Summer Love

Chapter 18

***

Lisa hadn’t been out to lunch with her friend Isabella in a couple of months and eagerly accepted her invitation, agreeing to meet her at her favourite Mexican restaurant, one that she and Minnie used to frequent for lunch. She was surprised that the thought of Minnie no longer conjured up images of her and Miyeon, naked in her bed. That seemed like an eternity ago. Maybe she should call Minnie and make amends. She really needed to thank her. If not for her affair with Miyeon, Lisa and Miyeon might still be together. That was depressing to think about.

“I’m glad you were free,” Isabella said. “We should do this more often.”

“Yes. I love this place,” she said as she ate a tortilla chip laden with green salsa. “How have you been? Are you still dating Kim?”

Isabella shook her head. “No. It’s been at least a month since we last went out. We didn’t have enough in common to sustain it. She hated the theatre,” she said with a laugh. “As you know, that is a passion of mine.”

“Do you still have season tickets to the Zach?”

“Of course. I took Kim to see Les Misérables, thinking she would at least enjoy that play.” She shook her head again. “But no. We only went out once more after that.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Besides, the sex wasn’t good enough to overlook her flaws.”

Lisa said nothing, wondering when a dislike of the theatre became a flaw. While she enjoyed a couple of performances each year at Zachary Scott, she wouldn’t call it a passion of hers.

“So, what about you? You must be quite giddy,” Isabella said.

Lisa scooped up more salsa with a chip. “Oh?”

“I was surprised to hear that Tzuyu was no longer dating Mina. Actually, I was more shocked to hear she was ready to settle down finally.”

“Really? And who’s the lucky lady?”

Isabella laughed. “Well, you, silly.”

Lisa nearly choked on her chip. “Me?” She shook her head. “No, you’re mistaken.”

“Oh, no. Well, that’s all everyone is talking about. I even heard that she’s accompanying you to your CPA banquet. Constance was saying that Tzuyu is really looking forward to being in public with you as a couple. A coming out of sorts.”

Oh. Dear. God.

Lisa blinked several times, trying to follow Isabella’s conversation.

Everyone was talking about it? Good Lord, she hadn’t even spoken to Tzuyu since their lunch date. She hadn’t even bothered to call and thank her for the flowers. She didn’t want to encourage her in any way.

“Well, I think everyone’s gossip is a bit premature,” she said finally. “Tzuyu and I aren’t a couple. Far from it.”

“Oh, I know, it would be quite astonishing if she really did settle down. I mean, we are talking about Tzuyu here,” Isabella said with a laugh. “How flattering that she’s chosen you. You wouldn’t believe how many are envious of you right now. They are already wondering how soon it’ll be before you move into her new house.”

Lisa was literally at a loss for words. Thankfully, their lunch was served. She dug into her enchiladas with a vengeance, feigning a hunger she was no longer feeling.

When she got back to her office, she went purposefully to Somi’s desk. “I need to talk to you.”

Somi looked away from her monitor with raised eyebrows. “I’m in the middle of our monthly billing,” she explained. “Can it wait?”