I leaned my head against his shoulder. “Do you ever want to come back and work here?”
“It depends on where you’ll be after you graduate.” He kissed the top of my head and pulled me closer.
“If I pass. Madam Fong is hard to read, but said I have at least another six months left, if I work hard. We’ve been away from family for too long.” I turned my head and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I’m glad we squeezed in the visit to Montreal to see your family.”
“I can’t believe Dad asked you for tax and investment advice.” Marc sighed. “I told him you’re not doing that anymore, but he always needs more opinions. He collects them like basketball jerseys.”
“I don’t mind. I talk to Ma and the aunties often enough to get a gist of what the general trends are investment-wise. I don’t miss being glued to my desk though.” We stopped at the entrance of the restaurant.
I adjusted the collar of his charcoal sports jacket and gave the hem a little tug while Marc tucked a stray strand of auburn-brown hair behind my ear. I smoothed down the short silk charmeuse skirt of my scarlet strapless gown. My aunt had established the dress code when she sent the invitation. The meal she and Girard promised would be spectacular to mark the occasion.
“Shall we go?” I asked.
He offered me his arm and we walked inside.
After Marc chatted with some familiar faces, the host led us through the busy dining room and toward one of the private rooms. The last time we were here, we were in the Mucha room. This time, the door opened to the Lalique room. Inside, Aunt Evelyn and Girard waited for us along with Uncle Michael and Jack. All were dressed for the occasion: tailored suits and a sparkling silver off-the-shoulder gown on my aunt. I was soon surrounded by cheek kisses and embraces.
Once we all took our places at the table, the questions began.
“We are all dying to know how your studies are going.” Uncle Michael handed me a Bellini.
I thanked him and took a dainty sip. The drink wasn’t too sweet and it was refreshing. “I think Madam Fong likes me? She appreciates that I work hard, and underneath the general crabbiness, I think she respects me.”
“I take it that the Mandarin lessons Marc’s been giving you haven’t stuck?” Jack asked with a chuckle.
“No. I’m fine living my life knowing only English and mangling it most days. I have him as a translator wherever I go anyway. It comes in handy.” I gave my boyfriend a saucy grin. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Not at all.” Marc kissed my cheek. “In addition to being a translator, I also cook. I know the way to her heart is through her stomach.”
“It’s the open secret that applies to everyone in the family.” Aunt Evelyn nodded.
Girard added, “When we visited California last summer, I think I spent more time eating than I did talking to family.”
“I was introduced during a wedding. Ten courses of food to keep the conversation flowing. What I want to know is if both of you got to taste Gloria’s specialty dish?” Jack asked.
Marc and Girard both replied yes at the same time.
I sipped my aperitif. “It’s because you’re all handsome. Our family is shallow. No one wants to admit it.”
“She’s not incorrect.” Aunt Evelyn laughed. “Now tell us how your matchmaking education is coming along.”
“It’s been nonstop since last year, and the lessons have been challenging. Like your lessons, except it’s for matchmaking. I’m behind where Madam Fong expects a student of my age, but I’m catching up. She believes I have a natural aptitude. I honestly think it’s why she took me on in the first place.”
Girard smiled. “Despite your harsh assessment, it sounds like you’re doing well.”
“To Vanessa.” Marc raised his glass. “We are all here together because of you. We are your success stories. To our soon-to-be-full-fledged matchmaker! We’re proud of you.”
I glanced around the table and at everyone’s raised glasses.
When I left for Shanghai, I was certain it was what I was meant to do, but to have it confirmed by them, with joy in their eyes, was touching. I knew why Aunt Evelyn prided herself as clairvoyant.
“Thank you.” I smiled. “This means so much to me. Oh, Aunt Evelyn, before I forget. Remember how you were confused as to why you have a red thread now? I asked Madam Fong. She believes I gave it to you when I matched you and Girard. No matchmaker has done it before, but my society thinks it’s because I had two destinies and we were linked through our clairvoyance. I’m glad I was able to do this for both of you.”
Aunt Evelyn sniffed and wiped her eyes. Girard mouthed his thanks to me before comforting her.
“I also have one more thing to say.” I reached into my pocket and slipped the ring on my finger. I raised my hand and flashed a one-carat diamond engagement ring. “This was Marc’s mother’s ring. We haven’t set a date yet, but it’ll be after I finish my training with Madam Fong.”
The room erupted.
The men pounded Marc’s back. I received a flurry of kisses.
A little over a year ago, I found happiness in Paris. He followed me to Shanghai, and he told me he would go wherever I was. The future was ours to shape.