluff. Memories of last night creep back. Oh no, we didn’t…I glance down. No, still fully clothed in my pajamas, thank God. Okay, we were kissing and then…oh yeah, he fell asleep!

I tiptoe into the kitchen and start spooning coffee grounds into the percolator. Claire must have spent the night at Wang Wei’s penthouse, thank goodness. We’ve never discussed her overnight guest policy and I’d prefer not to start now, not with Jeff here. The coffee drains nosily into the pot and I pour two mugs and stare at them. How does Jeff drink his coffee? Does he even drink coffee? I reach for the sugar bowl but stop when I hear a musical blast coming from the living room. In the foyer, I find Jeff’s cell phone, blaring Christina Aguilera. It must have fallen out of his coat pocket last night. I reach for the throbbing, flashing phone, and as I attempt to switch it to silent, the display catches my eye. The caller ID reads tina, and the accompanying photo is of a leggy, Asian woman, stark nude. Jesus! Is that Tina Chang? The face is blurry, but those perky breasts seem familiar. I hear a sound from the bedroom, hastily tuck the phone into Jeff’s coat and dart back to the kitchen.

In my bedroom, I place a mug on the bedside table and pat Jeff on the shoulder. “Good morning!” I say cheerily. I’m suddenly anxious to get him dressed and out the door before Claire gets home.

“Coffee? No thanks…Sleep. More sleep.” He rolls over and pulls the duvet over his head.

I whisk the curtains open and sit next to him. “Are you hungry? I could make us some breakfast.”

“Owwww, too much light,” he groans. “What time is it?”

“Almost ten,” I say, pulling the covers off his head.

He opens one eye. “Nice pajamas.” His hand darts out and fingers my lapel. “What do you have on underneath—”

Quick as a flash, I move off the bed. “Uh, do you want to take a shower? I put out some clean towels.”

“Only if you’re coming in with me.” He grins at me.

“Er, maybe next time…I, um—I’m going to the gym soon. Do you have any plans this morning?” I ask pointedly, hoping he’ll get the message.

“I’m meeting up with my manager…I should probably get going.” He rolls over lazily. “Unless you want me to stick around…”

“No!” I exclaim. “I mean, no thanks. My sister’s probably going to be home any minute…” I allow my voice to trail away.

“Ah. Gotcha.” He starts pulling on his clothes, groping for his socks, yanking his half-buttoned shirt over his head. Suddenly, he stands and throws his arms around my waist. “I had a fantastic time last night,” he murmurs huskily.

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