Fiction: THE RECKONING (5)
In which John's date doesn't show, but someone else does, and he finds himself trapped in the Formosa. (excerpt from unpublished novel, MY OLD CHINA: A Delicate Friendship)
Sailing into the driveway of the Formosa a few minutes before the appointed hour, I circled the cramped rotary looking for a strategic place to stow my bike. Unsure of what I was getting into, the need for a quick getaway was not out of the question. With seven parts curiosity, three parts trepidation, I kicked back the kickstand, ran my fingers through my hair, tucked in my shirt, and slipped into the under-lit lobby like a seasoned regular.
Huamei had her clandestine appointments, and I had mine.
While I still had no idea what her friend looked like, Huamei assured me I’d have no trouble figuring it out. During a low point in last night’s dinner, I suggested calling the whole thing off. Pouting, Huamei reminded me I promised to go. Did I make a promise of it? I don’t know, but even if I did, why’d she care so much?
Once inside the lobby, I went to the empty cafe and carefully chose a corner chair facing outwards. When the sluggish waiter arrived to take my order, I answered with a lac…