White Tiger

dyed hair—blond and red—and were wearing filthy cargo pants and white undershirts. One of them had tattoos all over his bare arms, disappearing under the shirt.
    ‘They look like triads,’ Louise whispered. ‘Why are they watching you?’
    ‘No idea,’ I said. ‘Maybe just because I’m cute.’
    ‘I’m cuter than you.’
    A huge black Mercedes blocked the view. ‘This is our ride,’ I said, and opened the back door for Louise to climb in.
    Leo put the car into gear, but I stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. ‘Leo,’ I said softly into his ear, ‘are those guys across the road what I think they are?’
    ‘What is it, Emma?’ Louise said.
    Leo studied them carefully. ‘At this distance it’s hard to tell. But it would probably be a good idea for us to get out of here.’ His voice went softer. ‘Don’t worry, Emma, as long as they don’t know you’re learning the Arts they’ll leave you alone.’ He pulled the car away from the kerb.
    I glanced through the back window. The young men watched us go, then casually strolled away.
    ‘Wait a second,’ Louise said at the lift lobby on the eleventh floor. ‘He has the whole top floor ? How big is this place anyway?’
    ‘Big enough.’ Leo opened the gate and the front door for us. ‘Remove shoes, please.’
    Louise didn’t hesitate; she’d been in Hong Kong long enough to know.
    Leo bowed slightly to her, turned and walked away.
    Louise grinned at me. ‘Why do I get the impression that he doesn’t like me?’
    ‘He’s a complete bastard who doesn’t like anybody,’ I said, hoping he could hear me. ‘Come on, I’ll show you my room.’
    ‘This isn’t a room, it’s a suite,’ Louise said when we reached my room. ‘It’s nearly as big as our whole flat. Three generations of local people usually live in something this size.’ She moved closer and whispered, ‘Well, where is he?’
    ‘Probably next door with Simone,’ I said. I tapped on the door joining our rooms.
    ‘Come on in, Emma,’ Mr Chen said from the other side.
    I opened the door and Louise grinned with anticipation.
    Mr Chen was sitting on the floor with Simone in his lap, reading a book to her in Putonghua.
    ‘This is Louise, my Australian friend,’ I said.
    Mr Chen nodded to her and rose. ‘I have to make a call. Can you mind Simone for me? I’ll be here, so Leo can drive your friend back down the hill later.’ He nodded to Louise. ‘Nice to meet you.’
    Louise grinned. ‘Lovely to meet you too, Mr Chen. Emma has my number.’
    He stared at her for a moment, then smiled, shook his head and went out.
    ‘I cannot believe you just did that,’ I said.
    ‘Don’t know what you’re talking about. Hi, Simone, remember me?’
    ‘Yes,’ Simone said. ‘Louise. Emma’s silly friend. Can I draw while you talk about your boring stuff?’
    ‘Sure,’ I said.
    Simone went to her little desk and pulled out her drawing equipment. Louise and I sat on the floor on the pink rug.
    ‘Why haven’t you made a move?’ Louise whispered. ‘The guy’s gorgeous, rich and available. I saw the wayhe looked at you; all you have to do is take the step. What the hell is wrong with you?’
    I moved to sit closer to her so that Simone wouldn’t hear. ‘He won’t take it further. I’ve made it completely clear that I’d like to, but he just won’t go there.’ I dropped my head with exasperation. ‘I really like him. Really like him. It’s obvious he feels pretty much the same way, but every time we get close he pulls back.’
    ‘Push him,’ Louise said.
    I glanced up at her. ‘No. I respect his feelings, Louise. If he wants to keep it professional, then it’s his choice.’
    ‘God, you are a stupid bitch, Emma.’
    ‘He might feel it’s too soon after his wife died.’ I gestured towards Simone behind me. ‘And there’s Simone’s feelings to think about.’ I dropped my head again. ‘And there’s something else too.’
    ‘What?’
    I spoke very softly. ‘He’s dying.’
    She put her hand on my arm. ‘He isn’t. He looks fine.’
    ‘He is. He has a few years, no more than that.’
    ‘Plenty of time,’ Louise said. ‘Don’t be stupid. Don’t throw something good away just because it’s not going to last forever, Emma. Nothing lasts forever anyway.’
    ‘I know.’ I shrugged. ‘He’s made his choice and I have to respect it.’
    Louise smacked her forehead with her palm. ‘I don’t know which of you is stupider.’
    I smiled with misery.