Forget Me Not

Chapter 25

Back in Hong Kong, the restaurant was in total chaos. Everything was a mess without Sunny there. Josie was there night and day trying to get control of the place. Amy was pulling her hair out trying to get the books in place. It wasn't until then that Josie appreciated Sunny for all his time and effort, he was definitely good at doing his job.

Nick was gracious enough to drop by on his spare time to help them, when he walked into a chaotic room. He stood at the door and staring at all the waiters and waitresses scrambling to take orders. He walked over to Amy, who's hair was tousled and she looked like she was on too much coffee. "Need help?" he asked casually as he leaned on the counter.

"Nick?!" she smiled brightly despite her tired face "I'm so glad you're here...Can you figure this out for me? I can't seem to get the numbers to fit. I don't know why because normally, I can do it in one shot and Sunny's always the one with the problem but I can't seem to get it to work-" she stopped when he reached over and covered her mouth.

"Amy, calm down. How many cups of coffee did you have?" he looked around and there were about five.

"Oh, five, six, ten....who's counting." she practically pushed the papers into his chest "Help please." she begged.

They were quickly interrupted by Josie who stood there with a tray and some cash "Amy, this is all wrong. The customer in table 10 gave you 1000 dollars, you gave them back $1590??" she sighed and handed it to Amy before rushing to another table.

Amy frowned as she slumped in her chair "I can't do this anymore."

Nick laughed "Calm down, move over, let me handle this. Why don't you do something else? Maybe rest or...comb you hair." he picked at the flying strands off her hair on her head.

She sighed gratefully "Thank you!!" she gushed as she hugged and kissed him on the cheek without thinking twice. She quickly let go of him and stumbled a few steps back. "Uh...sorry boss."

He smiled as she almost tripped on the floor trying to walk backwards. He looked down at the books and took his time trying to figure out what to do. He wasn't great in math, but he sure can add with the help of a calculator that is.

Josie was so busy that she did not see Josh walk in. "Table 3 check!" she yelled to Rain while taking a few dishes back into the kitchen. Only did she run back out and found Josh standing by the hostess desk wearing a suit and a hand in his pocket. She felt her heart skip a beat as she smoothed out her messy hair "Hi..." she sighed tiredlessly.

Josh smiled "Hi. Busy?"

She nodded in exaggeration "Very! Sunny will be happy to know we do not do well without him." she laughed "Did you want a table? Do you have a meeting?" she pointed to his well dressed outfit. It was probably the first time she saw him in a suit.

He looked down at himself "Oh this? No, I had an early meeting with my father and the other partners of the company. I don't usually wear suits." he wrinkled his nose "I wanted to have dinner." he smiled when her face brightened.

Josie nodded and cleared her throat to put on her professional voice "Why sure, Sir. We have the best seafood in town. I guarantee it." she pointed to an empty table "Right this way, Sir."

He shook his head "Thank you. After you." he pointed for her to leave first.

She laughed comfortably, almost forgetting the horrors the morning had brought her. "What would you like to eat?" she asked.

"Hmm...what do you recommend?" he played along with her game.

"The roast duck is fresh and very tasty. Hmm..but the fish is definitely better for your health. The vegetables are always the best here." she nodded without being humble.

"Great, I'll have all three dishes then." he handed her back the menu "I'll leave it to you to decide on how to cook them." he gave her wink that made her grin from ear to ear.

"Coming up." Josie smiled. She rushed to the kitchen and placed his order down. She was smiling so much that Paul had to comment.

"You look like you're in love." he teased while cooking a dish.

Josie quickly washed away the daze grin "Of course not! I'm just a happy person."

Paul laughed "Whatever you say."

She rushed out of the kitchen with a smile plastered on her face. Josie was so involved in her own little bliss that she didn't see Amy coming through. The girls collided and fell back in pain. "Sheesh, don't you watch where you're going?" Josie complained as she struggled to get up.

"Sorry, I thought you saw me." Amy replied.

Nick was within eye distance as he ran over to the girls and helped them both up "You girls okay?" he asked with concern.

Amy nodded "Yeah."

"I guess." Josie grumbled. But when she stood up, her left ankle gave way as she fell right back down. "Ow..." she groaned in pain. "Okay, I lied, I'm not alright."

Amy felt guilty as she bent down to Josie "I"m sorry...I didn't mean.."

Josie shook her head "It's not your fault..." she touched her ankle and it only gave her more pain. "I don't think I can walk." she whispered to Nick.

He quickly helped her up on the nearest empty chair "Just rest, I'll call the cab to take you to the hospital. We'll fix you in no time."

Josie smiled with appreciation "Thanks, boss."

"I'll take her." Josie looked up and found Josh stopping Nick's phone call. "It'll probably faster...and safer, you know how the cab drivers drive." he cracked a joke making Josie smile away her pain.

"Okay. Call me if it's serous." Nick said. He watched as Josh carefully picked Josie up with his arms and took out of the restaurant. People stared strangely wondering what had happened.

"Now we're short handed." Amy groaned.

"At least it's almost closing time." Nick said optimistically. "Maybe we should call Sunny back?"

Amy shook her head vehemently "I don't want to ruin his vacation. He needs the time off, anyways he left us in charge, what if he knew we couldn't handle it? Poor guy, he would never take a day off again, even if he's in his death bed!" Who was she kidding they need Sunny and Allie back desperately. It's only been a week since he was gone and they were rambling to keep it in order.

Nick nodded "You've got a point. I'll wait another day before I call him."

Amy smiled "Good idea."

*********

On the ride to the hospital, Josie was still smiling despite of her pain. Josh seemed to notice as he glanced at her every once in a while "What are you so happy about?"

She dropped her grin "Nothing!" she replied quickly "I'm just in so much pain that it's funny..."

He laughed "You're really strange you know that?"

Josie nodded in agreement "Yup. And proud of it!" she twitched when a pain shot through her leg when he made a quick stop.

"You okay?" he caught her pained face.

She nodded "Yeah." she turned and saw him staring at her intently "Really, I'm okay." she assured.

He quickly turned away "Oh...sorry. I was just thinking...I don't know if I should ask." he stuttered with the words.

Josie shrugged "No, I'm not gay."

He let out a surprise laugh "No no...I wasn't going to ask you that....Um, but there is this thing. This annual black and white ball that my father holds for the company. I usually don't bring a date, but since..."

"Yes!!" she cried eagerly but quickly laughed when she realized he had not asked yet "I mean if you're asking me to be your date...it's yes."

He smiled "Great. I was going to ask Allie but well, you know. Plus she doesn't really like my family, but who can blame her? I think you will do just fine, you're not afraid to speak up." he said with observation.

Josie laughed "I'm that scary huh?"

He shook his head with his eyes wide open "No, I didn't mean that at all..."

She smiled and muffled a laugh "I was teasing."

He sighed with relief "We're here now." he opened the door after he stopped in front of the hospital entrance. He ran to the other side and opened the door as he carefully picked her up. Using his feet, he pushed the door closed.

They had to sign in and wait in line since it was not an emergency. After about half an hour wait, the doctor was ready to see them. It was not a secluded area but they had the curtains closed from other rooms. He examined her foot for a while and pressed on the purple bump on her ankle "It doesn't look broken. Just a major sprain. I'll wrap it up and you'll be running in no time." he smiled at the two of them and walked out to the reception area and called a nurse to get bandages.

Josie was relieved "So, when is this dinner party?"

Josh looked at her apologetically "It's the following night. I know it's late notice..." he began but she silence him with a shake of the head.

"It's okay. I have no life, there are no plans for the next decade..." she joked.

He laughed "I feel better now." After her foot was bandaged, Josh took her home and made sure she was in her apartment safe and sound.

Chapter 26

Shanghai

Sunny stayed with Allie after they saw each other on the great wall. They spent every minute of the day together, finding out more about each other. She knew there was an obvious connection since there were times she could almost read his mind.

They were having dinner at a well known restaurant in the city when he received a phone call. He tilted his head in curiousness "It's Nick." he said to Allie. She raised her eyebrow as he answered the phone. "Hello? Hey, yeah, I'm having dinner. What's the matter?" he listened for a while and a smile came over his face. "Not a problem. I'll be back tomorrow night." he hung up the phone and shook his head laughing.

"What's wrong? The restaurant is chaotic without you?" she asked jokingly.

He looked up at her "How did you know?"

She laughed "I was just joking. But you're serious?" he nodded "Wow...can't leave them alone for one week huh?" she suddenly saddened "My flight back isn't for another four days."

Sunny smiled "It's okay. We'll see each other again." he reached over and took her hands in his "It's been the best vacation I have ever been to." she nodded in agreement "Should I tell the others or should we wait until you are back?" it was a question he was meaning to ask.

Allie was quiet "I don't know..."

He instantly knew the reason "You're worried about what Josh might think right? I know he still has feelings for you." he patted her on the hand.

She nodded "I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable." he understood "I know you understand, but I'm afraid some people can't. Do you mind if we keep it on the down low?"

He smiled "If I said I did, would you tell everyone?"

Allie laughed "You know the answer, so why ask?"

"Just testing the fate thing you know?" he smiled "Don't worry, I won't tell that nosy little girl. She'll be the first to blab it to the world." he joked.

"Thanks for understanding." she was so grateful that he was the way he was "How did I ever not see that part of you?" she asked playfully tilting her head to the side. Her curls fell softly over her shoulders.

Sunny reached over and moved them away from her face with obvious affection "You knew but you were afraid to believe it."

"And how is it that you know me like a book?" she asked, it didn't not scare her but it made her began to believe in fate.

"I know you because I was meant to know you as you are meant to know me. Just give yourself time to soak it all in." he assured her.

***************One day later*************

Josie didn't have a hard time getting the day off since Nick was more than happy to let her have the time off. She was working harder than everyone. "Thank you so much!!" she gushed "You're my favorite boss!!" she exclaimed happily.

Nick smiled "I'll be sure to tell Sunny."

Josie's smile turned into a frown "Uhmm...how about we keep this to ourselves?" she winked to confirm the secret. She had another motive, she did not want Allie coming back to know that she was going on a date with her ex boyfriend.

"Fine by me." he nodded. He looked at the clock "You can leave at 2pm. Is that enough time?" he asked.

Josie nodded "More than enough! The dinner is at 7pm." she worked happily for the rest of the time but every so often she would look at her watch to make sure time was actually passing. Josh would be picking her up at the restaurant. She called and left a message with his receptionist about the time she would be off.

It was passed noon when she saw Steve sitting at one of the tables staring out the window again. She remembered Nick was a friend of his as she rushed over to where Nick was "Hey boss, what's wrong with that man over there?" she pointed to Steve.

Nick looked up and frowned "I don't know... has he been doing this?"

Josie nodded "Every day around this time. Is he stalking someone?" she whispered.

He let out a laugh "I doubt it." he returned to his newspaper reading and after a few seconds he placed it down "I'm gonna find out." Josie smiled with her head shaking, he was as nosy as she was.

Steve saw Nick's reflection in the mirror "Don't bother me." he said putting up a hand without looking up at Nick.

Nick sighed "Okay, what's wrong? Why have you been here everyday? You said you did not like the food and service here." he pointed out.

"I'm waiting for her..." Steve sighed.

Nick looked out the window only to find hundreds of female walking back and forth "Who?"

"Her..." he mumbled. "Just leave me alone, you'll never understand. Only Allie understands." he sighed.

Nick took the hint "Alright, just let me know if you need anything else." he sighed at his friend before leaving him to his own day dream.

***************

At 2pm on the dot, Josh came to pick up Josie. She collected her belongings and happily trotted to him. "Shall we?" he asked politely.

"Sure." she smiled "But I need a shower, I smell like barbeque pork and duck." she sniffed herself and made a horrible face.

He laughed "That's fine. I think I should shower too." she looked at him strangely since he did not smell "Being in a car with you will make me smell too." he cracked.

She laughed as she hit him playfully. Josie abruptly stopped laughing as she gasped "HAH! I don't have a dress!!" she exclaimed.

Josh clutched his heart "Is that all?" he sighed and leaned back to grab a box "You look like a size 2." he handed it to her. "I hope you don't mind me picking up the dress for you."

She was in total shock as she opened the box to find a beautiful lace turquoise blue dress with spaghetti straps. There were waves of lace on the collar part, making it look classy. The cut was diagonal at the hem giving it a classic look. "This is beautiful." she gasped "I've never had anything this...girly before." she searched for the right words.

He smiled "I'm glad you like it." he stopped in front of her apartment "I'll pick you up at around 4, is that enough time?" Josie nodded happily.

She got out of the car and carried her box up to her apartment happily. She sighed blissfully before landing on her bed tummy down. Something she did only when she was truly happy.

Chapter 27

Later that night, Josh came on time to pick up Josie for the dinner party. The dressed fit her perfectly and her hair was done up with falling curls. She may look like a tomboy but she still know what to do when the occasion came up. He was at lost for words when he saw her dressed in the fitting dress. Her smile made him blush as he nodded "You look....amazing." he shook his head. He gave her a slight bow "Shall me, Miss?"

Josie smiled trying to hide her thumping heart, he looked amazing in the back tuxedo. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." she teased.

They were off to the party, everyone was dressed elegantly. Josie felt she was out of place from all the ball gowns that women wore. Josh was a gentleman the whole night, never leaving her side since she only knew him. At one point, she was standing around mingling with Josh and some of his co workers. She quickly excused herself "Sorry, I have to use the...ladie's room." she knew it was more appropriate than bathroom.

Josh smiled with a nod "It's down that hall to your left." he pointed.

She was in the bathroom along with a line full of girls freshening up eventhough they just got there. Some glanced at her and a few checked her out from head to toe. No one new who she was but she came with the boss's son. Those girls soon left the bathroom and a new bunch came in "Did you see who Josh brought?" Josie was in the stall when she heard someone muttered.

"Yeah, she looked like she hasn't eatened in ages!" another voice cracked.

The girls blew up in giggles "And where do you think she can afford that dress?"

"Josh probably bought it for her. I hear she's a waitress." the girls talked on for a while. And it wasn't until they talked about Joey when Josie realized they thought she was Allie.

Josie walked out of the stall clearing her throat loud and clear. She saw the girls glance at each other as they suddenly shut their mouths. She cleaned her hands casually and fixed any misplaced strands of curls. She opened the door and before she left she turned to the girls "You can go on and talk about me now. But I am not who you think I am. Didn't your mother ever teach you not to talk about others behind their back?" she snorted and walked out of there looking extra confident.

She returned to Josh looking a bit upset, but he didn't seem to notice since he too caught someone gossiping about his brother and the love triangle with Allie. "Can we get out of here?" he asked Josie.

She sighed "I thought you'd never ask!" the two walked out after only being there for one hour.

He drove along downtown city until it reached the beachside. "Let's have dinner." he smiled secretly. He quickly opened the door for her "Come on." he took her hand and they ran to the pier where a little restaurant stod. They ended up ordering fast food while sitting on the bench of the pier eating their cheap food. "Thank you." he said out of nowhere.

Josie laughed through her mouthful of rice "Anytime. I didn't expect to enjoy that party anyways." she shrugged "This is much better."

He nodded "I'm glad you feel that way." he saw her shiver. Josh placed his container on the empty seat next to him as he took off his coat and placed it on her shoulders "Tell me Josie, why did you agree to come if you did not expect to like the party?"

She stopped eating as she swallowed the remaining food in her mouth "Because friends do favors for friends." she answered matter of factly.

"That's all?" he pressed.

"Yeah." she blushed lightly but she knew he could not see under the dim light. "What else do you think?"

"Nothing..." he said sounding disappointed.

She laughed nervously "Did you want me to say that I like you or something?"

He turned to face her with a surprised expression. "You do?"

She let out a sigh as she stood up and walked a few feet away "I guess you could say I do. But I'm not about to fall head over heels for someone that is in love with one of my closest friends."

He shook his head "I'm not in love with her. Not anymore at least. I guess I just needed reassurance from her, it's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders." he was telling the truth, he was actually over her. "Maybe all I needed was time away from her."

Josie felt hopeful to hear him say it. "So what does that mean? You're free to allow someone else a chance?" she hinted with a smile.

"You know what I like about you?" he asked with interest, she shook her head "You have this confidence about you that doesn't scare off people. You say it like it is. Don't get me wrong, I adore Allie but she's the type of person that won't say something because it will hurt the other person. But you...you're just very different." he complimented.

Her face showed extreme happiness "Thank you. But you didn't answer my question."

He laughed "Different and bright. I would like to take more time before I decide." he said carefully.

Josie couldn't hide her disappointment "I respect that." she let out a deep breath "Okay, I should I go home now before it gets anymore uncomfortable."

He stood up to block her way "You didn't let me finish." she wrinkled her eyebrows questioningly "Normally, I think I would take more time and maybe I should. But I trust my gut. If you want to give this a try...I am willing to."

She covered her mouth to keep herself from screaming with joy "Thank you!!" She jumped up and hugged him happily. "Thank you sooo much!!!"

He laughed "I've never had a girl thank me for this before."

Suddenly, she pushed him away "Wait! We can't start." she rubbed her forehead "Allie...what about Allie? How would she feel if she knew we got together?" she asked with nervousness.

"I knew you would think of that." he nodded in agreement "Maybe we should not tell anyone just yet. We should let her cool down first."

She smiled "You read my mind."

"Scared?" he asked with a grin as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her back to the car.

"Not the least bit. If anything, you should be scared. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into." she warned.

"I'll take my chances." his last comment made her feel warm inside.

****************

When Josie came home, she was smiling so much that she did not see a shadow stiring on her couch. She practically jumped back in shock "Geez! Oh my gosh, you scared the crap out of me!!" she cried when she recognized the shadow to be Sunny.

He sat there still in the darkness and his hand resting on his head. She saw him looking at her intently after she turned on the lights "Where have you been?" he said after looking at her up and down. Her dress was way too expensive for her taste.

"I...I was...out..." she stuttered like a girl caught by her father.

"Out? At 1am in the morning?" he asked with a harsh tone "Don't lie to me, I'm not a three year old kid."

She laughed nervously "I'm not lying. Why are you back already?" she tried to change the subject.

"I got an urgent call from my partner, your other boss that it was chaotic since the day I left. I cannot trust you two anymore can't I?" he stood up and faced her.

She buzzed her lips in humor "Of course not! We are doing fine without you, Nick was just being overexaggerated. Everything was good, the people were very nice and there were no errors...Okay okay!!" she sighed "I hate it when you give me that guilty look. "It was crazy without you." she finally admitted. She whimpered as she hugged him dearly "I hurt my ankle." she pouted.

He laughed "What did you do? Trip over the the empty floor?" he patted her on the back with no feeling. He was use to her being baby with him. Knowing that she had no brothers and they were both orphans.

She pushed him away harshly "No, I ran into Amy. Or she ran into me...it doesn't matter, I'm okay now." she yawned "It's getting late, I should go to sleep now."

He tilted his head and rolled his eyes "This talk is not over. If it wasn't because I was stuck on the plane for the past 5 hours, I would not let you get away with it. I'll find out who the other guy is..." he narrowed his eyes at her "Mark my words."

Josie rolled her eyes "Good luck, there is no other guy."

He pounded his fist on his other palm "Darn! I was hoping there was another guy. So I can give up my job with babying you..." he quickly dodged her punch while he laughed. He ran to the door "See you tomorrow."

Josie wrinkled her nose at him as he left her apartment. A natural smile came over her face as she recalled the magical night. She never imagined it to be so easy to fall for a guy and have him returned the feelings.

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