Strut the Mall (Love at Westbrook Mall #4)

50. Lunar New Year

50

Lunar New Year

For Lunar New Year, Zack’s family household was definitely the place to be. It was so busy, I had to park down the street. At least I wore nice, thick-heeled boots so I wouldn’t sink into the snow or slip on ice up the driveway. But the distance also meant I had to wear my jacket as opposed to leaving it in the car lest I freeze. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I huffed out a misty breath and checked the ID. Cassandra? She never called, not even when she was late. Texting was a source of pride for her. Somehow, it proved she wasn’t an old lady.

I swiped my stiff fingers across the screen. “Hey, what’s up?”

“You will not believe what’s happening,” she whispered with excitement.

“What? Did that pregnant lady come back and demand a foot massage?” I chuckled, winding my way up the driveway.

“No. Andre’s leaving.”

I paused between two cars. “Leaving?”

“A leave of absence, maybe. The store manager just talked to me. She said he’ll be gone for four weeks. Well, twenty-eight days, which seems kinda specific, don’t you think?”

Rehab centers did twenty-eight day programs. “Hopefully, he uses the time wisely,” I said.

“I’m not sure if he went willingly or had a family emergency or who-knows-what. I just wanted to warn you that they may ask you to stay on a little extra. It’s the perfect time to negotiate our salaries.”

It’d have to be quite the bonus to convince me to stay on for another few weeks. “Thanks for the heads up, C. Have a good shift.”

“C? I like that nickname. Take care, Nini,” she said.

I pocketed my phone and peered through the screen door to the open house within. People milled about the hall and living room, though it was hard to make out if I knew any of them.

I knocked on the house siding. “Hello?”

“Come in,” Coral shouted.

I entered the humid room, a gust of cool air flattening my dress against my backside and billowing my hair out to frame my cheeks.

All eyes were on me.

Warmth tinged my cheeks.

Were these people staring because they liked what they saw or because I wasn’t part of their usual scene?

I delicately tapped my boots on the welcome mat and scanned the rest of the attendees’ feet. Thankfully, it seemed we could keep our shoes on for this party.

A broad figure tugged my hood. “Hey, Nic. Thanks for the breeze.”

“Are you overheating?” I grinned, cupping Zack’s sweaty cheek.

“Yes.” He sagged into my touch. “I might nap in the snow for a bit. Want to join me?”

“I need to thaw, actually. Here, take my cold fingers.” I clasped the back of his neck.

Shuddering, he hugged me and shifted so his back was to the screen. “Thanks.”

This was so comfy and affectionate, I’d almost think this was another private party. I nestled my nose against his chest and enjoyed the mix of old spice and musk with a hint of whatever fish they’d cooked for the party. My mouth watered as I snuggled in. “Something smells good, and it’s not just you.”

He snorted. “They’ve been cooking for two days.”

“So, is there finally enough food for you?” I smirked.

His eyes darkened with good humor. “I was testing a snowblower all morning, so I needed to feast. But I was nice. I only had three helpings.”

“Only three?” I laughed.

“Wanted to show my respect. Half of these people have hired me for snow removal, maybe some landscaping.”

I smacked his pec. “Congratulations. Business is booming.”

He nodded. “We’ll see what happens in spring. Can I take your coat?”

“Yes, thank you.” I unzipped, then shed my outer layer.

His gaze dropped, as did his jaw, and he fumbled for my jacket. “I thought you were saving the red dress for a special date.”

I shrugged. “This is special.”

I was meeting his whole extended family, his church people, and whoever else was lucky enough to ring in the new year with them.

Zack’s lip twitched. “I meant a Valentine’s date. But you do look amazing.”

“Maybe I’ll wear it again soon. We’ll see.” I kissed his cheek, then rubbed away the red smudge of lipstick. “I’m going to say hi to everybody.”

“Okay. I’ll come find you,” he said.

I smiled obligingly and held my head high as I strutted through the crowd. Whispers worked through the room, though with this group, it was still pretty loud.

“That’s Nicole, Zack’s girlfriend,” one person said.

“The model?”

“So beautiful.”

“I thought she worked at Fancee’s.”

“Maybe she works for Fancee’s, for their catalogs or online pictures.”

“He’s never looked so happy.”

The last part was the only thing related to my reputation that mattered to me. I grinned and slid into the dining room, where various crayons and paints had taken over the table. At the end of the table, Harvey sat with Shelby. He circled a soft brush against her cheek, eliciting her sweet, tinkling laughter.

May gasped and sprinted from her seat to hug me. “You came.”

“Yes, I—oof,” I wheezed. Her tackle-hug winded me for a second. I patted her back. “How are you?”

“I need help deciding what animal to be,” she said very seriously. She took my hand and led me to a children's book by her chair.

Inside, there was a cute breakdown of Chinese zodiac signs by animal and personality. Oxen were hard-working and generous whereas rats were cunning.

“You can be anything you want to be,” I said. “What’s your gut feeling?

She screwed up her mouth. “Maybe a rat because I like cheese.”

I stifled a laugh. “That’s a good enough reason for me.”

She huffed and scooted her chair closer to her cousin. “Harvey, when are you going to be done with Shelby?”

“Never,” he declared, cupping her jaw as he drew pink, pointy ears over her brows.

She wiggled and sang, “You looove me.”

“Stop moving.” He tapped her nose with the brush.

“Ah, that tickles.” She scrunched up her face, and Harvey chuckled.

Ugh, they were too sweet. My heart almost hurt. Or maybe this dress was too tight on me.

“What are you going to be?” I asked Shelby.

“A pony.” She primly pressed her hands over her knees and batted her eyelashes at her boyfriend.

His lip twitched up, though his hand stayed steady. “Do you want me to make it a unicorn?”

“Yes, please.” She beamed and kicked her feet.

May slumped into her chair. “Ugh, this is taking forever.”

“Why don’t you tell me what’s new with you?” I turned her chair toward me, fighting a smile when Shelby briefly stuck her tongue out at her cousin’s back. This family was full of weirdos, but they were all super sweet.

Once she was all done up, I helped Shelby take the perfect photos solo and with Harvey so he could get started on her cousin’s face art.

“Shelby, you are slaying,” I said.

“Thank you. It’s really Harvey. He’s amazing.” She sighed dreamily at him, then sat up straight. “So, what do you want to be?”

“Oh, I don’t need anything. It’s for the kids. Besides, Harvey’s busy.”

“I do this for kids’ parties all the time. I also used to work at a makeup counter, so if you want something fancy…with feathers, maybe?” She wagged her brows and gestured to the outside curve of my eye.

That did sound fancy. Besides, I could always have her stop after one side. She got to work, surprising me with her delicate attention to detail and calm chatter. Soon enough, she showed me one eye lined with golden, ruby, and emerald feathers. I was magnificent.

“What bird is this?” I breathed, brushing my fingertips along the dusted plumes.

“A rooster, silly.”

I dropped the mirror and gave her a flat look. “Are you saying I’m cocky?”

“No.” She chuckled, “Roosters are brave and hardworking. They’re also a little cocky. As you should be.” She grinned.

“Well, this gorgeous makeup does wonders for my bone structure. Keep going.”

She’d almost finished when a song blared in the other room.

“Is Zack’s band playing?” I asked.

“Not today. No room for it. Come on, let’s dance.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd. May latched onto my leg to follow us through.

Joon, with his face painted as a tiger, thrashed in front of a TV with some music video playing in the background. His aunts laughed, holding onto one another. Shelby’s mom playfully fought off Coral’s attempts to do the twist together. May was so little, she basically just jumped around. Shelby and I spun each other, the room blurring with heat, solid beats, and laughter until I got dizzy and stumbled straight into a solid body.

“Do I need to take you outside?” Zack teased.

“Not this time.” I grinned, rocking with him.

We danced to the end of the song, at which point my hair stuck to my neck.

I gathered it up. “Maybe I do need to step outside. Or at least take a picture before my feathers get runny.”

“Come with me.” Zack led me into the basement and locked the door behind us.

“Is this the adults-only area?” I teased.

“Technically, it still belongs to me.” He snagged a water bottle from his bedside and showed me a secret stash of almond cookies hidden in the old donut box. “In case we need rations.”

I pressed the cool water bottle against my neck. “How long is this party supposed to be?”

“As long as it takes to tire them out. Probably eight-thirty.” He took a huge bite of cookie. His tongue darted out to catch the crumbs.

I licked my lips. “Looks like I’ll miss another chance at our midnight kiss.”

He furrowed his brow and pushed the food into his cheeks. “Did you want me to kiss you?”

I nodded. “Then, now. Always, maybe.”

“Well, in that case, I have a lot of making up to do.” He set the cookie aside, then sauntered towards me. “Happy new year’s eve.”

He wrapped his strong arms around me, and I smiled, leaning in close. From now on, every kiss made me want to pop my feet and some champagne, for the wonderful life ahead of me.