One of my favorite narrative tricks is foreshadowing. Now, I’m a little different than some in that, I don’t need to be fooled or overly titillated in a heavy handed way to be engaged. Sometimes it’s enough for me to know there’s something brewing to want to keep reading — especially if the characters are strong.
In this snippet from my latest WIP “Saints and Sinnas,” I pick things up where last week’s blog left off. We’re at a party with Tan, Sinna and her girls, who just played a trick on our villain Choon Hee. Bik, bless his blue-eyed troublemaker self, drops a nice little hint that while our heroine triumphed in this latest little stand off, we probably haven’t heard the last of our East Asian songbird…
Oh, the picture is South Korean actor Lee Dong Wook. I featured him recently, but I just finished his latest drama The Tale of the Nine Tailed, and I LOVED it. I think it’s one of the best K-dramas I’ve ever seen. I frickin’ bawled during the last episode. I always kinda thought he was overrated, but he did his thing in this one. Let me know what you think!
XOXO,
SS
“Like, she’s violent? I’ve seen how some of these female idols get down. Lashing out, slapping folks, throwing drinks, the whole nine.”
He nodded. “That’s Choon Hee in a nutshell. And the sad part is, she never gets in trouble. She’s a big star, and she’s actually quite talented. So, people forgive her a lot. It’s a running joke in the industry. She’s one of the biggest bitches around, but everyone lets her pretend that she’s candy floss, as Bik likes to say.”
“Hmmm. I’m surprised y’all let her get away with it.”
“Well, her family is extremely rich, and has been for a very long time. Her success has only enhanced their wealth and prestige. She’s one of a select few idols who is also a chaebol.”
“So, she’s a double whammy.”
Yes.
“She’s mad as hell you’re with me.”
Tan shrugged. “I never made her think I was interested in her. If she’s upset, it’s her own fault. I made it clear even before I had you that she and I could never be.”
“Why? I doubt she’d be as mean to you as she apparently is to everyone else. She’s beautiful, slender, you said yourself that she’s talented. You guys have a ton in common. She’s rich, so you know she’s not after your money.”
“Don’t be too sure of that. I heard she has very extravagant spending habits. Nothing like you, darling, with your no compromise budget.”
“A woman has to have discipline,” she opined. “That’s how you get ahead.”
Tan nodded like she was his own personal Buddha. He laughed softly.
“What’s funny, you?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?” she laughed.
He shook his head. “I’m just happy.”
“I won’t see much of you for the next week.”
“No,” he whispered, sadly. “My schedule is crazy, and I’ll be out of town most of it.”
“Gotta make the donuts.”
“Hmmm?”
“It’s an old American phrase. It means you’re busy working, making money.”
“I like donuts.”
She laughed. “Me too! All kinds.”
Lani came up. “Ready to go? I need to check on my kids and pry my husband away from his laptop before his muse eats him alive. That dummy probably hasn’t had a drop to drink or a crust of bread in hours.”
Sinna nodded. “I think I’ll go back to the studio to work for a bit.”
“It’s late, darling. You’ll be alone.”
She shrugged. “The security guard will be there. We’ve gotten a little behind since my girls have been here. Let’s get Tommy and find Sook to say our goodbyes.”
Sook Hee was sad to see them go, but very happy they came. They posed for a round of pictures – Sinna tried hard to get out of it, but failed – and then dipped as a group.
“That bitch is crazy,” said Tommy as soon as they were on the street. “She never took her eyes off you once the whole time she was there.”
“And did you see how she reacted when we pulled that gag with the engagement ring?” Lani
“She knows you’re engaged?” Bik began to laugh so hard he doubled over. “Good Lord. What in the bloody hell’s gonna happen now?”
“What could happen?” Sinna wanted to know.
“That girl doesn’t know the meaning of the word no, and she’s psychotically competitive.”
“Bik,” Tan said, shaking his head.
His best friend threw up his hands. “I’m just saying, don’t get too close, is all.”
“Noted.” Sinna. “She better give me 50 feet too. All the crap I’ve heard about her.”
“Judging by her performance just now, she’s definitely touched.” Tommy.
“And not by an angel.” Lani
Sherrod Story - Here lies your book boyfriend...naked. 