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The Golden Sampan

He studied the card a moment. She was watching him.

‘Holy guacamole! I didn’t say that.’ They had asked for his message and his name. They added the Love. ‘I guess that’s fair. I bought the most expensive bouquet they had. They’d assume it’s love. She’d assume it’s love. It must be love.’

“Oh, it must have gotten mixed up with another message.” She said as he tried to hand her the card.

“No. What? Not at all.”

“So, you really mean it?”

“How could I not? Meredith you’re…”

“So are you.”

“Okay.” He slid back into drive and scanned traffic for an opening. “That’s…”

“I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

“Pressured? How could I feel pressured into loving you, Meri? It’s the most natural thing I’ve ever felt.”

“But, we’ve just met.”

“Mm-hmm.”

They sat in silence as he traversed the town. She studied the sights. Things were beginning to look familiar.

As he pulled up to the restaurant, she realized she’d probably been past this place at least three times since Thanksgiving. It looked fairly plain from the outside.

“Ready?” He asked.

“For Megaman-approved Wonton soup? Sure.”

He turned off the car and turned to her.

“Toby?”

“Do you?”

“Love you?”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“I’m glad, but why? I’m just me.”

“Toby, what more could I possibly ask of you?”

“I’m not-”

“Oh, yes, you are. Not another word, Toby Belzer. I want soup.”

“And I want to love you for the rest of my life.” He said firmly. “There, I said it.”

“You sure did.”

“It’s one thing to see it on a card, but something like that needs to be said.”

“It sure does.”

“It’s something that needs to be shouted from the rooftops.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“Alright, I’m not going to climb on a rooftop, but I’m sure going to say it again.”

“Right now?”

“If you want.”

“I want some of that soup.”

He launched out of the car and knocked on the roof. She got out and shut the door. He was leaning on the car.

“Toby, what are you doing?”

“I found a rooftop.”

She burst out laughing. “You’re crazy. Come on in before we freeze out here.”

He planted his elbows on the roof of his car. “I love Meredith Blake, and I don’t care who knows it!”

She laughed even harder. “I think everyone in Wyoming Pass knows it now, Toby. You’re a nut.”

“Nuts about you.” He met her at the front of the car and offered her an arm.

“I love you, too, Toby.” She clung to his arm. “I’ve never been this happy.”

They went inside and the plain exterior gave way to a dreamscape of paper lanterns and golden dragons. Classical Chinese music played quietly in the background. The hostess seated them and introduced their waitress.

A pot of Oolong tea and two bowls of Wonton soup appeared as if by magic.

“Can you taste yours first?” Meredith asked.

“Sure.” Toby dipped a spoon and blew before tasting. “Oh, wow. Definitely.”

She smiled and tasted some of hers. “You weren’t kidding.”

“I know, right?”

They took their time finishing their soup, chatting about the times they’d met Megaman.

“What’s next?” Meredith asked, studying the shades of green, gray, gold and brown in his eyes.

“My go to is Pork Lo Mein, but we could be adventurous if you ‘d like.”

“What about the Emperor’s Feast?”

“Sounds great.” He waved for the waitress. “Hi Pam, could we have the Emperor’s Feast?”

She smiled. “Sure, Toby. I’ll get that in for you.”

“Who’s Pam?” Meredith’s eyes hardened.

“Huh?” He recoiled from the angry glare. “That’s Pam Nguyen. We went to school together.”

“She’s pretty.”

“I guess so, but you’re prettier and you like the Sentinels.”

“I’m sorry.” She slid out of the booth. “I’ll be right back.” She headed for the Ladies’ Room.

What is the matter with me?

What did you do?

Got jealous

What for?

He knows the waitress

So?

She’s really pretty

What did he do?

He ordered dinner

That’s what people do with waitresses

But he knows her

But he loves you

She’s really, really pretty

Maybe you should ask her out

What?

I’m trying to snap you out of it

I’m being ridiculous

Yes, you certainly are

He said he loves me

I’m sure he means it, too

But what about Pam?

What about her?

She’s very pretty

What did he say?

Says she went to school with him

That means she’s had plenty of opportunity and he prefers you

That’s what he said

What is the matter with you? Go eat your dinner and enjoy your guy

I’ve never felt this way

Jealous?

Yeah

Okay, there’s nothing to be jealous of

How do you know?

Ian says she’s married

That’s a relief

Stop trying to self-sabotage

Sorry

Don’t be sorry, just be happy

Thanks, Ivy

TTYL

Meredith straightened herself up and headed back to the table. “Sorry about that.”

“I ordered some dumplings to tide us over until dinner arrives.”

“From Pam?” She sat down.

“Well, yeah. She’s the waitress.”

“Can we go somewhere else?”

“Sure, if you want. I can have them put it in a takeout box.”

“I’m just being stupid.”

“Are you jealous of Pam?”

“I’ve never…”

“And I’ve never had a girl get jealous over me. It’s kind of sweet.” He said. ‘In a creepy, deranged kind of way.’ He took her hand. “You don’t have to worry about anything. For one thing, Pam is married to the guy who owns the restaurant. For another thing, there’s nothing between us and never has been. I’ve been waiting my entire life for someone like you, Meri. Now that you’re here, I’m not going to let anyone or anything get between us.”

She looked into his sweet hazel eyes. “Toby, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. You still want dinner to go?”

“No, this place is amazing. I just want to stay here with you.”

“Same.”