The Switch: A Friends To Lovers Romance Read online

  Her mortification was amplified as she saw the scene through Mrs. Henderson’s eyes. Great. Her next-door neighbor witnessed the most embarrassing moment of her life.

  Could it get any worse?

  “I can’t believe this.” Ashanti covered her mouth. A mouth that she’d forced on Luke. “Why didn’t he say anything?”

  “Ashanti? Are you okay?”

  “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Henderson. I just remembered. There’s somewhere I need to be.” Ashanti turned around and sprung toward her car.

  “Wait, Ashanti. We haven’t finished our discussion.”

  “Sorry.” Ashanti drove off and headed to Luke’s apartment. “Stupid, stupid,” she mumbled to the darkness of the car.

  So that dream, the one that had made her all hot and bothered the entirety of Thursday was no random fantasy.

  Her breath came in hard, fast gasps. Was she having a panic attack? Ashanti pulled the car over before she got into an accident. A driver honked from behind as she yanked on the steering wheel. Headlights flashed in her rearview mirror.

  Ashanti pressed on the gas and narrowly missed getting tailgated. She was too busy trying not to suffocate to care.

  Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel. She leaned her head against the leather and closed her eyes, struggling to remember the kiss. Only wisps returned to her, as if the moment had really happened in a dream that was slowly seeping out of memory.

  Why would she kiss Luke?

  That night, she’d been annoyed that Michelle and Luke had been clicking so well, but it wasn’t bad enough that she wanted him for herself.

  Her heart had been stirred after her father’s suggestion that she could have feelings for Luke, but she had decided her dad was wrong. She had planned to stuff any romantic leanings inside a drawer in her mind and never look at it again.

  But maybe it wasn’t that easy.

  If Ashanti threw herself at Luke while drunk, did that mean the alcohol had dampened her inhibitions and revealed her true desires.

  Or… was it just a bad decision without any hidden motivations?

  Ashanti massaged her temples. The kiss was one thing, but Luke’s silence about it was another.

  Why hadn’t he brought it up? Was he trying to spare her from embarrassment? Did he wait for her to mention it first and, when she didn’t, he decided to forget it?

  Ashanti couldn’t imagine what must have run through Luke’s mind when she kissed him out of the blue. What did he feel? Disgust? Revulsion? Horror?

  Ashanti tapped her forehead against the steering wheel and bawled. How could she face Luke again knowing that she’d, basically, sexually assaulted him?

  No wonder he’d acted so weird at the café the next day. Luke had asked to see her at home and seemed rather flabbergasted when she’d asked what he wanted to talk about. He’d questioned her about blacking out, investigating her memories of that night.

  “And I acted like such a brat this afternoon,” Ashanti mumbled.

  When she saw Luke waiting in her cubicle earlier today, resentment had welled in her chest. Luke hadn’t been there that night, when he said he would come. Even if she could handle his mother, she would have liked if he’d been there after to cheer her up.

  But he never showed.

  And worse, he hung up on her before she could explain what had happened and how shaken she was.

  Ashanti needed her space and figured she would get over it after a few days.

  The anger that thrummed in her heart that afternoon said she wasn’t over it. Not by a long shot.

  Ashanti sat up straight and brushed her hair away from her face. Whatever her personal feelings about Luke right now, she had made a mistake.

  She had to apologize. Clear the air. Bring their friendship back to its original ease.

  Luke was too important to her to let this stupid kiss fester the water. Michelle was his dream girl, but she was his past and present and that role could never be replaced.

  Ashanti started her car and got back on the road. Luke’s apartment rose in the distance.

  Unease slithered in the base of her stomach, but she forced herself to climb out of her car, walk up the stairs and knock on his door.

  While Ashanti waited, she wrung her hands together and tried not to throw up.

  It was just Luke. Nothing to worry about.

  Yeah, but now you know you kissed Luke. And you know that he knows about it too.

  The door opened before her thoughts could get any more confusing. Surprise gleamed in Luke’s eyes when he saw her. His dark brows hiked to his hairline and his mouth curved downward.

  “Luke!” she yelled, a little too loudly.

  He winced. “Hey.”

  Ashanti swallowed. Drew her gaze over his white T-shirt and comfortable jogging pants. His hair was messy, like he’d run his hands through it quite a bit. Was it out of frustration? Because of her?

  “I’m sorry to barge in like this. I know it’s late and you’re probably pissed at me after this afternoon—”

  “Ash, breathe.” Luke slipped his hands into his pockets. “Come in.”

  Ashanti walked forward while Luke closed the door. His apartment was small and sparse, but clean. He had a television with a game system set up and shelves filled with video games. She could see the kitchen from here and saw something bubbling on the stove.

  “Were you cooking?” she asked nervously.

  “Yeah. Ramen. Want some?”

  “Sure.” Ashanti followed him to the kitchen where he grabbed an extra pack of noodles and poured it into the bubbling water.

  Their friendship had never been awkward, but now that she knew about the kiss…

  “I’m sorry about the…” Ashanti blurted.

  “I didn’t mean to…” Luke said at the same time.

  Both friends stopped and chuckled.

  Ashanti ducked her head. “You go first.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. After my mom. I know how she gets. I’m her son and it can be a little overwhelming. I should have called you, made sure you were alright.”

  “It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

  “What are you sorry for?” Luke asked as he stirred the noodles.

  Ashanti inhaled a deep breath. “For the kiss.”

  The spoon dropped into the pot. Luke hissed and dove straight for it. The hot water soaked the tip of his middle finger and he yanked it out, flailing his hand like a fly swatter.

  “Luke, are you okay!” Ashanti cried. “Quick, pour some cold water on it.”

  Luke followed her to the sink where she dunked his hand under the faucet and let it pour. He squeezed his eyes shut in obvious pain.

  Ashanti laughed at his expression. “You’re such a baby.”

  “You stick your hand into a boiling pot of noodles and say that. I dare you.”

  She was about to shoot back a challenge of her own when there was a knock on the door. Luke moved away from the sink as if he’d check it out himself. Ashanti placed a hand on his shoulder to keep him under the stream. “I’ll get it.”

  Luke nodded, his dark eyes still cloudy with pain.

  Ashanti padded to the front door and pulled on the handle. What she saw outside made her jaw drop to the floor.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Uh, Luke!” Ashanti’s voice warbled to the kitchen. “Can you come out here? Now please!”

  Luke slapped the faucet down so the stream of water stopped. He snagged the kitchen towel folded over the oven’s handle and covered his hand in the damp cloth. Ashanti sounded nervous. Who could be at the door?

  “I’m coming!” he yelled as she strode into the next room. “What’s so urgent that you…?” Luke stopped short when he saw his grandparents standing in the doorway. “Yeye?”

  Victor Zhang, better known as Yeye to his grandchildren, arched an eyebrow at him.

  Yeye wore a plaid shirt over a grey T-shirt. His black pants were baggy and his leather shoes were so scuffed they looked
seconds away from falling apart.

  When Yeye first came to Belize, he was only twenty-two. He did tailoring in a wooden shanty deep in the Belizean ghetto. Years of hard work—and a few loans—allowed him to expand that shop.

  Now, Yeye owned several large department stores as well as restaurants and coffee houses. Because of his determination and vision, his children had never known the struggles he experienced as a young man living in poverty.

  Despite his vast wealth, Yeye dressed and spoke humbly. He gave generously to charities and was involved in numerous organizations, including a scholarship fund that offered students in his old neighborhood opportunities to go to high school.

  Respecting elders was a part of their culture, but even if that were not so, Yeye’s wisdom and wit would have earned Luke’s admiration.

  Next, Luke’s eyes fell on his grandmother who waited beside her husband. Nai Nai stood tall and proud despite being a couple inches past five feet. Her hair was devoid of grey and lay in a sophisticated coif over her forehead.

  Nai Nai’s dark eyes were lined with wrinkles that deepened whenever she smiled. Which was often. She wore minimal makeup, but the warmth in her soul shone through the golden cadence of her skin and gave her a youthful glow.

  If Yeye was the head of the family, Nai Nai was the backbone.

  Yeye spent his life building an empire to give his family a better future, and Nai Nai did all she could to keep their family together.

  Luke respected her immensely and was honored that she would visit his shabby apartment. Even if he had a feeling this wasn’t a social call.

  “Can we come in, Luke?” His grandfather asked hoarsely.

  Ashanti backed away from the door until she stood beside him. Her bottom lip was between her teeth and she chewed it like taffy. “Luke… did you invite them?”

  “No,” he mumbled to her before lowering his gaze and speaking to his grandfather. “Make yourselves at home.”

  Luke heard the patter of footsteps as his grandfather ambled in, followed by his grandmother, three of his uncles, and four of his aunts. His parents were the last to enter, but when he saw them his bewilderment faded.

  Mom’s behind this. That means it definitely won’t be good.

  His mother avoided Luke’s gaze as she passed, but Yong Chung pierced him and Ashanti with a scathing glare before he found the last available seat in the living room.

  “What’s going on?” Ashanti hissed in his ear. “Is randomly visiting relatives a tradition you never shared with me?”

  He shook his head.

  Fear lingered in Ashanti’s big brown eyes. He’d never seen her so shaken.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  She leaned over and replied, “I guess this is what you feel like when you’re the only Asian in the room.”

  Luke glanced at all his relatives and almost chuckled. “You really think this is the best time to be making jokes?”

  Ashanti shrugged.

  Luke realized everyone was staring at them and straightened. Silence echoed in the room, mounting the tension he already felt.

  His mother had called an emergency Zhang meeting. He didn’t see Uncle Eddie here, which meant she’d gone to great lengths not to inform his one and only ally.

  What is she planning?

  Luke took in a big breath and slipped his hand over Ashanti’s. He could feel her tremble. Her gaze moved from his family to his face. He gave her a reassuring smile and then led her forward.

  Yeye stared at them as they approached. His dark eyes were like bottomless black pools that threatened to drown him if he wasn’t careful.

  Luke bowed from the waist in respect.

  Yeye acknowledged the greeting with a nod.

  Luke straightened and spoke in a loud, clear voice. “Welcome, Yeye. This is my friend, Ashanti.”

  “Hey.” Ashanti wiggled her fingers nervously and whispered, “Should I bow too?”

  “Relax,” Yeye said, hand outstretched.

  But just because he’d said so didn’t mean Luke had to listen. He turned to Ashanti. “Go home. This has nothing to do with you.”

  “Just a minute,” Yeye barked.

  Ashanti froze, her body already tilted toward the door.

  “Stay,” Yeye said.

  Ashanti looked to him for guidance. Luke remained silent. Even though Ashanti was not a family member and she could choose to walk out with no ramifications, Luke would not tell her to disobey.

  Not to Yeye’s face.

  Ashanti swallowed, but dragged her feet back to where Luke stood. “Yes, Mr. Yeye… sir.”

  “We apologize for barging in, Luke,” Yeye began. “It was not our intention to speak to you both, but now that you are here I am taking it as a sign that we should involve the parties responsible for this meeting.”

  Ashanti clasped her hands behind her back and stared at the floor.

  Luke knew she was uncomfortable and couldn’t remain quiet. “Yeye, with all due respect, Ashanti did nothing wrong. If you want to scold someone, scold me. Just me.”

  “Look at you,” Nai Nai spoke up. “Acting like you’re a grown man.”

  His mother stepped forward. She wore a bright pink blouse and a pair of black pants. She had her hair pinned in a style his siblings had dubbed The Parent-Teacher Swirl.

  His mother was not the type of woman to take a back-seat approach when it came to her children’s grades. Whenever they were failing in a particular subject, she’d storm the school armed with questions and demands.

  Before every parent-teacher meeting, his mother would pin her hair up in exactly that style.

  Seeing it now, Luke knew she meant business.

  “I’ve done my best to handle this problem on my own,” she said wearily. He was stunned when he recognized how gaunt her face looked. Had she really been starving herself over this?

  “Ma…”

  She ignored him. “I’ve spoken to my son. Begged him to see reason. I even buried my pride and pleaded with that woman—” she pointed to Ashanti—“with the greatest sincerity and she responded with insults and disrespect.”

  “Hey!” Ashanti took a step forward as if to fight.

  Luke snatched her wrist and held her back. When she turned her head and her fiery gaze slammed into his, he said firmly, “No.”

  Ashanti fighting with his mother in front of all their family would only make her look like the bad guy and he was sure his mother had already given Yeye and all the others that impression.

  “We haven’t done anything wrong,” Luke said.

  “Nothing wrong?” His mother scoffed. “You shamed our entire family by pursuing someone your parents do not approve of. You—”

  “That’s enough,” Yeye said. He didn’t raise his voice, but his mother immediately shut her mouth and dipped her head.

  “Yes, Yeye.”

  Nai Nai frowned. She stood behind Yeye’s chair, her eyes fixed on Ashanti. “What does your father do for a living, dear?”

  “Uh, he’s a professor at a university.”

  “What does he teach?”

  “Physics.”

  “Interesting,” Yeye mused.

  Luke scanned his grandparent’s faces. “Why are you asking about her father?”

  Yeye waved a hand in his direction but continued addressing Ashanti. “And what do you do?”

  “I’m a journalist for the Belize National Paper.”

  Yeye’s eyes lit up. “Is that so.”

  “Y-yes?” Ashanti blinked.

  “I read that newspaper every morning,” Yeye said.

  Nai Nai smiled. “It’s a part of his day. Like eating breakfast and taking medicine.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t pay much attention to the writers, only the stories. What type of articles are you in charge of?”

  “There aren’t enough writers that we cover only one type of story. I’ve written everything from political pieces to natural disasters.”

  “Fascinating.” Yeye leane
d forward. “How does it all work?”

  His mother’s face reddened. “Can we stay on topic here, please?”

  “Know your place.” Nai Nai made a hissing sound. “Everything will be handled in due time. Trust me.”

  Awkward silence descended.

  Luke watched her sink back into the crowd of his relatives. He hated when anyone spoke harshly to his mom, but there was a part of him that thought she deserved it.

  “Well?” Yeye asked.

  Ashanti had stopped trembling and seemed to be loosening up. Even in this highly uncomfortable scene, she came alive when she spoke about her job.

  Some people were born with talent and Ashanti was born to write.

  Her voice rose with confidence. “Normally, the editor will receive tips or calls from the public about a car accident or a fire. Sometimes, we hound the police station for new stories when the tips aren’t particularly newsworthy that day. And sometimes, we investigate on our own.”

  “And have you ever done an investigation?”

  “Actually, I’m conducting one right now.” To his surprise, Ashanti grabbed a chair and pulled it up to Nai Nai. “Do you want to sit? This will take a while.”

  Nai Nai chuckled in delight. “Why, thank you.”

  “No problem.” Ashanti’s hands gestured wildly as she spoke. “So I’m working on a case with a drug dealer targeting teenagers. This guy is making criminals out of high school kids.”

  Yeye nodded sagely. “I’ve seen the destruction the drug business brings to vulnerable communities. It’s sickening.”

  Nai Nai murmured her agreement.

  “One of the concerned parents reached out to the paper, but the police won’t move in on the drug dealer because, unfortunately, not all of them have the community’s best interest at heart.”

  “Isn’t investigating a drug dealer dangerous?” Nai Nai gasped.

  “It doesn’t matter to me,” Ashanti said earnestly. “If the truth can help save someone’s future, I’ll pursue it no matter the consequences.”

  Luke felt a stupid smile climbing his face, but he was powerless to wipe it off. Ashanti was so ditzy and impulsive around him that he sometimes forgot how accomplished he was.