Lovely Flawed by Brian Barton

Author:Brian Barton [Barton, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: multicultural romance
Publisher: Best Romantic Suspense Press (Novels)
Published: 2014-05-03T04:00:00+00:00

• • •

Mingmei’s right. A night of dancing will do me good. After I got fired, she texted me nonstop. She said we needed to go out. To have some fun. That we needed girl time—Taiwan girl time, she said. Mingmei’s such a dyed-in-the-wool Taiwan girl. Every time we talk or text, she uses Taiwan slang. “Formosa!” she’ll say, using the Portuguese word for “beautiful island.” Formosa is synonymous with Taiwan, even though the phrase refers to a nineteenth century republic that predates our nation.

Other times, she’ll send me texts that end with “I love Taiwan!” Or, she’ll add “R.O.C.” to her emails. R.O.C. refers to the fact that Taiwan is a Republic of China and not part of the People’s Republic of China (or P.R.C.).

And when she really wants to get political, she’ll say “Remember 2-2-8,” referring to the 1947 massacre of nearly 30,000 Taiwanese by the Nanking government on February 27, 1947. The date itself is a painful reminder of the weeks of bloody battles, murders, protests, and executions of Taiwanese nationals. “2-2-8” is a rallying cry among the Taiwanese because the date embodies our hard-fought battle for sovereignty and self-determination. I’m constantly amazed by Mingmei’s national pride. Her zeal reminds me of Father.

The red velvet ropes on 24th Street are strung out in front of every club. I note how the beautiful people have already queued up outside. It’s nearly 11 P.M. and things are just starting to get going. I see a bevy of twenty-somethings and start feeling insecure. I’m older than 95% of the girls here, I think. But then I remember my rights. I have the right to have fun, too. I notice how most of the young girls outside the clubs huddle together in the cold, teetering on their high heels.

I’m wearing a simple red dress tonight. It comes down to my mid-thigh and looks good. It’s not too sexy and not too dowdy. I’m wearing it with my favorite pair of comfy black heels and a tiny purse slung over my shoulder. And I’ve put my long hair back into a pony tail so it doesn’t get in the way. It’s chilly out and I realize that the only thing standing between me and the cold night air is my light sweater. I’ve been keeping up with my jogging, so I think I look pretty good.

I didn’t go crazy with my make-up. Just a little eye shadow, glitter, and lipstick. But looking at these younger girls, I realize that some of them are really put together. I have to remember that I’m not twenty-five any more. I do a quick make-up check by taking a selfie, then examine the photo for any errant lipstick on my teeth. I know I’m not here for a hookup, but it’s nice getting a little male attention from the guys nearby. It’s shameful to admit, but I like it when a man walks by and gives me a second glance.

I look up and see Mingmei wending her way down the block.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.