My phone buzzed while I was finishing reading a report I had prepared for a meeting I had later in the week. Being retired didn't mean I stopped preparing or working, it just happened at my pace, not the other way around. I picked up the phone and answered without looking at the caller.
"Hello. This is Dave."
"Good, because that is who I am calling." A delicate voice came through, followed by a laugh. "I hope I am not interrupting you. Do you have time to talk?"
"For you, Li Sha, I always have time. You are never an interruption." I leaned back in my chair. The memory of dinner a few nights before entered my mind. "I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner the other night, perhaps we can do that again? Soon?"
"Oh, I enjoyed it as well, and 'yes' we should do that again. But I was calling about something else." Her tone turned focused.
"Certainly. What is on your mind? We can discuss on the phone or would you like to meet in person. I am at your service, Li Sha."
A lilt returned to her voice. "That is good to know. I think this call will be fine, but I was thinking of arranging a meeting and wanted to explain a little so you are aware of a few details. My cousin and uncle will be coming soon and I thought the four of us could meet. At my house, next to yours." There was a pause.
"Definitely. Say 'when' and I will be there. Is there anything I may bring? Do they have a favorite drink or food? Perhaps fruit?"
I was thinking this Wednesday would be good, and a fruit basket would be a lovely item. But what I wanted to discuss was more, shall we say, delicate. How would you feel about a massage? As part of our evening meeting. You would be the object of our attention, receiving the massage and more. Would you be interested in that?" A bit of nervousness seemed to enter her voice as she made the suggestion.
I paused, making sure I had heard what had been said. A question formed in my overheating brain. "Let me ask you the same question. Does this situation interest you? If it is something of interest to you, that you would enjoy, then absolutely. I don't shock easily, but might need a moment to process things. But one thing I do have is trust. Trust in you, Li Sha."
"The situation does indeed interest me! And my uncle and cousin. Most of all, I appreciate your trust and assure you it is well placed. This Wednesday will be a special day for all of us. Is 8:00 pm a good time for you?"
"Perfect. Should I reserve a 60 minute session? Any special preparation you might suggest?"
I asked, making a small joke.
"There will be no limit on the session, Dave. It will be as long as you wish. And 'come as you are'." I had the impression she was making an equally snarky comment in response.
"Alright then! I will see you on Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. I am very much looking forward to it, and to meeting your uncle and cousin." The call ended.
I had two days to think over the upcoming meeting. The idea of three men and one woman was intriguing, Also three related people and one not, not to mention three Asian and one Occidental. No matter how I tried to balance the numbers, they came out lopsided. I was certainly open to new experiences and this would definitely fit into that category. In the end, I remembered that I did, indeed, trust Li Sha. And knew I was in good hands. Yes, pun intended.
The two days flew by and it was Wednesday. Despite trying to maintain a calm demeanor, I found myself getting more excited the closer it got to evening. I had noticed the van with out of state plates had appeared in the driveway next door earlier that morning. In the afternoon, I showered and then I had a light dinner. My appetite for food wasn't nearly as good as another appetite and I felt somewhat like a kid on Christmas. I wasn't quite sure what Li Sha had in mind, but I figured she had something planned. It wouldn't be long.
I had set a reminder on my phone, not expecting to need it, but it surprised me when it went off. A good five minute warning. I looked over at the house and noticed a second vehicle in the drive, It appeared that they were all assembled, only the guest of honor was needed. I went to my bedroom to put on my clothes for the evening, not that I hoped to wear them for long. I had a fresh pair of underwear. I usually kept one pair from a new set as a 'just in case' item. Suitable for accidents or occasions such as this. I had a good shirt with no stains and a decent pair of khakis. Business casual, although this was much more pleasure than business. I was set.
I left my house and walked into the street strolling leisurely in the night air. I didn't want to appear anxious although my inner self was running down the street to get to the drive next door hollering 'Come on, damn it!'. I arrived and knocked lightly on the door.
The door opened and Li Sha greeted me in a red silk dress, the slits on the side went further up than I dared to look at a first glance. The fabric rustled slightly as she moved to the side to let me in. "Welcome! I am so pleased that we could have this evening on such short notice. Please come in and meet my uncle and cousin." She motioned to the front room where the massage table had been.
I entered the room and two Asian men stood and bowed slightly. Li Sha made the introductions "My uncle is Zi Gao, but we call him 'Joe'. My cousin Mok Gao or 'Moe' to our friends."
My extended hand was warmly grasped, first by Joe and then by Moe. Their grip and smiles seemed genuine and nothing short of enthusiastic.
"I will apologize for their limited English right now. We hope that they will improve over time, but for now, do not expect much. I can try to be the interpreter."
"No need for any apologies. Their English is much better than my Chinese. But their smiles are universal. It is a pleasure to meet them." I nodded in their direction which was replied with more nods. The vision of four bobbleheads in an earthquake came to mind, but I chose not to share the image.
We sat for a few moments and exchanged pleasantries, mostly compliments and weather and all funneled through our mutual interpreter, Li Sha. One of the two relatives would make a comment, sometimes with an English word followed by several Chinese words which she would relay to me. I would respond and she repeated the process in reverse.
Somewhat abruptly, Li Sha stood and made a statement to the two men in Chinese and pointed to the direction of the bathroom. They immediately rose and padded off in that direction. She turned to me with a wry smile. "I hope you are agreeable to a little sport I am having with my uncle and cousin. I should have asked you in advance, but the idea just presented itself to me. Would you care to play along?" The tilt of her head seemed to add emphasis.
Looking around the corner, I saw that the two others were in the bathroom with the door closed. "I'm certainly intrigued, and inclined to go along with the idea, but can you give me the gist of what the idea is?" I tried not to appear needy and continued with my biggest question. "And the massage is still happening, correct?"
"Oh the massage is still very much a part of the plan. I think you will be pleased with some extra details, perhaps 'Frank Sinatra' will even join us." A laugh and a wink finished her statement. "The first part of the plan is to have them repay you for your kindness and hard work. They will be your attendants for the preparation for the massage. It should teach them humility."
"I'm not entirely sure what that means, exactly, but I will play along. As long as it teaches humility and not humiliation. I have found that there is a difference, and often the humiliation will turn into resentment and I do not want a neighbor who resents me." I decided to make sure we were on the same page with our ideas. I would be happy to assist with a little fun at the two gentlemen's expense as long as it didn't go too far.
"A subtle distinction that is extremely important. No, I have made them think that they 'owed' something for your gracious actions. And they do. As do I. And do not worry. They will be richly rewarded for their service. It will be an active evening, to be sure. One that all of us will long remember. All you need to do is play along. If anything makes you uncomfortable or if you have questions, ask me. Now, time for your shower. Your attendants await."
"I showered before I came over, but I think I see where this is going. I will do my best." I rose and silently hoped my best was good enough. I headed for the bathroom where I heard water already running. A most interesting start to the evening.