A Shanghai State Of Mind

Chapter 2

Renshu glared at the information before him and rubbed a hand over his forehead. He had most of the requirements on his list checked off except a couple. They weren’t the end of the world items, but it was still annoying nonetheless not to have them done so close to opening night. The uniforms for his wait staff and bartenders were there but not pressed as he’d stipulated because the agency who was supposed to send people over to do that were late. He didn’t know how most people did business that way. Punctuality was a big deal for him, especially when his money was involved.

Hey, Ren!

Yeah? Renshu answered without looking up.

Your sister is here to see you.

He looked up then. Why doesn’t she come back here?

I don’t know, man. She doesn’t look so good.

Renshu dropped what he was doing and bolted by his head of security. He found his sister sitting by the bar with her forehead pressed to it. Lin?

Moving closer he heard her soft sobs and his heart broke. Touching her back gently, she dove into his arms and buried her face into his neck. Come on. Tell me what’s the matter.

She lifted her head. Why doesn’t he want me, Ren? I’ve done everything.

Baby girl. Renshu lifted her head and cradled her face. Men are stupid. I’m sorry you’re hurting, but I have to ask. How much longer are you going to sit around and wait for this man? Look how beautiful you are.

You’re my brother, you have to say that.

He smiled and wiped her tears away with a finger. True. But you are beautiful. Do you want me to pay him a visit?

As much as I’d love that, you’re too cute for prison.

I really do hate you going through this, Lin. Maybe you should go on a trip. Go away for a while.

I can’t leave now, Lin sniffled and took a breath. Your grand opening is next week and I want to be here for you.

But Lin.

No. No buts. I’m going to suck it up and be here. Besides, I am still working on my project so if I go away I have to take a break from it too. I’ll be fine. I promise.

Are you sure?

Lin kissed his cheek. Tell me what you have left on that list of yours.

How do you know I have a list?

Lin laughed softly and pushed from the stool. You’re my brother. I love you, but you’re anal. You always have a list. So give it here.

Renshu chuckled and retrieved the list for her. She glanced over it for a brief moment before pointing. I can do the once over and the ironing of the clothes. That way you just have to deal with the VIP issue.

Really? I mean you don’t have to do that.

Lin grabbed her cellphone and handed him back the list. Where’s the checklist for everything in here?

Renshu pointed to a clipboard hanging up by the bar. She got it and stood before him. I’m going to do the walk through, she explained. Get on the VIP.

Shaking his head with a smile, he watched her leave him before he climbed onto the stool she’d vacated. If it was up to him he’d kick the jerk’s ass, but Lin would never speak to him again. She was trying to protect him and he had to understand that she was a grown woman who can take care of herself. He had to respect that boundary and let her handle her life. But it was so damn hard to watch her hurt from the way these guys treated her. His brain was no longer on work, but he had to get things done. If he finished things fast enough he could take her out to dinner or even have a quiet drink at home. Either way, something had to give.

When I grow up I want to get married, Renny. The eight year old told her brother. I want to find a man like daddy, who loves me.

You don’t know what you’re talking about, Renshu told her, hurling a rock into the Yangtze. Love has nothing to do with marriage.

Does too. Mama says love is important.

But you don’t know what you’re talking about.

I do too. And you’ll see when I fall in love and get married.

Renshu watched her skip off singing to herself. He shook his head and tugged at the string to his kite.

She had such hopes and dreams when she was a little girl. Every time a relationship didn’t work, Renshu could see something die within her. He finished up what he was doing and was in time for Lin to enter the room again with a frown.

What?

You’re missing a fire extinguisher in sector four B.

Yeah I know. The department is bringing it in tomorrow. Anything else?

Nope. That’s it. Everything else is ready to go.

Good. Okay, I’m going to head home…

Renshu was about to reply when his best friend walked through the door with a smile on his face. He hugged Lin before hugging Renshu. Lin smiled, kissed Renshu’s cheek and left them alone. Taking a breath, Renshu walked behind the bar and poured them both a tequila shot. Once they’d toasted and drank, he leveled his eyes on Jonathan.

It happened again.

Jonathan Parker fingered his shot glass. You’re not making any sense, Ren.

Lin. The joker she was dating.

Damn. I’m sorry man. I really hoped this one would have been it.

Yeah me too. Renshu stopped for a moment then changed the subject. I’m almost ready for opening. Just a couple more things to straighten out.

How’s she doing?

Lin? Renshu shrugged. She was crying earlier. I guess she just needs to keep busy, or so she thinks. I think she should take some time off and go away for a bit, but she doesn’t like that idea.

Jonathan laughed. Sounds like Lin.

That’s one of the things she got from mother. But what can we really do? Our hearts are strong—they were made to be broken a few times.

I still don’t like it. She doesn’t deserve this happening to her. Any man who doesn’t see what perfection she’s giving to him is a moron.

Renshu eyed his friend for a moment. There was something behind Jonathan’s words that did Renshu’s heart well, but he didn’t address it. Yeah well, some men are so clueless they can’t tell their ass from their elbows.

It was getting dark outside when Renshu finally closed up for the day. He stepped out to spitting rain. Though he didn’t expect it there was nothing he could do about it so he simply shrugged and jogged to his car. He sat in the front seat for a moment trying to figure out what he was going to do for the night. He was exhausted, but knew no matter how hard he tried his nerves would outweigh his need for sleep. He started the ignition and made his way through the streets of downtown Shanghai. The windshield wiper flipped back and forth slowly to clear his view, as his mind went back to his sister. She was so sure she’d fall in love and get married. He never thought he would. The truth was he wanted to believe in love but he just gave up on it.

Chapter 3

One cramp hit followed by another causing LaToya to bite her lower lip and groan. She exchanged glances and a knowing nod with her best friend then rushed for her suitcase to dig madly through it. Tossing clothes around her, she hoped she hadn’t been too brain dead when she was packing. She picked up the large bag and dumped its contents on the bed then rummaged through the mountain of clothes and other things. Defeated, LaToya flopped to her knees in utter dejection. This is stupid! she muttered. How could I have not packed any tampons? It’s like the first thing that should’ve gone into the stinking bag.

Did you say something? Jen asked with her nose smooshed to the penthouse room's glass window.

LaToya turned to answer her but couldn't help laughing at how fogged up the glass was in front of her friend. I didn't bring any tampons. And would you pull your face from the glass? It’s all foggy.

Don't look at me. I don't use those things. How do you walk around with a piece of cotton up your hoo-ha?

LaToya rolled her shoulders. Do you have any pads?

Jen shook her head. Sorry. My monthly friend came just before we left for here and mine comes like clockwork so I know I’ll be good.

Crap. That means I have to head out and pick some up. LaToya pushed to her feet. She searched for her purse on the bed then and took a breath. I'll be back in a few minutes. I saw a store on our way to the hotel just on the next block.

I'll come with you.

Nah. You rest. I know you said you had a migraine from the flight over here. I'll wander around. If I find any pads I’ll pick some up for you.

LaToya left her friend and took the elevator down. It had a bench in it. She elected not to use it, but it still surprised her. When the door opened she hurried across the elegant, busy lobby and through the front door.

Hold on miss, the man said, his accent heavy.

LaToya stopped and he handed her an umbrella.

Weather bad. Rain. He explained to her.

She smiled and accepted the umbrella. "Xièxiè," she said with a quick bow. Pride filled her at the use of a new language. She'd used the only Mandarin she knew and it felt good. The street was slick with rain and she managed to get across between a bunch of cars that seemed to be stuck in a traffic jam. It wasn't raining then, but she could still smell the wetness on the air.

The sidewalks were crowded despite the weather. The buildings towered above her and she stopped to crane her neck upward trying to count the floors, but stopped after twenty. The buildings were so high she could no longer tell the end of each floor; that made counting a losing battle.

Carrying on, she walked by a market and made a mental note to stop on her way back. It would be nice to get their own little snacks and fruits just to get the experience.

When she finally arrived at the store, she walked in and was immediately bombarded with Mandarin. Every sign her gaze caught was in the language. Most things she immediately recognized like toothpaste, and lip gloss, but most others didn’t look too familiar so she skipped those. The store wasn’t put together like a store back home—everything seemed to be all over the place. She sighed. How was she supposed to find anything in that? A lady at the counter was speaking rapidly into the phone and LaToya smiled at her in a silent greeting. The moment LaToya approached the counter, the woman said, thank you and hung up.

Hi. I'm looking for tampons? LaToya said.

The woman blinked at her with confusion spreading her features.

Erm... LaToya motioned with her arms and fingers. Tampons?

"Wǒ bù míngbái. The woman shook her head. Nǐ shuō pǔtōnghuà?"

LaToya wanted to cry. How she could pack for a three week vacation and not pack tampons was beyond her! She'd been so excited she forgot half the stuff she wanted to pack. She should have made a list, but it was too late to worry about that. I don't understand. I'm looking for... She looked around hoping to see what she was asking for, but no luck. She motioned with her hands again. Trying to show the shape of what she wanted without being vulgar. Tampons?

"Nǐ shuō pǔtōnghuà?"

A woman walked up beside LaToya.

What are you looking for? She questioned. Perhaps I can help.

Oh thank God! LaToya laughed. I'm asking her if she carries tampons. I didn’t want to just stroll around her place—and who could find anything in here? I don’t know the etiquette for this.

She laughed. Let me ask her. The thin woman with the pixie hair cut spoke to the elderly woman behind the counter who laughed and bowed then pointed and replied. She said sorry, she didn't understand you. But yes, they do have tampons in that aisle, right there.

Thanks. I'm LaToya Fitz.

Lin Li, she replied.

"I'm so lucky you stopped in. When I realized she didn’t speak English I thought I was going to have to do a demonstration of what I wanted, or cry.

You can thank my craving for ice-cream. Lin held up a container of double chocolate chip.

My favorite! LaToya grinned. I think I'm going to grab some too.

Okay you do that and I'll wait right here to help if you need translation for checking out.

LaToya blushed. She wanted to tell Lin she didn't have to do that. But the truth be told she will most likely need help again. "Xièxiè."

Quickly, she hurried down the aisle and found the tampons she needed. She grabbed five boxes along with a couple bags of pads. She also grabbed some other things she hadn't thought of packing along with shampoo and conditioner. Since the whole September eleventh ordeal they wouldn't let her travel with a big bottle. She searched and found the freezer and balancing her stuff she grabbed her ice-cream.

Back at the counter, Lin helped her check out and the two walked to the front.

Listen, my brother is opening a club day after tomorrow night, Lin said, handing her a card. It would be nice if you could come. It’s not far from here—walking distance. Just tell them your name and they'll let you in.

LaToya nodded. Thank you so much. You saved me today.

Just call me the Princess in Shining Armor.

Laughing, LaToya pushed the card safely into a side pocket on her purse. I'm heading this way.

I'll walk with you.

The two women turned left out of the store and walked along the semi-crowded sidewalk. What brings you to Shanghai?

My best friend and I are here on a girls’ trip. We've always wanted to visit and I couldn't afford it. So after her father died he insisted in his will.

Sounds like a good man.

LaToya nodded. He was. She turned to glance around, shoulders rising and falling slowly. It's so beautiful here.

And this is only the city. If you can, before you go, you have to visit Yangzhou. It's a little bit of country. My brother has a cabin-like home in Xingping. I love going there to just disappear from the drama.

I'll see if Jen wants to. She loves the city, but I wouldn't mind checking it out.

Well, I'm going this way. I was on my way home when I thought I'd stop by. Driving down here is a pain through that traffic.

LaToya looked back to see the cars bumper to bumper. Sounds like Toronto during rush hour. Well, it was nice meeting you. I'll try and make the grand opening.

I'll see you then, Lin said. Bye.

LaToya waved at her and continued the rest of the way to the hotel. She made a quick stop to return the umbrella for it’d started raining the moment she stepped into the building. Chuckling, she hurried up to the room and found Jen sitting in the living room of their suite on the sofa with the laptop in her lap. Hey I’m back!

How was it?

I needed rescuing! I couldn't speak to the shop-keeper so this lady, Lin, stopped to help. Can you imagine they don't know what tampon is in English? I got you some stuff too. And... she hurried into the kitchen and grabbed two spoons then hurried back. Ice-cream!

Jen jabbed her spoon in then moaned when the cold liquid was in her mouth. LaToya did the same before even sitting down. When the two sat with the container between them, LaToya lifted her legs to the center table.

We got invited to a club day after tomorrow, LaToya spoke. It’s a grand opening.

How did that happen? You just got here!

LaToya shrugged. Her name is Lin—the lady who helped me in the store. She said her brother was opening it. All we have to do is give the doorman my name and we're in.

Are we going?

Why are you asking that?

Because I know you. You're not into parties. I mean, every time I’ve asked you to go to a club you get this look in your eyes. Haven’t you noticed I stopped asking?

I didn’t know that.

Of course not. Not going to clubs with a friend isn’t the end of the world. It’s just something that we could do. We had fun otherwise.

Well, I'm in Shanghai. I've been doing things the old way and it hasn't been working for me. I'm going to live a little. How many times will I be invited to some club opening?

Jen smiled and stuck another chocolate covered spoon into her mouth.

For once in my life, Jen, I want to not be the quiet freak in the corner, you know?

You are never a quiet freak. What are you talking about?

"Don’t worry about it. I’m going to let go now. So, we might have to go shopping—even though I don't know where I'm going to find clothes in this city. But I need something