Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune(80)

I tried my best not to cry. The show of emotion might unnerve my mentor. Instead, I bowed my head and clutched the rosewood photo frame to my heart. “Thank you, Lao Shi.”



* * *





    ?I returned home long enough to install my grandmother in her rightful place beside my mother in the family shrine and to give the cat a quick update before heading downstairs to the restaurant to take care of last-minute details, one of which included writing thank-you cards for the flowers I’d received for the grand reopening.

The dining room of the restaurant had been transformed into a tropical garden with its profusion of orchids, birds-of-paradise, yellow gold chrysanthemums, and Chinese roses. I closed my eyes and took in the heady fragrance combination. The Chius had sent a bouquet of chrysanthemums and red roses with two bright yellow banners. From Older Shen, an arrangement of bamboo with yellow gold chrysanthemums, and from Younger Shen, birds-of-paradise and Chinese roses. Old Wu had chosen a garland of Chinese roses along with a red and gold ribbon and banner wishing prosperity.

My neighbors. My community.

I smiled and returned to the task of finishing my note to Older Shen.

A sharp tap on the glass broke my attention.

Miss Yu stood before the door carrying pink orchids. Dressed in a cream shawl and a long blue sheath dress, she was resplendent. She had long since recovered from her concussion from that ill-fated dinner.

I opened the door and let her in.

“I can’t wait for the grand reopening and our party later on.” She leaned in to give me a quick peck on the cheek. “Congratulations, dear one. You have done it.”

“Do you think people will come?” I asked. “I placed an ad in the Chronicle. It’s buried in the classifieds, but it’s a start.”

“Celia also placed an ad in the Sing Tao Daily for the past month. Your restaurant will have a good turnout,” Miss Yu replied. She looked around, taking in all the flowers, until her eyes settled on the radiant, golden Goddess. “Ahh, she is as she should be.”

I beamed. “Yes, she is restored.”

“Do you know that she’s the symbol of prosperity for our neighborhood?” Miss Yu asked. “Things will start to improve again for everyone.”

I smiled. “I certainly hope so. I feel comforted by the fact that she is watching over us all.”

Miss Yu approached me and enveloped me in a peony-scented embrace. “This is great to hear. You will do well. I better take my leave. I’m sure you’ll have more visitors coming.”

Celia walked past the windows and waved.

“Thank you,” I said to Miss Yu.

“No, thank you.” She bowed her head and smiled. Miss Yu held the door open for Celia as she left.

Celia beamed. “Look at all the flowers! Are you excited?” She carried an arrangement of birds-of-paradise and orchids. Her fuchsia lips curved in a crooked smile. Wearing a bright frock of sage green with a pattern of canaries, she was stunning.

She handed me the flowers. “Oh, I have news. Fai has finally found the perfect buyers for his bookstore. It’s a young family with a daughter from San Diego who apparently love books as much as he does. Isn’t that perfect? I invited them to the party tomorrow.”

“Yes!” I replied, setting down the flowers on the counter. “I’ll be so happy to see new neighbors come in.”

“Well, you’ll still see Fai around. He’s coming tomorrow and he mentioned bringing his lady friend. I can’t wait to see what she’s like.”

Last month, Older Shen had consulted me about his brave decision to pursue the woman of his dreams. It turned out to be someone from his ballroom dancing class. I encouraged him to invite her to the party. He wanted to dance with her and so he should. His fracture had fully healed a month ago.

“We’ve been hearing so much about her,” I said. “I’m dying to meet her too.”

“Do you have the menu set for the restaurant yet?”

“I think so. Everything is decided except for the daily special. I’m not sure which dish to pick.”

“I’ll give you some advice.” Celia winked. She threw her arm around my shoulder and lowered her voice. “You need to do another trial run of the choices you’re considering. I’m always up for another round of testing.”

I laughed. “Perhaps. I have a few ideas on how to adjust the dishes.”

She giggled. “I’ll come by when I close the store. I hope you’re excited. Are you sure the party after won’t be too much trouble? I mean, you’re already doing so much work to prepare for the grand opening . . .”

“I’ll be fine. This is what I’m supposed to be doing. Thank you again for the flowers.”

Celia nodded and waved goodbye, disappearing down the street to return to her gift shop.

There had been an overflow of blessings since the devastation of the fire. If I were the superstitious type, I would start worrying about the balancing string of bad luck coming. But I wasn’t Ma-ma.

I missed her and I missed Baba.

I locked the door and played Benvenuto Cellini on the Victrola. Berlioz’s beautiful opera echoed within the walls. The Chinese roses swayed to the music, stems bending, assuming the flexibility of undulating seagrass. Their petaled heads surrendered to the notes, their movement dictated by the tempo.