Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(21)
We didn’t tell M?qīn right away about what was happening on social media. Then one day, a young couple gave their compliments directly to M?qīn and F?qīn. The couple explained that they had seen all the great reviews about the restaurant online, that it is one of the few places in LA County with real Chinese cuisine, which they loved and had to visit since they had spent some time in China and missed the food. The couple even took some pictures of the food and the restaurant, and shared their glowing reviews online. Since Maggie was assisting with the restaurant that same day, M?qīn mentioned what had happened. Though M?qīn didn’t completely understand everything, M?qīn and F?qīn sat down later so Maggie could explain. Once Maggie filled them in on what Raven Media has been doing online for the Peking Wok, showing them all the reviews and photos people were taking, not just of the food, but of themselves eating, M?qīn understood. That was the turning point in M?qīn’s and Maggie’s relationship with each other. Though she knew her mother loved her, Maggie told me it was that day when M?qīn started treating her differently and stopped questioning her about anything business related for the Peking Wok. I was so happy and proud of them when Maggie told me.
Even though the Peking Woking is open only from lunch to dinner, the staff is already there putting away fresh food deliveries and prepping as early as eight o’clock in the morning. Maggie and I arrive just after nine and seat ourselves in one of the back, circular booths we prefer. Raven Media has just brought on a new client and there are a lot of things to discuss with her and eventually the client.
As our meeting is drawing to a close, Amy enters the restaurant with Jet and Rey and joins us temporarily. Amy is a stay at home mom who loves motherhood and helps out Kim whenever she needs Rey and Jade looked after. Amy regularly comes to the restaurant to help out too. M?qīn and F?qīn have a little play and nap area connected to their office for the children when family visits. Amy and the kids stay at the table just long enough for the boys to eat before Amy takes them to the back for their naps.
Putting my stuff into my briefcase, Maggie stands up, appearing to stretch. A second later I hear her call, “Over here!”
The corner of my eye finds Henry and Joe walking toward us. Great, our girls lunch has now turned into something I was hoping wouldn’t occur until after the weekend. Maggie does this with every guy she meets. If a guy is going to be a part of her life, he needs to get along with her family and friends. It’s very important to her. I was just hoping to have a little bit more time observing first in a larger group setting before having open discussions to get to know Maggie’s new boyfriend. Actions speak louder than words to me and Maggie greatly respects my ability to pick up on people’s character. I saw the connection they had when we met Henry at the library, but I’m a little surprised to see her rushing the process. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Her usual boyfriend scanning protocol has been changed since he did meet the family already.
Henry greets Maggie more warmly than when I last saw them together. They hug and he kisses her on her cheek and Joe follows suit.
“Hey, Emma,” says Henry as he releases Maggie. “It’s great to see you again.” He reaches forward to shake my hand.
I consider the contact but refuse and he’s not disappointed, more understanding. “Hello, Henry. Likewise,” I politely respond.
Taking the cue from my interaction with Henry, Joe simply greets with a smile, saying, “Hello, Emma.”
“Hi,” I reply while returning his smile.
Yep, he’s still yummy.
“Sit, sit,” Maggie instructs.
I return to where I was sitting on the far right of the booth cushion. Maggie scoots in beside me knowing to separate me from the two men I hardly know. Henry follows in behind her and Joe sits next to Henry which is directly across from me on the other end of the booth.
“I hope we weren’t interrupting you ladies,” Henry adds once we’re all seated and looks to me.
Before I can answer, Maggie jumps in, “Oh no. Not at all. We actually just finished up our business meeting a few minutes ago.”
“Good, glad to hear it,” Henry confirms.
From the sound of his answer, Maggie has already informed Henry about the meeting we were having prior to them joining us. I guess today will uncover exactly how much she has divulged. I mentally cringe at the idea.
“What kind of business?” Joe questions, looking directly at me.
“Well, Emma actually has two businesses, but I help with her social media firm,” Maggie eagerly shares. “I guess I should let Emma explain what she’s comfortable with. I’m just so excited you guys were able to have your lunch with us.”
Maggie’s statement confirms a bit of information for me. If the two of them are on their lunch break, that means they work here in the city and probably pretty close. No one drives to lunch in downtown LA unless they’re not returning to the office right away, if at all. Yet, today is Thursday and not Friday, so I would deduce that they are most likely heading back to work which would confirm the idea that their offices are nearby.
“My first business is an online website. It’s a health and wellness blog. The second, as Maggie explained, is a social media management services firm. Maggie does more than just work for me, she’s the COO for the entire company.” I finally get to answer for myself, giving just enough information while leaving out a lot of detail.