Confucius Jane by Katie Lynch

“You might want a guide.”
    â€œOh?” Sutton had a hard time articulating even that simple syllable. Jane’s eyes were a color she’d never seen—brown and green and gold all swirling together. Hazel, her logical brain filled in helpfully. But the word seemed inadequate to describe such complexity.
    â€œThe streets are really crowded. It’s easy to get turned around, even if you know your way.”
    â€œI’ve actually never been into the center of Chinatown,” Sutton admitted. “This is as far as I’ve come.”
    Jane nodded, looking thoughtful. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re missing out.” She extended one hand. “I’m Jane. I’d be happy to be that guide, if you decide you want one.”
    Her palm was very warm, and calloused at the base of each finger. Sutton felt her pulse jump as Jane’s thumb brushed across her skin. When Jane’s eyes widened slightly, Sutton wondered if she’d felt the same tiny shock, which had nothing to do with static electricity.
    â€œYou can’t go wrong with Jane showing you around,” Min piped up. “She knows this neighborhood like the back of her hand.”
    Jane rolled her eyes and spared a quick glance over her shoulder. “Where does that saying even come from? Who has honestly ever studied the back of their own hand?”
    Sutton had to laugh. “I’ve never really understood it, either.” Suddenly, she realized she hadn’t introduced herself. “And I’m Sutton.”
    â€œDr. Sutton,” Jane corrected her, tilting her head toward Benny. Her grin carried a hint of mischief. “And the eavesdropper back there is Min.”
    â€œYou were dropping just as many eaves as I was!” Min said loudly.
    Jane shrugged, and with a squeeze so gentle Sutton thought she might have imagined it, let go of her hand. Was she blushing? The olive tone of her skin made it difficult to tell. In an effort to get her equilibrium back, Sutton squared her shoulders.
    â€œHi, Jane. Hi, Min. And outside the hospital, it’s really just ‘Sutton.’ Please.”
    â€œAll right, ‘just Sutton.’” Jane sounded at ease, but she had jammed both hands into her pockets. That simple sign of nerves gave Sutton a rush of badly needed confidence. “Let me show you the Spring Festival on Sunday. What do you say? The parade really shouldn’t be missed.”
    Sutton knew she should decline the invitation. She had more than enough to do, and besides, it made no sense for her to date—or even just make a new friend—with her future so up in the air. But as she looked from Jane to Min to Mei to Benny, she realized that she wanted to say yes. Over the past few months, they had made her feel a part of their community. Now, they were willing to share their special holiday with her. Besides, this wouldn’t even count as a real date. What did she have to lose? Jane was proposing a parade, not marriage.
    â€œI accept,” she said, secretly relishing the relief that flashed across Jane’s face before her insouciant grin returned.
    â€œGreat. Excellent. I think you’ll really enjoy it.”
    â€œWhen shall I meet you?”
    â€œHow about here at ten o’clock? That should give us enough time to find a good spot along the parade route.”
    â€œI’ll be here,” she said, wondering what Jane could read in her own expression. Suddenly, she realized that everyone was watching as they negotiated the specifics of their not-date. The self-consciousness returned in a rush. “I’m, um, going to get back to work.” She glanced quickly at Benny and Mei. “Thank you all for inviting me.”
    â€œSee you soon,” Jane said. “Oh, and Sutton? Wear red.”

 
    C HAPTER F OUR
    S UTTON STEPPED OUTSIDE, TURNED her face up to the sun, and smiled. The cold snap had finally ended