Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(24)

“Yes,” henry confirms not catching on.

I look to Joe briefly and I can see him trying to suppress a smile. He knows what I’m doing.

Before I ask my next question, Henry offers more information, “My parents wanted me to attend an American school since we were already doing more business here in the States.”

“I wouldn’t give that much validity and credit to the American educational system,” I reply strategically. “But, what do I know. I didn’t attend college.”

They all seem a little surprised by my offering.

“So, which Coast do you prefer?” I ask, wanting to lighten things up a little as Maggie’s anxiety increases.

Joe sits relaxed.

“Definitely the West Coast. The weather is nice and the people are friendlier,” Henry comments, smiling as if he appreciates an easy question.

“Any brothers or sisters here or back in China?”

“No. I’m an only child,” Henry answers.

“Just like Emma!” Maggie throws in.

I bet she’s been dying to talk this whole time. I smile and nod even though I'm not pleased with her eagerness to share more about me.

“Any pressure then to have children?” I go right in for the kill to test the waters and see if Henry waivers.

Joe smirks at my directness.

“No. Though they’d like to see grandchildren, probably sooner than later,” Henry reports honestly while Maggie stares off into the distance in disbelief at my question.

I know she’s dying to know the answer. Besides, I needed to get her back for giving them information about me so freely.

“Do you like children? Do you want some of your own?” I push further.

I might as well go in for the kill with this one.

“Yes and yes,” Henry answers without any hesitation and with a degree of clear certainty. “Family is important to me.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” I reply genuinely.

To help ease some of Maggie’s tension, I excuse myself to use the restroom. Without hesitation, both Henry and Joe stand up when I do. Are they going as well? When I step out of the booth, I see that they sit back down after Maggie gets up to join me.

“I need to use the ladies’ room as well,” Maggie mentions. Almost to the bathroom, Maggie freaks out, “What the hell was that?”

“What?” I respond, playing it cool.

“The question about children!” she exclaims.

I think she may hyperventilate.

“What? Like you weren’t thinking it?” I throw at her.

She stands in astonishment at my response, blinking a few times. “Well, yeah . . . but that doesn’t mean I want that out right off the bat.”


“Were you happy with his answer?” I coax her to realize where I was going with it.

“Yes, but . . .” she replies, tripping over her own thoughts.

“Then, you’re welcome,” I return proudly.

All Maggie can muster is a shocked smile.

“Besides, he didn’t even hesitate when he replied, which says a lot,” I point out.

Her face lightens up at the realization. “Thank you,” she admits shyly as we enter the facilities.

“Your welcome,” I answer. Wanting to bring her back down from cloud nine, I stipulate, “Though, don’t let it go to your head. It’s still really early in . . . well, whatever the two of your are calling this.”

She giggles a little, “I’ll try.”

We each take a stall next to the other and relieve ourselves in peace. Maggie is rarely speechless and this is the second time I’ve rendered her that way today. Man, am I on a roll. I wish Jared was here to witness this. I can’t wait to tell him.

We return to the guys who stand again as we approach the table and then sit back down once we are seated. This gesture is perplexing me. I’ve seen it in movies, but I don’t understand it.

Sometime later, Kevin comes over to the table to serve our meal. For the first few minutes, we dine in silence as I plot my next round of examination. Maggie is sitting a little closer to Henry this time which seems to be a comfortable behavior for the two of them. Joe watches me without losing an ounce of allure in his smile.

Halfway through the meal, Joe asks, “So, beach volleyball, in February?”

“Yes!” declares Maggie. “It’s a great time to play here. The weather is perfect, not too hot, not too cold.”

“Is this your first winter here in California?” I probe, speculating that it is.

“Yes. I’ve visited once or twice in the summer, but never in winter . . . if you can call this winter,” Joe replies earnestly.

“To those who have lived here all their life, it is winter. Having experienced the East Coast weather, Southern California only has three seasons to me. Spring, Summer and Fall. That is, unless you are up in the mountains . . . there’s probably snow there right now,” I say in a friendly manner.

“I’ve spent a bit more time here in California than Joe since my family has a few properties as well as for business. The weather down here is much more mild that San Francisco this time of year. There is definitely a difference. I think I prefer the winter here compared to Northern California. It would be fun sometime to see how the mountains are here. Is there enough snow for skiing?” Henry searches.