Crystal Eyes

Part 3

When Jimmy parked his bike under a shade tree ridiculously close to the entrance gate to the local temples, it felt like I was being torn in two. Part of me didn't want to release the near-death grip I had on his very firm chest but another part was desperate to be on solid ground again.

Despite the wails of my inner fan girl, the need to be on steady not-moving ground won out and I flung myself off of the bike to lean against the tree. The rough bark under my arm was a welcome distraction from the roiling of my stomach. My face still stung from the wind and even though we'd stopped, it felt like the wind would never stop thundering in my ears.

Distantly, I heard Jimmy set the kickstand and wheel lock on the bike, then his deep voice wafted over my shoulder. "Hey, Lisa. How're you doing?"

I suppressed a groan, took a deep breath and slowly stood. I looked up at him through watery eyes. "I'm... going to live." I sighed. Honestly, living was the best I could do.

He looked adorably concerned, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Maybe drive better next time? My brain screamed, but outwardly I said "Water would be nice." I reached into my pocket and pulled out a couple yuan. I passed them over to him and pointed to one of the little snack shops. "Over there, they probably have cold water. Get yourself one too. About three quae each. If they want more than that, don't bother." I sat down on the low brick wall around the tree. "I'll be here." I leaned forward and rested my head in my hands. Through slitted eyes, I watched him waver then head off to the little shop.

My fan girl told me I was dumb. I just had Jimmie Crystal run an errand for me. Like, seriously? But my more practical side argued that since he was the one responsible for my current feeling of ick, then he could damn well be the one to make me feel better.

There are many ways he could make you feel better, my fangirl chimed. I quickly glanced around as if someone could have heard that licentious thought. Mentally I smacked my fangirl for being so raunchy, even as I couldn't help but fantasize just a little.

All too soon, he was back and handing me a gloriously cool water bottle. I held it to my forehead to soothe the headache brought on my over tense muscles. He waited patiently until I felt a little more human.

I quirked a smile up at him "Sorry about that. I'm better now." I stood and slid the half-full water bottle into my purse. "I'm not really used to moving like that." I rubbed my head a little.

He smiled sympathetically, "Yeah, that was a little rough for your first ride. The scooter that took up two lanes was definitely not expected, and probably not even legal."

In hindsight, the memory was amusing, at the time it had been terrifying. I snorted, "yeah, I'd really rather not go through that again." I waved a hand towards the gate, "but I'm feeling better now if you want to get started?"

He nodded and gestured for me to walk first. We pushed our way through the crowded courtyard. We lingered over a stall selling tasty egg wraps, but Jimmy shook his head "I don't think my stomach's quite up to eating anything yet."

We paid our entrance fee and got our guidebook from the harried older woman behind the counter who reminded us that "inside, no picture". We assured her that we understood, but it didn't lighten her scowl.

Inside the gates the temple was a tad bit crowded, but still beautiful. It made me smile that Jimmy stuck pretty close to my side and just let me lead him around. I pointed out my favorite statues and read fun tidbits from the guidebook. While I was reading off the history of one of the larger statues, I noticed Jimmy glancing over his shoulder to where a small group of five teenage girls were huddled whispering to each other and staring at us.