Chapter 33: Mei’s Match
Ava sat across from Mei in the tea shop, her arms crossed and one eyebrow arched in suspicion. "So, let me get this straight: you gave me a whole lecture about taking chances on love, but all this time, you’ve been secretly matchmaking yourself?"
Mei didn’t even blink. Utterly unfazed, she stirred her tea with the calm precision of someone who had zero guilt and all the wisdom in the world. "Of course. What’s the point of running a matchmaking business if I can’t use it for myself every now and then?"
Ava stared, flabbergasted. "You’ve been matchmaking yourself? How long has this been going on?"
"Oh, just the last few months," Mei said, taking a slow sip from her floral teacup. "Ever since I met Harold."
"Harold?" Ava squawked, nearly spilling her own tea. "As in Harold Lin? The retired librarian who runs the community book club?"
Mei nodded with a faint smile, utterly serene. "The very same. He’s quite charming once you get to know him."
"And you didn’t think to tell me?" Ava demanded, gesturing wildly like an air traffic controller directing a particularly dramatic plane landing.
Mei shrugged, her calm demeanor infuriating. "I didn’t think it was relevant."
"Not relevant? You’re my grandmother!" Ava exclaimed, waving her hands in exasperation.
Mei set down her teacup with the precision of a Zen monk. "And you’re a very busy woman. Besides, it’s not like I needed your help. I matched myself perfectly, as usual."
Ava’s jaw dropped. "You’re unbelievable."