Lovers' Lies

One couple was Australian, the other American, and in the course of the day they had already established a rapport. After enquiring which part of the world she came from, the American man said, ‘There’s another New Zealander on the tour. Joshua—you know him?’

‘We met this morning.’

A waitress came to take their orders. Her English was earnest but limited, and there was much laughter and international sign language.

While Felicia was talking to the Australian couple the American man hailed someone coming in and began pulling up more chairs. It wasn’t until the newcomers sat down that Felicia turned, the smile freezing on her face when she saw who had joined them. Joshua, with the brunette beauty—now wearing loose, cool white trousers and a red figure-hugging top—back at his side.

His mouth turned down at one corner as he acknowledged her presence, his eyes holding a wry amusement. He knew she didn’t want to be anywhere near him, and thought it was funny.

Introductions were made all round, and Felicia smiled nicely at the dark-haired girl whose name was given as Suzette. Perfect for her, Felicia thought, and looked away to watch the waitress fill a tray at the bar.

She drank the mineral water she had ordered, taking no part in the plans for dinner at an outside restaurant. They all seemed happy to stick together, and she decided that if Joshua was going to join them she was bowing out.

Felicia had emptied her glass and was formulating the words to leave when someone ordered another round of drinks, and she found a second glass placed before her.

But when there was a general move to leave she said quietly to Maggie, ‘I’d really rather have a snack and go to bed. I haven’t recovered from the flight. Enjoy your evening.’ At least Maggie wouldn’t lack for company.

The other woman looked disappointed but didn’t argue. ‘Well... see you in the morning, then.’

Unlike Suzette, Felicia hadn’t been to her room to change. Thinking she would freshen up before having a light meal, she made for the elevators.

Two arrived at the same time, and she let the other people who were waiting fill the first, stepping into the second. The doors were already closing after her when a strong male hand made them re-open and Joshua entered.

She thought he almost stepped out again, but changed his mind, allowing the doors to slide to and shut them in.

Startled, Felicia said, ‘Aren’t you going to dinner?’ He turned to lean on the wall beside him as the car started upwards. ‘Not with that crowd.’ After a short pause, he added, ‘I thought you were going with them.’

‘They’re all very nice people.’

His eyebrows twitched. ‘Sure. So why aren’t you with them?’

She could say that she’d been trying to avoid him. But studied rudeness wasn’t natural to her and besides, if she made an issue of this he’d begin to wonder why. ‘My plane was delayed for twelve hours at Auckland,’ she said, ‘and my connection in Hong Kong had to be rescheduled. I need an early night.’

The elevator slid to a halt and the doors opened, but the two people waiting gestured that they wanted to go down, not up.

As the doors closed again Joshua said, ‘I really did wonder if we’d met somewhere. The way you looked at me in the lobby this morning...perhaps I misinterpreted?’

‘You remind me of someone I used to know,’ Felicia prevaricated. “That’s all.

He nodded, his eyes uncomfortably alert and assessing. If he asked who, she was going to have to chance a direct lie. But when he spoke he said mildly, ‘If I’d been trying to pick you up I’d have thought of something slightly more original. Like—if you’re going to eat before this early night you say you need, would you care to join me?’ His mouth curved invitingly, and his inquiring eyes gleamed with humour.

‘That’s original?’ Felicia asked dryly before she could stop herself.

He laughed. ‘At least it’s less hackneyed than “Haven’t we met before?” The Bamboo Grove on the ground floor serves a buffet of mixed western and Chinese food. I thought I’d try it tonight.’

The elevator halted at her floor, and as the doors glided apart he said, ‘So, may I meet you there?’

‘I’m really not very hungry.’ She stepped out into the corridor.

He held the door. ‘If you change your mind I’ll be there at seven-thirty.’

By the time she turned to tell him she wouldn’t be, the doors were closing again.

CHAPTER TWO

FELICIA showered in lukewarm water to cool herself, then dressed in fresh undies and a loose, short-skirted dress. Her excuse of being in more need of sleep than food hadn’t been entirely specious, but by the time she’d unpacked a few things that she hadn’t had time earlier to take from her suitcase, and studied the material provided about the hotel services and the city of Beijing, she was surprised to find herself feeling both wide awake and hungry.

She could order from room service.

Menu in hand, she glanced out the window at the tree-lined street, still full of bicycles and people. An old couple wearing woven peasant hats and comfortable pyjama-like garments exchanged greetings with a group of young women in colourful cotton dresses. Rickshaw cyclists cruised by, their vehicles sporting fringed canopies and cushioned interiors.

She was in an exciting, mysterious, ancient country—and here she was contemplating spending the evening sitting in her hotel room because she was reluctant to face a man who had disappeared from her life when she was no more than a child.

Ridiculous, she said to herself. She’d have a quick meal downstairs and venture forth for a little exploration on her own.

It wasn’t until she was approaching the restaurant that she looked at her watch and saw with surprise that the time was just after seven-thirty.

‘Miss Stevens?’ A smiling waiter greeted her at the door, his dark eyes gleaming.

‘Yes,’ she said hesitantly. Service at the hotel was excellent, but surely the staff couldn’t memorise all the guests’ names?

‘This way.’ He beamed at her and led her round the tall circular buffet topped with its own poroelain-tiled roof, and ushered her to a table for two. Joshua rose from his seat as the waiter pulled out a chair for her.

‘Glad you changed your mind,’ Joshua said.

Felicia had stopped dead. The waiter looked at her expectantly. She cast a glance around, saw the dining room appeared to be full, and reluctantly sank into the seat.

‘I will bring a wine list now,’ the waiter promised in faultless English, and bustled gracefully away as Joshua resumed his seat.

‘I thought I’d better grab a table,’ Joshua explained.

Felicia sat stiffly. ‘You told the waiter you were expecting me?’

‘I tipped him well to watch out for you.’

‘I thought tipping wasn’t acceptable here.’

‘In hotels that deal with western tourists it’s probably not uncommon.’

‘I appreciate your keeping a seat for me,’ she said, ‘but... if you don’t mind I’ll ask for a separate check.’

Joshua regarded her thoughtfully. ‘And if I do mind?’ he enquired. ‘After all, I did invite you to eat with me.’

‘I prefer to pay my own way.’

He shrugged. ‘If you insist. Is it necessary to tell you that I don’t think buying you a meal will entitle me to any privileges?’

‘It isn’t necessary at all,’ Felicia assured him coolly, ‘since you’re not buying it.’