Seasoned Desires

Chapter 1

Ming Hu disregarded the first jingle from the office phone. Facing limited time, I’ll reorganize plans and craft a way to meet Peter Williams. If I’m correct, I’ll get him to show interest in me and my abilities. From there, I’ve a chance to secure him as a lover.

The third jingle drew Ming’s attention to the desk.

“Hello, Miss Hu. Mr. Burkenbauer is present. Shall I send him in?”

“Yes, it’s a planned meeting. My interest lies elsewhere at the moment but I agreed to chat with him so, yes, send him in, please.”

After the brief meeting, the door bolt scraped across the strike plate as squeaks from Mr. Burkenbauer’s shoes faded along the tiled hallway, and as Ming’s red fingernails tapped the secured office door, causing the surface to ring.

Mr. Burkenbauer wishes to sell his business assets in short order, so the rumors match reality in this case. His faltering management team is merely adding to the quick demise.

Her tapping fingers slowed to a faint patter. Practiced patience is my ally, and if his business assets drop in value, I’ll swoop the lot up for a reasonable price within a year or two.

She advanced across the floor to an expansive office desk with metal brass tags initialed MH on each drawer front, a design representing confidence and strength. Following the sudden movement, a scented trail of fresh fruit and a hint of earth lingered for seconds. She gave a light spin to the back of the office chair, and the soft leather seat halted as her knee protruded into the chair’s path.

She glanced at the wrinkled leather, bent forward, and slid her fingertips across the light brown textured seat. Her hand paused a quarter of the distance along the crease. The faint wrinkle of the leather is a reminder of my late husband’s neck when he turned in to kiss me.

The moment strong, and a signal sent caused her fingertips to sweep further, hoping to discover a message. The creases and crevices, like many years past, whispered of positive memories. Today, however, dealt a punch as Ming’s late husband’s energy force increased tenfold, and the gifts spoke of urgency, directly from John Hu’s spirit.

Their children were now adults and her business strong, but change brewed. A chill raced along her spine as she looked away from the chair, toward the desk, when a flicker of light caught her eye. The morning rays of sunlight touched the upper right-hand corner of the desk, falling upon a pile of documents. She sat and grabbed an ink pen from a drawer before sliding a pile of bills closer. She initialed two bills and set them to the side. The office phone rang and her sleeve caught the small pile of documents as she raised the receiver to her ear. The line remained silent, so she returned the handpiece.

Ming straightened the pile and returned to the stack of bills as dark clouds rolled past the window and the rays of light disappeared. She rose and switched on another bank of lights. Upon sitting, the light returned to a shallow pile of documents. Ming slid the small pile a little closer and away from the sun, but the sun followed her movements and a ray of light bounced from the sheer white paper into her eyes, causing a glare. She shifted in the seat before filing four documents behind the office desk, leaving three sheets. She flung the top two into the garbage can, while the remaining sheet bore tatters along the edges. Ming leaned forward and grasped the frayed and curled sheet of paper with both hands. The ray of light highlighted the inked text, a sheet which had rotated from desktop to drawer for several months. Why is that shaft of light following me?

Ming flattened the sheet with the back of her hand until a warm feeling of connection arose. The single sheet of paper, received by accident, was actually a man’s misdirected résumé, and when she held it, the page provided feelings of sadness, conflict, peace, and exuberance.

The punch from minutes earlier created an awareness and a need to discuss feelings with someone close and trustworthy. The evolving message needed to be addressed, and the challenges embraced, be they blessing or curse.

***

Ming dialed her forty-three-year-old cousin and rolled the chair closer toward the desk—resting one arm on the desk’s edge while the other held the phone.

“Hello?” Chun answered on the third ring, a bit out of breath.

Ming leaned back in the leather chair as her index finger traced a vertical line across the edge of the paper. “Did I catch you in the middle of something?”

“Just the renovations on the B&B. We’re about two weeks away from opening, but we still have touchup items to deal with. The colors and fabrics you’ve selected for the finished bedrooms are perfect. I really love your selections.”

“Maybe I should’ve made dual-sided business cards—laboratory owner/manager on one side and interior designer on the other.”

Chun laughed as she pulled off a cotton glove. “So, Ming, what’s with the call? Aren’t you still at the office?”

“Yes, but can you talk this evening?”

“Sure, I can be free. What’s on your mind?”

Metal scraping against tile echoed from the background. “If you can take a break from working, I’ve an interesting résumé to review with you.” Ming uncrossed her legs and spun a quarter-turn in the chair, rising to reach for a large, thick rubber band at the top of the metal filing cabinet. She set the rubber band on its edge atop the desk and shaped it into a heart. “I’m fascinated by the details and I’d like you to look at it with me.”

“Look over a résumé? I’m not sure I can help select an employee for you.”

“No, no, it’s not that.” With one quick motion, Ming swept the rubber band into her hand and held the elastic to her chest.

“Is there something about the résumé that bothers you?”

Ming pushed the chair to the left and walked to a large green-tinted window overlooking the nature reserve. “There’s something else that’s troubling. We had advertised for a biological research position, however, the employment service sent a non-matching résumé. It may seem strange, but I’ve held on to the paper.”

“I’m not following you at this point. What if you stop over after work, so we can discuss it?”

“Sure, that’d be great.”

Chun looked toward the left before tossing the glove into a bucket. “The construction crew hasn’t finished yet, so watch out for debris in the entryway upon your arrival. I’ll unlock the front door and be cleaning up tile around the time you arrive. Just walk in and call out for me.”

“Okay, thanks for taking time out of your day for me.” Ming pressed a knuckle against the window and slid her finger toward the sill. “You’ve been there for me, ever since John died, and you know more than anyone that I’ve gone through troublesome times. John and I had plans for the future, but that all ended when he died, so I miss the adult connection.”

“I know Ming, but why the talk about John suddenly? You’d do the same for me but I won’t lie, but your health concerned me at the time of John’s passing. However, I still believe you should spend less time at work and more on finding a relationship. Your love life is like a big hole, and it’s been that way for too long.”

“Chun—”

“I know, I shouldn’t butt into your personal life, but I care about you.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to find my happiness. I found it easier to push pain and loss away by focusing on the business and the children.”

“Bring the résumé over. I’ll look and offer suggestions, but I can’t promise anything.”

“I’ll drop by in about an hour. Put on a pot of coffee because this might take more time than you think.”

A short time later, Ming entered Chung’s B&B and Chun heard the faint scraping of metal from the closing door. She turned away from the dustpan and slid the debris bucket to the side, wiped her hands on a nearby towel, and met Ming halfway across the foyer.

“Hello, Chun,” as Ming’s slacks brushed against the potted dieffenbachia plants stationed near the entryway.

“The delivery company dropped those plants off today. They aren’t too big, are they?”

“They’ll receive much needed sunlight and be perfect for the location.” Ming wrapped her arms around Chun’s shoulders and pulled her in close, causing Ming’s silver shoulder-length hair to brush against Chun’s cheek while she held her for a tight hug.

Chun returned the gesture as her head remained close to Ming’s. “You always smell so good, and the perfume you’re wearing is exceptional. What is it? I smell fruit and earth tones and I find it to be very relaxing.”

“Why, thank you. It’s a blend of over forty-three scents that I’ve created using science.”

Ming gently released the hug, but still connected at arm’s length. “Thanks for meeting me, Chun.”

“You know I’m available for you any time. We’re here for each other.” Chun turned toward the center of the room. “But first, you must see the finished bedrooms.” She led Ming across a short entryway, toward the two bedrooms, before facing her. “Your fascinating résumé will have to wait.” Chun pushed the light-pecan-colored wood door open and flicked the light switch. Taking a step back, she made a sweeping motion with her arm, inviting Ming to enter.

Ming walked two steps into the room and stopped. “Oh, it’s nice with the gray neutral tones woven into the carpet and painted onto the floors. The lighter hues covering the walls, and accent colors of cranberry or deep gray, complete the area. The scent of new cotton pillows fills the room, and it’s turned out spectacularly. Maybe I should change careers and become a full-time interior designer. This panned out well, and I’m quite pleased. I think any guests you have will love it, too.”

“It’s gorgeous, and it’ll be easy to clean and care for. I can’t thank you enough.” Chun clasped Ming’s arms and pulled her closer for a quick thank-you hug.

“I just wanted to help you with what you’ve done for me.” Ming pulled back and turned her head toward the center of the room. “This, is my thanks and a small token of appreciation.”

“Thanks Ming, but nothing more needs to be said.”

Ming looked over the room again, prior to nodding toward the door. “I hate to take you from this pleasant atmosphere, but I need to show you this résumé.”

They left the bedroom and headed toward the entryway, as Chun pointed to the dining area. “Let’s sit at the table. I’ve a pot of coffee on. Take a seat and I’ll grab some cups.” Ming sat on the cushioned chair and placed the résumé on the table.

Chun returned with a pot of steaming coffee and two flower-stenciled cups. “Ming, you look like a statue staring into space. Are you all right?”

Ming handed the paper to Chun, then lifted the coffeepot and poured out two steaming cups of brew. She slid one toward Chun and the other raised to her lips, blowing the steam away.

Chun looked at the résumé for less than two minutes, prior to glancing at Ming. “Does this bring back memories of John? How long have you been holding on to this? It looks like you’ve had it a while.”

Ming’s eyes welled with tears, and she set the coffee cup on the table.

Chun slowly lowered the paper and placed her hands on Ming’s arms. “I’d like to help. Maybe if we talk it out, we can make sense of why this paper has you stressed.”

Ming drew in a sharp inhale before looking at the résumé, then at Chun. “Eighteen months ago, I received that résumé by accident. Each time I went to toss it, the paper would never slip free of my fingers. I can’t explain it, but substance lives in those words. Something about it reminds me of John, and over the past month, I’ve felt a strong prodding that I should pay attention and stop dabbling. I originally brushed off the feelings, but I’ve forced myself to complete a little research to figure out what all this means.”

Chun’s fingers lightly massaged Ming’s arms just above her wrists. “I can see it’s affecting you.”

Ming pointed in the paper's direction, prior to directing her eyes to the right and away from Chun. “Each time I reread the résumé, it’s as if images flash before me. I don’t fully understand what’s happening.”

“Images?”

“John’s boldness the day we accidentally met, and how our lives became intertwined.”

“So, you’ve seen images of John?”

“Not John himself, but a symbol of some sort, trying to tell me to wake up and pay attention to a fresh development coming into my life. I don’t recall what happened after the first flash, but something is pushing me to act.”

Chun’s thumbs rubbed lightly and patiently on Ming’s arms. “So, somehow the resume is bringing back pleasant memories.”

“Yes, and how happy we were together.” Ming wiped at the tears now blurring her vision.

Chun released the light contact on Ming’s arm and nodded for her to continue.

Ming looked away and down toward a vacant section of the table. John’s auto accident, the phone call from the police, the rush to the hospital, and the funeral.

She took a deep breath as her head rose to look directly into Chun’s eyes. “There is something about the words on this paper that brings all those memories to the surface. Some are beautiful, but some are so sad.” Ming pointed straight to the résumé as her index finger relaxed. “Every time I read this, I miss my husband and the relationship we had. But I don’t understand the link between the résumé and John, but I’m hoping you could help shed some light on it.”

“I can tell it’s not an average run-of-the-mill type. Here, in the section where the work experiences are, there’re several businesses listed, and at each interval more and more job advancements. The oldest listing is for a supervisor’s position, before the responsibilities gradually grow and the résumé shows the latest position is in management, overseeing safety and training. From what I can determine, this business probably employed several hundred people and in the next paragraph, there’s a simple listing of foreign work in several countries. If I had listed foreign work, I’d be bragging about it, but he doesn’t.”

Ming pointed toward the bottom section of the résumé. “The foreign work statement is talking to me, but I can’t put my finger on the reason.”

“Let’s start at the top and figure out the mystery. The guy’s name is Peter Williams. Does that mean anything to you?”

“I haven’t met him yet, if that’s what you mean, but I’m sensing calm and intelligent.”

Chun giggled as she wiggled the page between her fingers. “I haven’t picked up the same feelings that you’ve received from his name, but let’s move on. He’s educated, but is he cute and rich?”

“That’s hilarious, but I don’t want or need rich. Chun, look at the type of work he’s accomplished and the places he’s been.” Ming reached for her cell phone, opened the screen, and placed it within viewing distance of Chun. “Here, I’ll show you some social media pages. There are several photos and a short video. The video is an old news clip, and it mentions the death of a woman, which I’m assuming was Peter’s spouse.”

“The video shows a tragedy, and it seems you and Peter have a disheartening event in common.” Chun flicked through the photos, then stopped at a single portrait. “Perhaps you’re drawn to this widower because he looks so handsome in these pictures?” Chun’s elbow rose and blocked Ming from grabbing the phone. “He appears to be available and single in these photos, as I’ve seen no others with children or women.”

Ming smiled and secured the phone. But the quick movement allowed the résumé to drift between them.