Dragon Cloud Tea

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“Dragon Cloud Tea” by Christine Wichman c. January – March 2015
Photos are taken from Pinterest

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The sky was grey and the streets were wet, as Jade entered her grandfather’s restaurant.

“Why you so late? Guests coming. Tea not ready.”

“I’m sorry Grandfather, I missed my bus and had to walk.”

“Why you not call? I send Uber.”

“I did not want to bother you, I am here now.”

Jade hurried into the kitchen and put her white apron on, weekday mornings it was usually just her grandparents and herself preparing the food, and waiting tables. Today was no different except the restaurant had been closed for a private function. A local dignitary and his guests were booked in for an afternoon of Dragon Cloud Tea.  For over forty years the

“Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon”

Restaurant was known for their Chinese Tea Ceremonies following ancient yet unorthodox practices. Lin and Yun Tang could very proudly trace their ancestors back to the the Tang Dynasty. The Dynasty that originated the Art of Tea. Theirs was the only restaurant offering up four unique tea ceremony experiences. 

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Flower Tea

An afternoon of beauty and truth

White Jasmine or Peony Tea blooms served in a glass pot

A basket of Steamed dumplings, Ginger Spinach, and Won ton soup

A light dessert of fortune cookies and orange blossom sorbet

Bird Tea

An afternoon of whimsy and wonder

Includes Phoenix Oolong Tea served in a traditional red pot

Summer rolls stuffed with chicken, steamed greens and Egg Drop Soup

Dessert is a lovely cookie tray and green tea ice cream

Wind Tea

An afternoon of silence and contemplation

Lychee Black Tea served in an antique silver pot

Coconut and Prawn soup, Mushroom Salad and Scallion Pancakes

For Dessert Almond Tofu with a Strawberry Glaze

 Moon Tea

An afternoon symphony of

Moonbeams and Mandolins

Green Macha Tea served in hand made bowls

Chilean Sea Bass, Edamame with Sea Salt and Watercress Soup

Dessert consists of Mooncakes and Mango Mochi

The last Tea Ceremony, upon request only, as it entails intricate preparation and alignment with the stars, the ever exclusive and mind altering…number *5*

Dragon Cloud Tea

An afternoon soujourn

into the mystical realms

Dragonwell Tea blended with Cloud and Fog leaves harvested from the hills

of Dragon Cloud Monastery

Served in Great Grandfather Tang’s Ancient Chinese Dragon Teapot 

Lotus Seed Buns, Lobster Pot Stickers, and Sizzling Rice Soup 

Fried Apple in Plum Sauce for dessert

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Jade stood beside her Grandmother and stirred the large cauldron of leaves and boiling water. Grandmother added a few secret ingredients to the pot and told Jade, “Keep stirring do not stop, leaves must be moving until the steeping ends.”

“Yes Grandmother. What time does the ceremony begin?”

“They come at Noon. I have a special dress for you to wear. He important man. He also single. If you wear the dress, you might have a shot.”

Jade rolled her eyes and thought, here we go again another of Grandmother’s match making schemes. She had already married off all of the cousins and Jade was the last of the girls to get a man.  Jade relished her freedom and hoped to make it through college before getting tied down. She had dreams of becoming a concert violinist. 

“It’s time Jade, time you let a man in your heart.” smiled her tiny Grandmother “I met Grandfather when I was your age. We married that same year.”

“Yes, so you have told me Grandmother many times, ” smiled Jade, knowing she had something else in her heart. 

“You will see Jade, he handsome, this man today. You will be great match. Bring honor to family.”

“But Grandmother, what if I have other ideas for my life?”

“What you talking about? You lesbian? I can find you nice lady. This is San Francisco, lots of nice ladies here.”

Jade giggled, “No no, I’m not a lesbian, but nice to know you are open minded Grandmother.” 

Grandmother shrugged, “Who am I to judge, whatever make you happy. So what make you happy then?”

“If I tell you, you have to promise not to say anything negative or to jinx me okay?”

“Who you think I am? I’m on your side, tell me. How bad can it be?”

“I want a career in the symphony. I want to play my Violin for a living Grandmother. My heart is full right now, no room for a man…only music. The Music in my heart is what I am living and breathing for, it’s my truest passion.” 

“You any good? You never play for us? I did not even know you still played.” 

“You are not sounding very supportive,” accused Jade. “I belong to a quartet at school, we play once a week.”

Grandmother was checking on the lotus seed buns and called out to Grandfather. “Yun? We have lobsters yet? I’m ready for them now.”

“Jack on his way from wharf now.” Grandfather opened the back door for the delivery truck.

Jade was frustrated by the lackluster response to the announcement of her life long dream. She took her apron off and returned it to the hook in the kitchen. “Where’s the dress?” 

“Upstairs, in office.” Grandmother smiled “Red lace and so sexy. He won’t know what hit him.” 

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Matthew Erskine Scott, the thirty-third Earl of Mar, exited the exquisite City Hall Building, having finished his meeting with Mayor Lee. 

“Jackie could you text Heughan and Charles and let them know I’m headed to the restaurant now?” 

“Certainly Lord Mar.” Jackie, Lord Mar’s personal assistant, took to her phone immediately, as the black town car pulled up to the curb on Van Ness collecting them both. Matthew unbuttoned his black suit coat and ducked into the back seat, while Jackie rushed into the front seat still managing to text at the same time.

Matthew sank down in the seat and closed his eyes. He had very little sleep in the last 48 hours, as well as jet lag, so a moment to close his eyes was a God send. 

“Lord Mar the gentlemen have replied, Charles will meet you there shortly, Heughan would like us to pick him up at his hotel on the way. Shall I say yes?” Jackie was eager to please.

“That will be fine,” Matthew’s eyes remained closed for the duration of the drive, he paid no mind to the fact he was missing some lovely sights and very historical buildings on the way in to Chinatown. His only concern was that the “Tea” he was attending would be less mystical and more satisfying, as his hunger was suddenly surpassing his fatigue. 

After much traffic, the car made a stop at the Clift Hotel and a tall, dark bearded man with a huge grin made himself and his very large briefcase at home in the backseat.

“So, what is this “Tea” Charles has lined up for us old boy? Sounded so cryptic when he explained it all.” Heughan was curious, his six foot five frame barely touched the ceiling as he hunched in his seat. 

Charles, Heughan and Matthew were old Eton pals,they met on the Rugby team. Naturally Matthew hired them on as CFO and CEO of his public offices and charities once he inherited the Earldom. Matthew had only been Earl of Mar for sixteen months now, that is how long it had been since his mother, the Countess of Mar had succumbed to cancer. 

“I’ve really no idea.” Matthew rubbed his eyes, feeling more dazed and confused

 now that he’d nearly fallen asleep.

“Jackie,” Heughan addressed the front of the car, “Could you google this “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon” place and give us a clue please.”

Within a few seconds Jackie read from her screen, “According to an article in California Magazine, The Dragon Cloud Tea Ceremony is an out of body experience that can never be explained. Each person sees, hears, tastes and touches their own truth through the soul’s window.” 

“Oh my God.” scoffed Heughan, running his hands through his thick black curls. “Is this gonna be some weird California Hippy shit?”

“I certainly hope so,” laughed Matthew, “I’m due for some fun.”  

Heughan passed him a quizzical look, “Now what was that Aristotle quote that Old Hambly use to throw at us…umm oh yes, 

‘There is a foolish corner in the brain of the wisest man.’

Jade walked downstairs in the stunning ruby red

dress her Grandmother insisted she wear for today’s Tea Ceremony. Grandfather gasped when he saw her. “You look like Movie Star! You look like Yang Mi, doesn’t she Lin?”

“Yang Mi… You fool, so obsessed with Yang Mi!” Grandmother snapped at him then turned smiling to Jade, “So beautiful, I knew you would be, you could be model Jade. Let’s do photo shoot before they come.”

“I feel like Cinderella.” Jade giggled.

“And who your Fairy Grandmother? C’mon Jade, pose over here.” Grandmother already had her i pad ready to take some quick shots. “Stand like this, give me some attitude.”

“Okay Grandmother,” Jade hammed it up, “Like this?” 

“Ahhh so pretty, wait ’til Charles see you. He big important man now Jade, all of Chinatown respect his family. They the Lings you remember? They go way back in San Francisco history. He bring friends today, but his family use to come all the time when you were little. You playmates then, you no remember?” 

Jade vaguely remembered playing with the boy and his sister, “I think he’s the one who called my Bratz Doll a hooker, and then Grandfather had to explain what a prostitute was. Can’t forget that conversation.” 

“Ha. Well, he fiery boy, born year of the Dragon. You two good match, give him a chance.”

Jade laughed and shook her head, “Yes Grandmother.”

“Oh no, I think they here, quick hide, hide…don’t want them to see you until Ceremony.”

Jade rushed up the stairs and waited nervously until it was time to serve the tea.

“Welcome to Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon.” Grandmother, in her formal scarlet silk kimono, bowed before the three men.

The men nodded and smiled in return taking in the elegance of the foyer, very crisp and modern with touches of tradition and mystery. To the right a large room filled with sleek booths and to the left a long hallway of cement walls dimly lit with neon cherry lights.

“Follow please.” Grandmother led the men down the long hallway explaining the new renovation to Charles. “Mr. Ling, we have not seen you in many years as you can see we modernized our restaurant, now we have special tea rooms for our ceremonies. The Dragon Cloud Tea, the most special, we take you to the “Dragon’s Den” today to enjoy your special time. 

“Yes, I noticed the Restaurant has changed so much. I have fond memories of the wonderful food we use to share with you here.” Charles was handsome, sleek black hair and warm brown eyes, he was especially appealing in his charcoal black business suit and vermillion pocket square.

 

“Allow me to introduce, The Earl of Mar, and the Honorable Mr. Dunstan Heughan. We were on the Rugby team together at Eton. I’ve spent most of my latter years in the United Kingdom, that is why I have not visited in a long while.”  

“Pleased to meet you both, and welcome to our humble restaurant.” Grandmother led the gentlemen into the “Dragon’s Den” a beautiful room, seating four comfortably. She directed each man to his own cushioned bench around the table. Then she dimmed the lights upon exiting and informed them. “Jade will be with you shortly, take a moment to relax and breathe into your heart.”

When the door closed, Heughan whispered, “Reminds me of an episode of

Outer Limits. what have you signed us up for here Charles?”

Charles laughed, “well it was either an afternoon of “Dragon Cloud Tea” or Salsa Lessons with Cheryl Burke.”

“Salsa lessons? I’d have been keen on that choice mate,” grinned Matthew. 

“Well, I have a confession boys. I’m actually curious to see how the Tang’s Granddaughter has turned out, I use to have a crush on her before my parents shipped me off to boarding school. Thought it would kill two birds with one stone if we stopped here on our San Francisco leg of the Diplomacy tour.” 

“Haha, I like that, ‘The Diplomacy tour.’ Well New York was a bust and I’m not looking forward to Los Angeles, so I guess I’ll sit back and enjoy this city’s culture of yours Chuck.” 

“How gracious of you, Dunstan,” Charles knew how much Heughan loathed his first name, nearly as much as Charles hated being called Chuck. 

“Now now Gentlemen, time to put our best foot forward, we are about to meet Charles’ future wife,” teased Matthew.  

Grandmother handed Jade the tray of tea and tea utensils, “Go! Go! Don’t be nervous, be elegant like swan, no like butterfly, or bird, or maybe Dove? Anything with wings….” 

Grandmothers’ chatter followed Jade down the long hall and to the cement door, she leaned her body on the unlocked door and opened it with gentle force while holding the tray gracefully in both hands. 

All three gentlemen looked up in silence and were awed by Jade’s beauty and calm spirit. “Good afternoon gentlemen, I am Jade and I bring for you Dragon Cloud Tea…”

Jade took her elbow and pressed a hidden button on the cement wall, which caused the bonsai centerpiece on the table to lower itself down into a concealed space within the table, the center of the table closed seamlessly, making a perfect spot for Jade to place the tea tray.

Jade sat herself down on the fourth bench, and smiled her greeting to each gentlemen.

Charles (My God she is more beautiful then I could have ever imagined. My Mother will love her.)
Heughan (Shit old Chuck has great taste, if I were not engaged, I would throw my hat in the ring here.)

Matthew (I’m breathless, who is this stunning creature, look at her eyes…endless oceans of warmth.)

There was a palpable magic in the air as Jade, in her soothing tone narrated the ritual, the history and the origin of the tea. The boys admired her grace as she washed and warmed the cups, her flourish as she smelled the tea leaves, and her passion as she slowly poured the hot steaming liquid and offered each man a cup and a taste. “First brew,” Jade whispered.

Charles (My God, this tea is delicious, I’ve never had tea this good)

Heughan (Better than Tetley’s, is there liquor in this stuff?)

Matthew (What sweet ambrosia is this?…An elixir from heaven to be sure)

Each of the men thanked Jade for the tea and smiled. Charles was restraining himself from flirtatious remarks, in keeping with tradition and respect for the ceremony. Heughan appeared dazed, and seemed to be druelling in his cup. Matthew kept his eyes fixed on Jade, he was truly mezmerized by her and this meditative ceremony.

Jade retreived their cups and poured again, “Second brew,” she said, handing them more tea. “Drink up, food course is next.” 

Jade rose from the table and went to the door, Grandmother had rolled up a cart of fancifully plated lotus seed buns, lobster pot stickers, and sizzling rice soup just in time. The extravagant presentation was as unique as the ceremony, whole lobsters with roses in their claws and floating lotus flowers garnished each respective dish.

Jade served each man one at a time, and then she lit three candles and dimmed the lights down another notch. “Gentlemen, I invite you to take a breath and slowly savor each delicate bite.  Search out unique spices and flavors, see if you can discover just one of Grandmother’s secret ingredients today.” Jade remained poised as she spoke. “I will tell you the tale of how my Grandmother and Grandfather met after the discovery of Dragon Cloud Tea.”  

Jades’ voice suddenly trailed off and the room began to spin. The Dragon Cloud tea was taking effect, “Long long ago and far away in the green hills above the Dragon Cloud Monastery….”

Charles (Is that a Dragon rising from the smoke and steam, do I see his breath? Oh my God, is he speaking to me?….’Charles go forth and be the warrior you were meant to be. Your people need you, they need a voice, be the voice Charles, bring them honor and hope.’ )

Heughan (Cranky I think I’ve been roofied…God not again…The police will never take my side in this.  Aye, I’m going down..I see Dragons. I see fish. The lobster is talking….’Dunstan, time you manned up old chap…time to shit or get off the pot. Do you really want a family now? Think about it mate. Do right by your girl or set her free…you can be so selfish…live a life you can be proud of…’)

Matthew (I feel so strange, I think I’m sweating that is certainly not attractive…I’m an Earl, pull it together old man…Oh look at the pretty dancing flowers on my plate….sooo beautiful….yes flowers what is that you say? ‘ your destiny is before you, your great love has arrived, do not miss your opportunity.’)

“I think I’m going to have to excuse myself…I do apologize, I’m not feeling well.” Matthew sensed an urgency to leave the room, “Which way to your umm…”

“Down the hall to the left, so sorry this sometimes happens during this course, take your time. Return when you are refreshed.” Jade bowed as she held open the large door.

“I might need a time out myself,” announced Heughan, “Be back shortly.” Heughan caught up with Matthew before he entered the luxurious men’s room.

“What’s happening to us? Are we on drugs?” Heughan was hyperaware of being drugged since his clubbing days in London, an experimental era of his life he’d soon like to forget.

“I don’t know Heughan, I don’t know anything anymore.” Matthew was in deep, he stood in front of the mirror and splashed cold water on his face. “Am I green Heughan? Do I look green to you? I feel green.”

“Oh my God, I look a fright…give me your comb Heughan. Heughan? Heughan?” Matthew turned around to see his towering friend reduced to a ball in the corner of the bathroom. 

“I need a time out, I said.” Heughan was going deeper.

(Oh pretty tiles, such pretty tiles…)

and then the voices began again ‘Dunstan, it’s Nana Dear…I am watching over you, everything is going to be alright. When you leave this building today you will have strength and pride, you will have the world at your feet. Choose love Dunstan, choose love…Oh and get a haircut and a shave will you Dear, you look like a chimpanzee.’ The vision of Gran vanished.)

Meanwhile back in the Dragon’s den, Charles plucked up the courage to engage more personally with Jade. “Do you remember that time I called your doll a street walker?” 

Jade blushed and giggled, letting her guard down, “I believe it was hooker, and later I had to ask my Grandfather what a hooker was…” they both laughed. 

“I cannot believe I did not come back for you sooner Jade. God you are so beautiful,” Charles blurted “I had such a crush on you back then and you are making me feel like that awkward boy all over again.”

“What?” Jade felt both complimented and terrified at the same time. 

“Honestly Jade, would you do me the honor of taking you out on a date while I’m in town.”

Jade knew this was the victory Grandmother was waiting for, but she also knew she had no embers burning for this man beyond compassion and respect, still she accepted his kind offer just before the other two gentlemen returned from the restroom.

“Our apologies,” Matthew entered looking somewhat refined again.

“Could I get some water please?” Heughan needed to flush his system, he was still in a daze.

“Certainly” Jade went to fetch a pitcher of water and the dessert course.

Charles leaned back grinning like a cat, “Well that’s done then.” 

“What’s happened? What did we miss?” Matthew felt his stomach flip, “Has she confessed undying love toward you Charles?” 

“Well not yet,” he smiled, “But we have a date in the offing and that is a start.” 

“Good man Chuck, stake your claim. She’s too pretty to be on the market for long.” Heughan tipped back a bowl of sizzling soup, and slurped loudly.

“I’ve made a decision gents…The Diplomacy Tour is cancelled. I proclaim from this day forth we embark on the “Quadragesimal Tour” are you with me?”

“The what now?” Heughan looked up from his soup.

“Matthew must you always toss around those pretentious Oxford words to confuse us?” Charles was not amused.

“40 days Lads…40 days of lent, it begins now…and I want to pledge that in 40 days each of us finds a wife, right here in San Francisco. I’m ringing Jackie right now and having her book us a flat, a posh quarters where we can woo our women and get on with life. You see I’ve had an epiphany here today, I know what has been missing all along now…I am in dire need of a Countess and both of you could use a woman’s touch as well.”

“Well, I do have a date and 40 days to seal the deal might be helpful.” nodded Charles, “I’m in.”

“Suppose I could ask Margaret to fly out, I haven’t seen her in weeks.” Heughan shrugged, “Fine I’ll stay.”

Just then Jade returned with the tray of fried apples in plum sauce, Grandmother took the spare apple and plum blossom garnishes and adorned Jades’ hair with them in the shape of a crown, which made her appear quite ethereal. 

“Dessert is served gentlemen.” 

In that moment Jade and Matthew locked eyes and both felt a surge of something go through them. Matthew still standing, spoke with reverence,

“It’s amazing with the blink of an eye, you finally see the light.”

“Dagnabbit” …”Beep Beep”… “Your Cheap Tricks Never Last“… Charles was half asleep but could hear an array of Looney tunes blaring from Heughan’s room next door. He covered his head with the pillow for the sixth time in the first week of living in the new digs. He had to admit the Pacific Heights modern bachelor pad was a designers dream, but the logistics of having a bedroom next door to Heughan’s was certainly a nightmare. He had had enough and wandered over to complain, groggily dragging his white sheet along with him for modesty. “Dunstan!! Dunstan!!” he knocked until the din of the television was finally subdued. Heughan came to the door wearing nothing but a grin. “What’s the trouble mate, you know it’s gone half noon, I think I’ve a right to enjoy my shows. Just because you had a late one, doesn’t mean we all should suffer.”

“Oh God, Dunstan could you at least cover yourself.” Charles averted his eyes and continued, “Hmm do I smell coffee downstairs? I could certainly use some right now.”

“Matthew made some on his way out, he’s off to a Congressman’s wedding or Senator’s funeral, or something of that sort.”

Charles nodded. “I’ll get dressed and meet you down there, I’m starving, I’ll make us some eggs.”

“Sounds grand.” Heughan rushed to fetch his robe and slippers.

******************

The Palace of fine arts never looked so glorious, decked in pink roses and California sunshine, it was the perfect day for a white wedding, and the Earl of Mar was looking his best in a charcoal grey suit, ushered in past a classical quartet, as they played, “The Apples of the Hesperides”, Matthew settled into his clear acryllic ghost chair and took up the programme for the ceremony. Suddenly a violin solo piqued his interest and he looked back to see who the talent was behind the instrument. He nearly fell out of his chair when he recognized the girl from the Dragon Cloud Tea ceremony, it was Jade. The same Jade, Charles had been on two dates with this last week. The same Jade, Matthew clearly felt a spark for and had not seen since the tea, nor really heard any details about from his friend, so he had no idea how their union was going at all, though he was extremely curious to find out. 

*******************

Charles slopped a heap of eggs onto Heughan’s square black plate and then piled the rest onto his own. “I’ve added some kick, so beware.” he smiled. 

“I’m up for it,” Heughan shoveled in the first bite, nodded then took a long gulp of orange juice. “That’s a lot of kick.” he coughed.

Charles laughed. “So Margaret gets in tonight?”

“Yes, I’m afraid this man cave is about to get it’s notice.” 

“Well, I won’t be here much after tonight, my parents want me at home for the rest of our stay. They let me know last night at the big Lunar New Year dinner with the Tangs.” 

“Yeah, so how is all of that going by the way? You’ve seen the girl twice now right?”

“Well I took her out for a Valentine’s coffee and surprise picnic…then last night both of our families got together like old times for a Chinese New Year celebration. I have to admit it was fun, and according to Jade’s Grandmother, and my Mom, this thing is a done deal.” Charles laughed again. 

“Well what do you think? Is it a done deal?” Heughan wondered if he was not the only Bachelor whose days were numbered. 

“To be honest, I wish it were but I can sense…well, I hate to say it, but I have this sinking feeling she just isn’t that in to me.” 

“What, nooo…come on. You’re Charles Ling, handsome, wealthy, the smoothest operator I know. Why you could charm the pants off a Nun, how could she not fall for you?”

“I know right,” Charles beamed, “She could do so much worse…”

******************

Matthew again was transfixed by Jade’s mystery and elegance, she had her eyes closed, clearly transported by the Music she was carrying down from the heavens. He had never seen anything like her, let alone heard music of this depth or quality. The mere sight of her threw him off course and occupied his every thought throughout the ceremony. He tried to lock eyes with her, but she was too far back and paying no mind to any of the guests. She seemed completey and utterly focused on her job and her violin.

Finally the guests were beginning to disperse from the rotunda and move across the lawn to the tent for the reception. It was here as Jade and her friends were packing up their instruments, Matthew took his opportunity.  

Approaching her from behind as she bent down to her violin case, Matthew covered her eyes with his hands and blurted, “Guess who?”

Jade was startled and then terrified. She did not recognize the voice, but she recognized the scent. The subtle yet sweet hint of Chanel Bleu combined with the freshness of clean laundry. 

“Is it Lord Mar?” Jade giggled. 

“Please call me Matthew,” 

Jade turned to face him and smiled. “Matthew.”

“What a surprise seeing you here. You play beautifully.” Matthew gestured toward her Violin. 

“Thank you, it’s my passion. These are my friends, Skye, Lucas, and Phoebe.” Jade introduced the rest of the quartet.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you,” Matthew shook all of their hands “Wonderful music.” 

Jade’s friends nodded and continued to pack up. “So what are you doing here Matthew?” Jade picked up her violin case and began walking with Matthew toward the tent.

“I’m a guest of the Congressman.”

“Ahh, well I grew up with the bride, she asked my friends and I to provide the music for the ceremony, so once I stow this Violin, I too shall be a guest.” 

Matthew was quite pleased to know Jade would be staying for the reception. 

*********************

“Alright Dunstan, I’m off to my parents, I will meet you and Matthew for drinks later right? To welcome Margaret to the fold. Is it eight? Or nine?” Charles called up the staircase.

“Let’s say half eight to give us some time to settle her in first.” Heughan came down the stairs looking like an entirely different person.

“What have you done with my ape of a friend?” Charles accused.

“Thought it best to go clean shaven, since my woman hasn’t seen me in near a month.” 

“Well I hope you’ve shaved everything.” Charles teased

Heughan cleared his throat, “Well yes and I had a little accident I’d rather not go in to.”

As Charles was finishing his fit of laughter Jackie knocked, then let herself in. “The cars ready for you Mr. Heughan, we don’t want to be late for Miss Hall’s flight, best get a move on.”

“Yes Jackie, I’m coming.” 

*****************

Jade and Skye were freshening up in the ladies room, “Wow that Matthew is gorgeous. Is he single?” Skye was applying her Mac lipstick while she talked.

“Yes, he’s the one I was telling you about, the reason Charles came back to town.”

“Oh right, so he is one of the three who came to the tea ceremony?”

“Yes.”

“Well, he is a good looking guy. Maybe you and Charles, could set up a double date or something.” Skye was continually on a quest to find a boyfriend, completely the opposite of Jade, who could not be bothered.

“You know Skye, I am not sure Charles and I are going to work out. I know my Grandmother will be so disappointed, but I find him so pretentious and stiff, he just really isn’t my type. You should have seen the suits and hats he has worn on our last few dates? He dresses like Truman Capote.”

“Really? That’s too bad. I kind of always had a soft spot for Charles, maybe he is just trying too hard to impress you.”

“Maybe.” Jade shrugged. 

*********************

Matthew made small talk with the Congressman’s mother and sister, all the while keeping an eye out for Jade. Suddenly he saw her come into the room with her friend and he headed toward them grabbing a few Champagne’s from the waiter as an offering. 

“Hello again ladies, would you like some bubbly and perhaps some company?” Matthew had a smile and a way about him that Jade could hardly refuse, she took the glass and a large sip.

“You are welcome to join me at my table, I don’t think they’ve assigned us seats.” 

“You go on Jade,” Skye didn’t want to leave Lucas on his own, as his sister Phoebe was not staying for the reception. “I’ll go find Lucas and we’ll catch up with you later.”

Matthew boldly took Jade’s hand and led her to a prime table near the front.

Matthew and Jade were lost in conversation, talking a mile a minute and genuinely getting to know each other.

“So how long have you been playing the Violin? You are truly amazing you know that right?”

Jade blushed and then looked up at Matthew beaming, “Well, technically I have been playing since I was three. I gave it up for awhile, but these last few years, I had the opportunity to play again with Skye, Lucas and Phoebe, it has been great. I really do love it and I love the freedom to create with such talented musicians. I was thinking of trying out for the Symphony,” Jade lowered her voice, “But I know that sounds crazy right?”

Matthew shook his head, “No, why would that be crazy?”

“Well, I told Charles that was my plan, and he as good as talked me out of the whole crazy dream.”

“What? Why would Charles ever do such a thing? It sounds like a brilliant plan to me. Only why stop at the Symphony? You could be a classical recording artist, a star in your own right.” Matthew’s smile was doing something to Jade’s heart, something it never felt before.

“Stars are a dime a dozen these days, so many talent shows, they get their fifteen minutes of fame and then what? Oblivion. Poof. They disappear…”

“But Jade you have the light of a thousand stars,” Matthew gushed, realizing he may be pouring it on a bit thick, he blamed the wine, and decided he’d best hold back a bit, after all this was not his girl. In fact this was his best friend’s girl and he would never want to cross a line with Charles.

They barely touched their food, yet indulged in the free flow of wine and champagne. Jade was feeling quite drunk when Skye suddenly startled her with an announcement.

“Guess what? Our boy Lucas has a surprise. He and Max are going to sing, for the Bride and Groom’s first dance!”

“What?” Jade was shocked, “Well he certainly kept that a secret, and he’s terrible at keeping secrets! hiccough.”

“Come on you guys we have to get front and center now!” Skye led the way to the dance floor as Lucas and Max set up stools and mics in the corner of the tent, strings of twinkle lights draped behind them.

Matthew whispered to Jade, “Are Skye and Lucas a couple?”

Jade giggled, “Noooo, Lucas isn’t into girls.”

“Oh…” Matthew nodded and took his place next to Jade at the edge of the dancefloor. 

Just then the music started and The Bride and Groom took the floor. It was a mash up cover of “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheerhan and “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith. Within the first few lines of the song, the Groom broke tradition and waved everyone on to the dance floor. Jade and Matthew had no choice as the crowd pushed them forward and they found themselves beside the happy couple, without words Matthew took Jade’s hand in his then placed the other hand on her tiny waist, they fell into each other quite naturally allowing the music and the lyrics to take them deeper into the moment. A most surreal moment swaying under the full moon and a sky full of stars. They could not help but get lost, wishing never to be found.

“Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of its trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility; for it thinks all things lawful for itself, and all things possible.”  ~ Thomas Kempis

Margaret, Heughan and Jackie rode along quietly in the car from the airport, somehow the weeks apart, with few phone calls, had created an awkward space between Heughan and his fiance. Margaret stared out the window taking in the sights, as if a complete stranger. Jackie found it very odd and tried to break the tension. “So Margaret your flight was good then?”

“Yes Jackie. Thank you for asking. How are you getting on out here with these hooligans? I hope they are not giving you too much grief.” Margaret looked over at Heughan accusingly.

“Well, I’m keeping a safe distance. I’ve booked in at a little boutique hotel and only answer to them as needed. It’s not bad really, I rather like this city.”

“Good for you dear.” Margaret then turned her attention to Heughan. “Well love, you don’t seem all that happy to see me.” 

“What do you mean? I’m very glad to see you.” Heughan was not a man of great emotion.

“Well in the last half hour you have given me one peck on the cheek, and a few grumbly words of welcome.”

“I could say the same for you love. I believe your first words off the plane were….Oh God I need a cigarette and what time do we get to the bar?”

“Well 10 hours in an airplane sort of takes a toll, I suppose.”

“We will get you to the house and you can get sorted, then I promise you a lovely welcome.”

Margaret half smiled, and the rest of the ride was still quiet.

Margaret opened up her phone and had a peek at the photo she had Jackie take at the airport upon her arrival…she and Heughan side by side, smiling, yet distant. She felt the end in the pit of her stomach. The time apart had her questioning the engagement, and she was as good as finished when she got the invitation to San Francisco. She knew this trip would seal the deal and so far it was looking bleak.

Charles spent the afternoon golfing with his father. Somewhere between the 15th and 16th hole the conversation took a serious turn. “Son I hope you know your Mother and I are very happy to have you home. We are hoping the visit becomes something more permanent. You are my only son and I wish you to carry on the Ling Legacy.”

“Of course Father, but you know I have roots in London now. My job, my friends, my home is there.”

“But everything is temporary Son, even life, very short, very temporary. My health is fragile, your Mother and sister they need looking after.”

Charles sensed something was wrong. “Father are you alright?”

“No Charles. I have not been so well. The Doctors say I have maybe eight months left.”

Charles dropped his golf club and stood in shock. Silent shock.

“Your Mother did not want me to tell you this, she does not want to be a burden to you. She wants you to find your own family and a life you love. I want the same Charles, but since we’ve seen you with Jade Tang, we have new hope. Maybe you will stay…make San Francisco your home again.”

“Father, I will do whatever you wish. You have given me so many opportunites. I know I have been away a long time. I love you and I love this city. You have my word. I will stay.”

********************

Margaret was impressed with the bachelor pad and enjoying a long hot soak in the tub when her Mum’s ringtone interrupted her peace. She set down the tumbler of whiskey in her hand and reached out for the phone.

“Yes Mum.”

“Hello Darling, have you arrived in one piece?”

“Yes Mum.”

“So what are your thoughts? Is it as you feared? Or is there an ember of a spark left?”

“Well, let’s just say you can expect me home Tuesday. I’ve already booked a flight out of here. I just have to break it to Heughan that we are through.”

“Such a shame Dear, I always had hope for that boy.”

“Yes, so did I. But there is no denying he has distanced himself and I cannot stay in a loveless relationship. I want the passion you and Daddy have. I want devotion and affection.”

“Of course you do. I wish you the best Darling. Ring me if you need support. I love you My Pearl. You deserve the very best!”

“Cheers Mummy…Kisses.” 

Margaret hung up the phone and sunk into the tub with a heavy sigh.

************************

Heughan was lounging in the garden, sipping down his third mojito and beginning to feel his forehead burn in the sun. He had a lot on his mind. There was no denying his ambivalence toward Margaret. He hoped that when he saw her today the old feelings would return, that the absence had made his heart grow fonder but there was nothing, not even her smouldering dark eyes and goddess white skin could move him. The truth was he enjoyed these days of being free, of being out on his own, but he and Margaret were not just a couple, they were engaged. If he ended it, he would feel like such a failure, such a disapointment to his family. 

His phone lit up with a text from Charles.

Not going to make it tonight, family emergency 

Heughan texted back.

Anything I can do? What is going on?

Charles responded with,

I will explain later, give Margaret my regrets.

Heughan stared at the screen. Worried about his friend and worried about what he was going to do about Margaret. Needing immediate advice he rang Matthew.

Matthew’s phone went to voice mail. Heughan spoke dispondently into the phone. “Listen mate, going to be a strange one tonight. Charles is not coming, and Margaret and I are as good as done. Could really use you with us this evening, hope you are going to make it. The bar is called Rickhouse, on Kearny. We’ll be there half eight.”

Matthew excused himself from Jade and Skye to make a long overdue trip to the restroom, it was then he checked his messages and returned to the ladies with a curious invitation.

“Looks like Heughan is  requesting my presence this evening, would you ladies care to join us? I hate to see the party end.”

Still giddy and full of energy Skye blurted out, “we’d love to.”

Jade looked more pensive. 

“Well it’s settled then. I will call us a car. My friends should be there already.”

Jade looked up and whispered to Matthew, “what about Charles?”

“He isn’t going to be there. Is that a problem?” 

Jade shook her head and smiled. “Well maybe we will join you for just a little bit.”

“Splendid.” Matthew was beaming 

**********************

Margaret and Heughan sat up at the bar with hardly a word between them. Margaret was tapping her ruby.

engagement ring against the glass of her Rye Maple Fizz, when a teetering college girl approached her from behind and asked if she was Jessie J. “Can I have your autograph Jessie?” Margaret laughed and Heughan explained. “Sorry girls not tonight. Jessie is saving all her energy for the show. Come back at midnight and she will sing for you.”

The girl squealed with excitement and ran to tell her friends. 

“You are evil.” Margaret smiled toward Heughan.

“Well you haven’t heard that one since the airport, Jessie is big in the states now, so be prepared for more episodes of mistaken identity.”

“Remember the time you told that one chap I was her twin sister?” Margaret swallowed the rest of her drink.

“If only you could sing, we might make a small fortune…”

“We?” 

“Well….you.”

“Yes about that?”

“The singing?”

“NO, the we, the us…the you and me.”

“Don’t say anything Margaret. We both know it’s been a long time coming.”

“Hmmm yes.”

Margaret reached over to her left hand and removed the exquisite ring. Without words she placed it in Heughans hand, folded his fingers over his palm and squeezed her good bye.

Just then Matthew, Skye and Jade made their way through the crowd up to the bar. 

“Mags” Matthew joyfully kissed Margaret on the cheek, “Welcome to California.”

“Looking well Matthew.” Margaret smiled while wiping a small tear from her cheek.

Heughan was startled to see Jade behind Matthew.

“Look who I found at the wedding, Jade you remember Heughan. Margaret allow me to introduce Jade Ling and her friend Skye Ellis.” 

Heughan wasted no time giving Skye the once over. In all earnestness he had never seen a more ravishing creature.

“Lovely to meet you Skye.” Heughan stood to shake her hand and nodded to Jade, “Hello again. Charles will be gutted he missed you.”

Matthew turned to the girls and asked what they cared to drink. 

“I’ll have what he’s having.” Skye pointed to Heughans fanciful La Bonne Vie cocktail.

“Just a gingerale for me, I need to do a bit of sobering up.” Jade blushed.

“Are you sure?” Matthew teased.

Small talk ensued and the bar continued to fill up, sending Heughan in search of a quieter area where they could sit in peace. On his way to bribe a waitress for a spot in the VIP section Heughan bumped into Charles.

“Charles, what are you doing here?” Heughan hugged his friend.

“Well I changed my mind, decided I could use a drink and more importantly my friends.” Charles looked serious.

“Glad to see you. Before we join the others I have something to tell you. Margaret and I have broken off the engagement.”

“What? No, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s all for the best I’m sure, but I haven’t been able to tell Matthew yet. He is here with your friend Jade.”

“What? I can’t hear you. I thought you said Matthew was here with Jade.” 

Heughan pointed up to the bar and Charles saw for himself, the girl he was falling for and his best friend, leaning in very close and laughing.

“They ran into eachother at the wedding it seems.” Heughan could see the hurt all over Charles’ face.

Charles heard nothing Heughan said and made his way forcefully through the crowd up to the bar. He tapped Matthew on the shoulder, and when he turned Charles greeted him with his fist straight across his jaw. 

Matthew was knocked completely off his barstool.

“What the hell Matthew…What the hell?” Charles shook his head and started to leave. Matthew reeling from the punch stood up rubbing his chin, it was bleeding. He then chased after Charles.

“Charles wait. Charles….”

Stars Align

The crowd parted to let Charles and Matthew rush outside to the sidewalk, Jade impulsively followed to protect them both out of guilt and shame for her obvious part in the dispute.  Heughan hurried out, telling Margaret and Skye to stay and keep their spots at the bar. “I will put a stop to this madness.” he announced on his way.

Once in the shadows of the flickering street lights Charles began heatedly accusing Matthew of betraying his trust and moving in on his first prospect of a girlfriend in years. Matthew put his hand on Charles shoulder, “listen to me Charles please. Calm down, I never wanted to hurt you like this.”

Charles shook Matthew off of him and wound back for the second punch. Matthew moved away just in time, unfortunately as Heughan was in the midst of intervening. Heughan took the weight of the hit right in the eye. “Bloody Hell Chuck!” Heughan shrank back right into Jade, who stumbled in the wake. 

“Charles, Matthew! Please…stop this. Stop it. Don’t fight over me. I don’t want this. I feel terrible.” Jade began to cry.

Jades tears brought both men to their knees by her side. “Jade I am so sorry.” Charles apologized, “I just had hope for us, that is all. I am having the worst day of my life and seeing you two together like that just sent me over the edge. I’m going to leave now. I need to go.”

Matthew took Jades hand and helped her up. “Are you alright Jade?” he then grabbed his hankerchief and handed it to her, calling after his friend, “Charles wait, we need to talk.” 

“Let him go Matthew,” Heughan put his hand on Lord Mar’s shoulder. “He needs to calm down, you can speak to him in the morning.”

Charles flagged down a cab and was gone. Matthew felt sick inside and Jade was extremely upset. 

“Matthew could you please get me a cab. I need to go home right now.”

“I’m so sorry Jade. This is not how I envisioned the day ending, in fact this is something of a nightmare.”

“Well let’s hope it’s not a recurring nightmare.” Jade managed a small smile, then spotted a hybrid taxi and waved the driver down, bidding Matthew good bye and adding “Please let Skye know I’ve left. I don’t want to end her evening early.”

Matthew saw Jade to the cab and closed the door somberly, wondering if he would ever see her again. 

Meanwhile inside, the bartender, who saw everything handed Heughan a dish rag filled with ice cubes to hold against his eye. Sidling up to Margaret and Skye, Heughan blasted with a chuckle, “Well that Jade is certainly a woman of mass distraction.”

Margaret handed him a sympathy drink for attempting to break up the fight and Skye added, “Well that is what happens when a woman like Jade serves Dragon Cloud Tea.”

“What exactly was in that tea Skye? I’m dying to know.” Heughan smiled.

“I’ll never tell.” teased Skye.

Margaret sensed a flirtation brewing between Jade’s beautiful friend and her recently estranged fiance. “Look you two, the jet lag is kicking in, I think I’ll just make my way back to the house. Which room shall I settle into now Dunstan?”

“Well I suppose Charles’ room shall do, it’s the one just next to mine, he vacated it this morning, I’m sure Jackie has had the cleaning woman round by now.”

“Splendid.” Margaret cooed, “And what address shall I tell the driver?”

“3083 California.” 

“Ooh that is a lucky number. That house should be bringing great fortune upon all who enter.” smiled Skye.

Margaret and Heughan shot eachother an amused look, “Yeah well so far, not so good.” whispered Heughan to Skye.

****************************************************

Charles was headed for the house, he had forgotten his anxiety pills, amongst a few other sundries and knew tonight of all nights he could not risk skipping his medication. He figured no one would be home just yet and he still had his keys. Matthew was blowing up his phone with apology texts and voicemails. He decided to ignore them until morning when his head was in a better space.

****************************************************

Heughan’s phone vibrated in his front pocket, he pulled it out to view a text from Matthew on the screen.

Going for a walk, and maybe the Diner to sober up. See you in the morning.

Tell Skye, Jade has gone home. What a cock up this evening has become.

Heughan shook his head and smiled at that understatement. “It’s Matthew. He is off for some food, and Jade has fled the scene, for home.”

“So that leaves just you and me,” mused Skye.

“Yes, yes it does.” grinned Heughan.

****************************************************

Jade did not want to go home to her empty apartment, she was too upset and needed to talk to someone, not just anyone, she needed her Grandmother. Grandmother was a night owl, usually up until two am or later working on her calligraphy or reading a hot romance novel. Tonight was no different as Jade let herself into the house and crept up the stairs. The creaking alarmed Grandmother who was actually in the hall bathroom applying a Cindy Crawford meaningful beauty mask. She leapt from the bathroom with a full face of white, “Who there??” “I have gun!!” “I’ll shoot!!” merely armed with a large flattening iron, Grandmother relaxed when she saw it was only Jade.

“Oh my God you scared me!” Grandmother sighed.

“Well you are pretty scary yourself Grandmother.” Jade’s heart was still recovering from Grandmother’s ninja like leap from out of nowhere.

“What’s wrong? Why you here? Who died? Uncle Tomi?? Oh I knew he was close…”

“No, no Grandmother no one is dead. I have just had a really strange day and I need to tell you what happened.”

“Oh good. I no time for funeral this week. Come on let’s go downstairs and I make you some Oolong Tea.” 

*********************************************************

Oolong Tea

——————————————

San Francisco photo by Vincent Laforet

Once Margaret was dropped at the correct address, she realized Heughan never gave her the key. “Oh bollocks!” 

Margaret sat on the front steps and burst into tears. This day really could not get any worse. Just then she heard the front door open behind her and when she looked up she saw it was Charles, who was just leaving.

“Margaret what are you doing out here?”

“I called it an early night, and then realized I don’t have a key.”

“Well then you are in luck, I decided to swing by and get the rest of my things.”

“Yes that is quite fortunate.” Margaret wiped at her tears, and smiled.

“Are you crying?” Charles finally noticed, as Margaret stood out of the shadows and into the light.

“Well it’s been a shit day to be honest.” Margaret laughed. 

“Yes clearly, I couldn’t agree more.” Charles awkwardly hugged Margaret, “I’m really sorry about you and Dunstan. Truly I am.”

“Well I am sorry for whatever made you knock the living daylights out of Matthew and Dunstan.” Margaret let out a huge laugh.

Charles and Margaret stepped inside. “So are you going to be moving into my room then?” asked Charles.

“Yes, are you sure you are done with it?” 

“Well in light of this evening it is a Godsend that I’ve already planned on staying with my parents.”

“I don’t think they will be back for awhile.” Margaret set her purse down. “Care to stay and have a drink with me, I would love to address what is going on from your side, that is, if you feel like talking.”

“Actually I would love a drink.” Charles always admired Margaret’s kind maternal ways, five years older than the gentleman, she exuded a strength and wisdom you could not find in a young girl. Her warm energy had a calming effect over Charles.

****************************************

“Shall we have another drink? Or do you feel like taking a walk down to the diner, we might catch Matthew crying in his soup.” Heughan continued to find humor in the events of the evening.

“The diner sounds good.” smiled Skye. “I think I have had a little too much to drink. I was sooo buzzed when I was talking to your sister.”

“My Sister?” Heughan spat out the last drop of his scotch. “Margaret? Oh my Dear, she is not my sister, is that what she told you?”

“Yes, when you all were outside, I asked her how she knew you, she said she was your Sister, just in for a visit.”

Heughan shook his head, good old Margaret. “Well the truth is, Skye. Margaret was my fiance. We only officially broke up tonight, though it was a long time coming.”

“Oh my God, I feel terrible.” Skye gushed. “I was flirting with you so obviously, that must have been why she left.”

“Well we are a thing of the past now my Dear… And to be quite frank It does me good to know I might stand a chance with you.” Heughan winked devilishly.

“She seemed like such a nice lady. Can I ask why you broke it off?” 

“Well now that I think of it, she was more a Mother to me than a Lover, always telling me what I should and shouldn’t do, not in a nagging way, but in a ‘Do me proud or I’ll be dissapointed manner’ and I’ve grown so tired of disappointing people.” Heughan looked genuinely sad as he spoke.

Skye could sense his sadness and gave him a hug.

“You are a sweet one, my Dear, Thank you.” Heughan put down his glass and took Skye’s hand, “Let’s go then, shall we.”

******************************************

Matthew sat in front of his burger and fries staring. “Can I get you anything else Sir? Sir?” the young waitress could not get Matthew’s attention.

“I’m sorry. No, no. I’m fine. This is good.”

“Let me know when you are ready for the check.” she smiled.

“I shall.” Matthew took a sip of his diet coke and went back to his thoughts…he then reached for his phone to text Jade, only to realize he did not have Jade’s number, and the only way to get her number was to ask Charles, which clearly was not an option. Matthew was devistated. Elbows set on the table, he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Panic began to set in, he had to talk to Jade. He could not risk losing the connection he felt so deeply with her. Charles would have to forgive him one day, he hoped. For now Jade was all he could focus on. He had to tell her how he felt. He had to find her. The only place he knew was the Restaurant. He looked out the window and saw the street sign “Grant”. The restaurant was off of Grant. How far could that be? Maybe he could go there now and just leave her a note with his number.

“Waitress?” Matthew called the girl back to his table. “Could I get the check and perhaps some paper and a pen please?” 

*******************************************

Jade sat in a chair against the second floor window, Grandmother and Grandfather had a two story apartment above the Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon Restaurant. The kitchen was a quaint 1950’s style, with so much San Francisco character, from the bay window Jade could see the street stretching out to the bridge and all the beautiful lights illuminated beside the bay. She sighed into her cup of Oolong and continued with her story. “So Grandmother although you find Charles an amazing suitor. I have to confess I feel nothing for him. He is nice, yes, and handsome, yes…but he and I just don’t have any chemistry.” 

“Oh but I like that he punch a guy out for you. Such a man.” Grandmother was grinning like a cabbage patch kid. “He got so much fire. I like fire.” 

“Well Grandmother, you have no idea how disconnected he is when he speaks to me. When I shared my dream to join the Symphony, he told me it was a bad idea. He definitely does not know me well enough to crush my dreams like that, in such a callous way.”

“Maybe he just looking out for you, do not want you to get hopes up.”

“Well yes, exactly….and you seem to not believe in me either,” Jade began to cry, to sob in fact. “No one understands how much I want to be a professional musician. No one understands that my passion is to play…no one but Matthew.”

“Oh come on. Don’t cry Jade. I’m sorry. Maybe you could play me a song someday…then I will know for sure. I never heard you since you were little girl. Give me a chance will you.”

********************************************

Margaret and Charles were sitting up on stools in the Kitchen, well into their third glass of a very expensive magnum of cabernet.

“Charles, all I can say is you deserve better. Jade seems like a lovely girl, however sometimes the people you think you are meant to be with turn out to be so very wrong for you.” Margaret mused.

“You mean like you and Heughan?”

“Well yes, for one example. I loved him of course, but at the end of the day we are so very different in our approach to life. He is a dreamer and I am a doer. Motivating him was impossible. I had plans, he had schemes. I had order and he thrived on chaos, like a child really. An amusing, humorous, big child…” Margaret shook her head and took a sip of her wine. “So tell me what drew you to Jade in the first place?”

“I knew her when we were kids, our families are friends, seemed a logical fit, I guess, she seemed an easy choice. Only Jade is not the shy girl I remember, she is very sweet of course, but she has a distance, an aloofness with me. I assumed she was just playing it cool. Now in hindsight I am sure she was just not that interested and only pleasing her Grandmother by going out with me.”

“Well then no real loss Charles, you shall find another. It’s Matthew you will have to forgive, I hate to see you boys fighting.”

“How could he do that to me? He broke the code…” 

“Bros before hoes you mean?” Margaret stated with a grin.

“Yes.” Charles fought a smile.

“It is all so ridiculous really.” Margaret topped off Charles wine, “What if in the end, say hypothetically speaking, you were meant to be the catalyst…the connection, to join those two? Maybe they are meant to be. Maybe it is not all random. Maybe the cosmos is in control of a much larger fated outcome…?” 

“Is that the wine talking? Or have you just gone mad?” 

They both laughed.

“Just trying to break the tension Charles.”

“Oh jeess, that reminds me, I forgot to take my anxiety pill…which was the entire reason I came back here in the first place.” Charles rose from his stool to fetch his bottle of Xanax.

“If you have valium, I beg you to share.” giggled Margaret.

“It’s Xanax,” Charles popped the pill and swallowed it down with the wine.

He then handed a pill to Margaret, who did the same. “You know I’m not so sure alcohol and Xanax is a good mix. Shall we pre call an ambulence now before we are entirely incoherent?”

Charles looked worried.

***************************

Skye and Heughan were skipping hand in hand down a very steep San Francisco hill, not sure how they ended up in Nob Hill, they had talked and laughed their way through the city, a bit lost and completely unphased by not stopping at the diner for food. 
“You are fun.” Heughan stopped Skye in the middle of the sidewalk and pressed her up against the marbled walls of a very posh hotel front. Kissing her deeply and with a passion he never knew he had. Skye returned his affections, going a bit weak in the knees, hmm, was it all the alcohol or an actual spark between them? Neither knew for certain, just yet.

“Can I show you my secret place?” Skye whispered in Heughans ear.

“Well….ummm.” Heughan was speechless.

“No dummy,” Skye laughed..”A real place!”

“Oh, of course my Dear, show me anything you like.”

“It’s not far from here, come on.”

Skye led Heughan to the Fairmont Hotel and took him up in the elevator to the highest floor and then she led him down a corridor to a secret stairwell, and when they opened the door they were on the roof of the Fairmont in a lovely manicured garden overlooking the sprawling city sprinkled with jeweled lights and shimmering stars. The Moon hovering over head, almost close enough to touch.

“My God,” Heughan sighed, “this is the most romantic secret place, I’ve ever seen.”

“Do you like it?”

“Wow, are you kidding? Come here you fascinating creature.” Heughan pulled Skye into his arms and kissed her beneath the glowing moon.

*****************************

Matthew walked a few long blocks before he was in Chinatown. He followed the streets and alley ways until he saw something familiar. Finally he had found the Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon Restaurant and he began to search for a mailbox to drop his note in. There was nothing. Perhaps the mail was just delivered directly into the restaurant during the day, when it was open. How could he be so stupid. He drew back into the street and looked up at the lit windows above the restaurant, and there he saw Jade sitting in the bay window on the second floor. Was she crying? Matthew saw no doorbell, no call box. Motivated to get Jade’s immediate attention Matthew picked up a few pebbles from the street and threw them up at the window. Jade was startled by the noise and looked down to see Matthew standing there, calling up to her. “Jade! Jade….”

“Oh my God Grandmother, it’s him!”

“Charles?? He here, let me get this mask off.”

“No, no it’s Matthew and I don’t want him to see me like this….Oh my God..can you just go down there please and tell him to go away, tell him I cannot see him right now.”

“You so crazy Jade, I thought you like this boy…why hide?”

“Because I don’t want him to know I’m crying. I look so weak, so pathetic right now.” 

“Fine fine…I’m going…but I’m not taking off mask.”

***********************************

Grandmother began to unlock the restaurant door one lock at a time. Matthew could hear the clicks of the locks turning and stepped up to the door hoping to take Jade in his arms and profess his love for the first of many times…but when the solid black door opened it revealed the startling image of seventy-eight year old Lin Tang in her night clothes, pink hair net and crackly white mask, Grandmother’s greeting was just as alarming. “What you do? Wake up whole neighborhood! Get in here you crazy boy.” Grandmother pulled on Matthew’s arm and brought him into the beautiful but dark foyer. “Listen Jade not want to see you. You have crazy night. Maybe you need to go home and figure out what you are doing messing with her mind like this.” Grandmother assumed Matthew was creating a competition for sport and was very suspicious of his ulterior motives.

“Mrs.Tang. I have fallen in love with your Granddaughter, I know it is hard to believe, but it is the truth. I loved her from the moment I saw her and the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt Charles. He is my best friend. This is all such a mess. I did not say a word, I still have not said anything to anyone about how I really feel. I kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart.” Matthew was exhasperated and began to emote as he spoke.

“Are you crying?” Grandmother was taken aback, disgusted that a grown man was showing weakness. “Oh my God, you are crying.”

Jade had been listening from the top of the stairs and was willing to let Grandmother turn Matthew out, so she could gather her own thoughts and speak to him with a clear mind. But when she heard him begin to sob, she could not stay away, it hurt her heart to hear him crying over her. 

Jade wanted to run to him in that moment and console him, she wanted to hug him and tell him, “Matthew, I love you too, I cannot believe it is all happening so fast, I have the same feelings. Please don’t cry.” 

But instead she stood frozen. She could not move. She could not let this man sweep her up and make her a part of his plan. She still had her own dreams to fulfill, her own path to follow…so she let him cry, she let him remain Grandmother’s captive to interrogate and soon bemoan. 

“Jade is all I can think about. I have never felt this way for any woman before, it is all just taking me over, like some kind of magic spell, I cannot help how I feel.”

Grandmother suddenly sensed his words were not empty. His truth appeared valid. Her face softened and she put a hand on his shoulder, “I am sorry Earl Mar for this mess, it part my fault I set Jade up to be too tempting that day. I make her wear that dress, I put too many herbs in the tea, I am to blame for you boys going crazy like this.” 

Matthew managed a small smile and pulled himself together. “Well, are you sure you can’t persuade her to see me?”

“Before I go upstairs to find out, can I ask you one question Earl Mar?”

“Of course Mrs. Tang. Anything.”

“How close are you in line to becoming a King?” 

Matthew laughed, “Not very close at all Mrs. Tang.”

“Hmmph” Grandmother made a face, “Well ok. I check anyway.” 

*************************

Heughan had thrown his coat down on a small patch of grass, in the middle of the roof, so that he and Skye could lie next to eachother and look up at the stars. 

“I feel so happy right now.” Skye gushed, leaning into Heughan’s side for warmth.

“It’s all that twitter-light up there.” he pointed to the constellations, and began to make up what each one was, “You see there is Ursaline, Goddess of Hairy Men..she was known to turn bears into Gods just by waxing poetic and look over there, it’s the Soup bowl of Orion, that is where Orion’s dog ate his Wheetabix with Poseidon’s trident….”

Skye giggled, “You’re funny.” 

“And you are lovely.”

Heughan leaned over Skye and began a kiss that lasted until all the twitter lights faded into golden streams of sunrise melting across the horizon.

**************************

“All the lonely people…where do they all come from…” was blaring through the house’s sound system. Pandora had been playing Beatles songs for the past three hours and only now did Charles take notice of it as he woke up groggy and dazed. Looking through the blur of his unfocused eyes he was shocked to his senses when he saw Margaret’s beautiful face sleeping on the adjacent pillow. Why were they In the same bed…and why was she, “Oh my God!” naked. Charles outburst woke Margaret, who rubbed her eyes and saw before her, her ex fiance’s best friend, and he was completey.. “Ohhh MY GOD!!!” naked. Margaret peeked beneath the sheet to see she too was completely unclothed.

She put her hand to her forhead and grumbled, “What have we done Charles? This is madness.”

“It must have been the xanax and wine. I cannot remember anything after we took those pills. Do you remember? Did we really umm uh?”

“I have no idea,” Margaret shook her head, “My last memory was in the kitchen. Oh blimey Charles, the door is wide open, what time is it? Is anyone else home yet?” 

Charles glanced at his watch, it was 5:15 am. “Let me check if anyone else is here.” Charles rose from the bed baring all, as Margaret looked on quite astonished by Charles amazing physique. She regretted having no memory of the last few hours. 

Charles could see from the hallway that both Matthew and Heughan’s doors were open and both beds completely made up. Clearly they were still out gallavanting, or worse. Charles was hurt all over again by their lack of conscience and blatant selfishness.

“It appears we are quite alone. The others are still out, I assume.”

This fact made Margaret’s stomach do a flip as well. “Well I guess no one is worried about us then are they?” Margaret sat up in the bed and smiled a wicked smile toward Charles.

“You know it seems a shame to have no memory of something so wonderful as that body of yours in my bed.” grinned Charles.

“I was going to say exactly the same thing.” 

Charles returned to Margaret’s side and whispered, “To be honest, I have a feeling we didn’t do anything…”

“Well why should we miss out on the sins of the night, when we still have hours till morning.” Margaret put her arms around Charles and leaned in for a serious kiss.

Margaret

Charles

Holiday Road

Grandmother whispered to Jade, “You need to go down there. He so upset. Just talk to him.”

Jade wiped away her own tears, “I’m a mess, I cannot even think clearly right now, let alone talk to him.”

“Well sometimes life is made of emotions, like tea…mostly water, we are all made of water just need to know when to let it flow.”

Jade stared at Grandmother trying to make sense of her words, trying to fight her urges with Matthew, her draw to him. It all seemed to be such an unexpected interruption to her life, her plan. “Fine…I will go talk to him.”

Jade took a deep breath and headed down the stairs. Grandmother shook her head in relief, taking a wet paper towel to her now crusted mud mask, she wiped her face clean. 

“I make more tea and bring to you both.” she called after Jade, searching the shelf, she took down a special gold package that caught her eye and whispered, “Ah yes,

Holiday Road, this blend will lighten the mood.”

Jade could see Matthew slumped on the bench in the entry way of the restaurant. “Come sit with me in here,” she invited him into the dinning room and led him to one of the pretty red booths. Before they could sit, Matthew took her hand and looked into her eyes. “I am so sorry Jade. I never meant for any of this to happen. I just cannot help how I feel about you.” 

Jade had no words, only the compulsion to reach around and hug him, to hug him tightly and never let go.

*****************************

Margaret rolled over onto her back, giggling wildly. “Charles My God, who knew?” she then reached for her cell phone to check the time. “It’s already half seven and we are still alone? I don’t know whether to be angry or relieved.” 

“I know right.” Charles smiled over at her. “Some friends ey? Well, if I can be brutally honest, I am completely, utterly relieved. I have enjoyed every moment of our time together, and I hope we shall enjoy many more.” Charles went in for another kiss. 

“Let’s just call it Morning Madness, shall we…and if we get caught all be damned.” Margaret returned to Charles with reckless abandon.

****************************

Do you know, a horrible thing has happened to me. I have begun to doubt ~Tennyson.

Heughan, was talking in his sleep and the morning sun was blazing a red patch across his exposed forehead. His words woke Skye, who only made out the last few clearly, in her own grogginess she slurred back,  “Tennyson? I love Tennyson.” 

Her left arm was trapped beneath Heughan’s neck and her right leg was quite precariously tucked between Heughan’s strong thighs. Fully clothed, yet a bit ruffled and in a somewhat compromising position from the night before, Skye and Heughan were a bit alarmed to be waking up on the roof of the Fairmont Hotel. 

“Bloody hell,” Heughan blurted, “Is it morning?”

Skye slowly retrieved her necessary limbs to check her purse, in search of the time. “It’s Seven-thirty.” 

“We best get a move on before someone catches us up here.” Heughan rose from the grass and offered Skye his hand, pulling her up with him.

“Wow, my head,” Skye put her free hand to her temple, ” I could use a massive cup of coffee.”

“Coffee it is then…” Heughan collected his coat and led Skye by the hand on a mission toward the nearest Starbucks.

*******************************

Grandfather Yun, was awakened by the sound of music blasting over the restaurant sound system. He could hear an old song playing and thought he was still dreaming. 

“From a Jack to a King...

From loneliness to a wedding ring.

I played an Ace and I won a Queen,

An’ walked away with your heart.” 

He opened his eyes to see Lin was missing from his side and rose to go see what all the commotion was about. When he reached the hallway he could see Lin looking over the balcony to the restaurant below. “What you doing woman? Why you playing music so early?”

“Shhhh,” Lin shushed her husband and waved him over to look at what she was spying on. “Look Jade getting Love proposal. Jade might be royalty some day.” 

“What you talking about?” 

“That boy from the “Dragon Cloud Tea Ceremony” he is in love with Jade and he is a Scottish Earl.”

“But that was only a week ago. I thought she was seeing the Ling boy? How this all happen so quickly? Was it the Tea? What you put in it this time?”

Grandmother elbowed Grandfather and shushed him again, whispering, “It not all my doing Yun. Remember this is how we fell in love, one cup of Dragon Cloud Tea and we only see eachother for next fifty-eight years!” 

Grandfather could not deny the truth, Dragon Cloud Tea was a powerful aphrodesiac inciting not only lust but true love. “Oh, well then move over so I can see this boy who going to marry my Granddaughter.” 

Jade and Matthew were still wrapped up in a hug when Grandfather saw that the boy was actually crying. “Ooh we got a cryer Lin, he’s got it real bad…”

Jade whispered to Matthew, “Do you hear that song?”

“Yes. The words are perfect for tonight.” Matthew pulled back, taking Jade’s hands in his. “I know this is crazy I’ve only seen you twice, but I feel like I’ve known you forever and I just want to be with you. It’s all I have thought about since I first laid eyes on you.”

These words should have terrified Jade, but deep down she knew Matthew was speaking the truth. She felt it with every cell in her body, this was the man she had to be with. Without words, Jade took one of the restaurant napkins and a pen from the hostess station, she wrote down her number and handed it to Matthew. 

“Go home and get some sleep. Call me tomorrow and we will go from there.” she kissed him lightly on the cheek. 

Matthew smiled, folded the napkin and placed it in his suit pocket. “Come here please.” he pulled Jade close to him for a kiss that lasted as long as their first hug. It was a kiss that caused Grandfather to blush and Grandmother to giggle. 

 “Now isn’t that lovely?  That is what I call a kiss.” Grandmother looked to Grandfather, “Wow.”

Yun took Grandmother’s hand, “Come on Lin, time to leave them be, let’s go back to bed.” 

“You gonna kiss me like that?” Grandmother winked. 

************************

Heughan and Skye took their coffees to go and walked hand in hand down Nob Hill back into Chinatown. 
“Well this is me,” Skye smiled, as they came to a lovely old Victorian apartment house. “I’d invite you in, but I have two roommates, Lucas and Joshua and I really can’t stand their teasing so would you mind just putting your number in here and we’ll call it a night.” Skye handed Hueghan her i phone. 

“Must say I like your style Miss Ellis. Honesty is refreshing these days.” Heughan typed in his mobile number and looked up to see Lucas peering out the upstairs window. “Hmm you sure that isn’t your boyfriend?” 

Skye looked up and gave Lucas a nod, “No, no…he is a lad’s lad in the truest sense, nothing to worry about.” Skye kissed Heughan on the cheek while snatching her phone out of his hands.

“Thanks for an amazing evening.” Heughan called after her. 

Without turning around Skye shouted, “many more to come… get some sleep you’ll need your energy!” 

Heughan raised his eyebrows and shook his head, as he turned smiling toward the street.

***************************

Margaret and Charles were sitting up in bed talking, neither of them in any hurry to return to their lives or the heartaches awaiting them. 

“In this moment, right now, everything feels so perfect.” Charles’ words fell like an epiphany. “I feel no loss of Jade, no ill will toward Matthew. I feel fine, like everything is going to be okay.”

“I know exactly what you mean.” Margaret moved in closer, leaning her back into Charles, his arms holding her, “I feel the same. I feel like I always knew in the back of my mind that Heughan and I were not meant to be, and now I just feel relieved. I feel that I will get on with life and that he and I can actually be good friends.” 

Charles softened his voice and in a serious tone asked her, “Do you think you and I could see each other again?”

“What do you mean Charles?” Margaret was feeling quite vulnerable with Charles, they had confided their deepest secrets and thoughts over the last many hours and it would be a shame for that intimacy to become awkward. 

“Well I mean, do you really have to go back to London? I could get use to having you around.”

Margaret smiled, “Well where would I stay? I can’t very well stay here.” 

“I’m sure Jackie could sort you out. I plan on being here as long as my family needs me, and I could really use a friend like you.”

“A friend?” Margaret raised an eyebrow, “After last night we are hardly friends.” 

Charles kissed Margaret’s hand, “A Dear friend,” then he kissed her neck, “A Dear Dear friend.” then he moved to her ear and nibbled a bit whispering, ” A Dear sweet beautiful friend who I want to take to Agent Provocateur for a shopping spree, and make passionate love to in lavish hotel rooms and on exotic beaches, then wake her with french pressed coffee in bed…”   

 “Hang on, how did you know I like Agent Provocateur and French pressed coffee?” Margaret turned to face him. 

“I guess being best friends with your ex-fiance has it’s advantages.” 

Margaret laughed and threw her arms around Charles, “Well then I guess I’d better stick around to find out what else you know about me.”



The End

Epilogue:  Five years later ~ 

London England: 

 Countess Mar, the well known wife of Matthew Erskine Scott, the Earl of Mar, has her debut as first chair Violinist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She and Lord Mar leave their St. John’s Wood Mansion in a chauffeur driven black bentley accompanied by the Countesses Grandparents Lin and Yun Tang. Grandmother Tang can be seen with her window rolled down smiling and waving the royal wave to any and all onlookers, she will later be hushed and escorted from the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall for whistling and cheering her Granddaughter’s performance.

The Earl

The Countess

The Isle of Skye: 

 A very pregnant Skye Ellis is setting up house in the ancestoral Heughan Cottage, where she and her Husband of nine months have decided to settle and raise sheep among a brood of their own. “Heughan where are my Jimmy Choos? I know I packed them in my leopard bag. I won’t need them on the farm, but if we ever go into London to visit Jade and Matthew, I want to look nice.” 

“Just in here, My lass.” Heughan calls Skye into their new bedroom where he has built her an elaborate shoe closet, “Surprise, do you like it?” 

“Aww Heughan you never dissapoint…” 

Skye

Heughan

San Francisco: 

 A news clip can be seen, narrated by local news anchor Jackie Shaw:  “Today Mayor Charles Ling took a meeting with President Lane in his Pacific Heights Mansion. The meeting was followed by a luncheon fundraiser hosted by his Venture Capitalist wife, Margaret Hall. Esteemed guests paid over $10,000 dollars a plate to be seen with the echelon of politicians and Bay Area entrepreneurs. Ling and his wife are noted philanthropists and have donated half of their earnings to numerous charities and hospitals. 

Charles

Margaret