Ulani Lam

“You don’t hate me, I’m touched.” Rye dramatically pressed her hand to her chest. She hopped off the table and started towards the wall. “I’m usually decent at patching myself up but head injuries always throw me off.”

“No shit, Sherlock. I bet you get concussed every week. At the rate you’re going, you’re better off walking around with a helmet,” she said as she watched her walk. “Any dizziness or nausea?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

The mention of Danby had her wanting to crawl out of her own skin, made her head hurt – she sighed. She had to learn to hear about that time of her life without getting so upset and so confused. She sucked in a couple of long breaths before smiling, shoving the memories of Danby down.  Zella couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head when she saw the look cross over Ulani’s face. “You sure there’s not still some lingering feelings there?” she asked leaning back as she swirled the champagne in her glass. “Also shut up. You’re not hard to love. You’re being too harsh on yourself Uli.” She sighed. “Good good, you know we can’t piss off the fans,” Zella said taking a long sip. “Besides, if I die then we can’t have and if we’re both single at 50 we get married pact.” Her brothers joked about that idea when they were teenagers and the jokes didn’t stop as adults. “Oh?” She asked when Ulani mentioned the comorbidities. “Fine, not fat, but enjoy the food with me.” she said settling down on the sofa as her dog ran through the house – suddenly having a case of the zoomies.

Ulani was completely oblivious to the shift in the air as Zella went through her inner turmoil. She was way too busy trying not to stuff her face with dried mangoes as she pondered an alternate universe where Zella and her ended up together. It was one thing to be friends with benefits, it was quite commonplace with a lot of people anyway, but it was an entire things to settle down together and be committed to one another. She wasn’t entirely sure if she and Zella were meant for that. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure. I just feel like so much of those years went to waste because we ultimately didn’t end up together, you know? I mean, I learned so much from Chloe, and I loved the relationship we had. It’s a shame we didn’t work out, and I know it’s all for the best, but it makes me wonder if I’m meant to forever be alone as cynical as that may sound,” she said, shaking her head and laughing. “Ah, the ‘marry each other pact if we don’t get married by X years’ trope. A classic,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “You don’t have to ask me twice,” she said with a laugh as she popped another dried mango in her mouth.

Lani, you don’t need to buy me anything! Allie signed again, although she was certain that her pleads would fall on deaf ears. Once Ulani put her mind to something, there was no talking her out of it. Taking in a deep breathe and shooting her friend a look of feign anger, she then signed back. Silver, please. I loved rose gold before everyone did and now it’s grown a bit tacky - don’t you think?

“It’s just a table. Honestly, you make it sound like I’m buying you a house,” she said with a roll of her eyes. She chuckled at the additional comment as she sorted out her coupons and punched in Allie’s shipping address. “You’ve got an odd complex going on there, and though I wouldn’t mind that sort of reasoning, wouldn’t it be sad to pretend not to like something just because you liked it before everyone else did? What will you even gain from this petty protest? Now, final call, are you sure you don’t want the rose gold one?” She signed.

Ah yes, just check my scrap pile that I keep in the corner of the kitchen. Allie teased, and she then rolled her eyes. No, I don’t, but don’t worry about it. Maybe you can send me an Amazon link to a good one? If I get one myself, it’ll fall apart within three days with how much I pile on it. The blonde laughed, and she then clapped her hands excitedly. Most people are darling, all except you. You’re grumpy. She was obviously in a very playful mood today, and she shot her a bright grin. 

“I’ll buy it for you, don’t worry about it,” she said, raising a hand and summoning her phone from across the room. She pulled up the Amazon app on her phone and quickly browsed through her options and picked a lightweight, aluminum, foldable bed table and smiled. “Right, did you want it in rose gold, gold or silver?” She signed as scrolled down to read through the reviews. “I’m practical,” she corrected with a roll of her eyes, leaning a bit of her weight on Allie and wrapping a hand around her waist. “Now, hurry up and pick.”

“Yeah, I mean I’m sure my step-mom would be soooo proud too.” Rye scoffed. Her step-mom already disliked her enough as it was. It was probably best she didn’t knw any more. Focusing on the instrument she replied. “Okay it’s normal again. Have you checked for a lot of concussions?”

“C’est la vie,” she said with a shrug as lowered the instrument. “It’s one of the most basic skills we learn in med school, but these days it’s not really my job to do it. You’re lucky I don’t particularly hate you,” she said as she set the instrument on the table and stood up. “Right, try walking in a straight line for me, up to that wall over there,” she commanded.

“I’m sure my mother is very proud of me.” Rye said, very sarcastically. “You wound me though, Ulani. Are you saying I’m dumb?” She clutched her chest dramatically, watching to see when she saw double. “There that’s double.”

“Is your mother the goddess one?” She asked. “Was it not obvious?” She asked with a chuckle as she steadied the instrument the moment Rye started seeing double and took down some notes on her chart with her other hand. “Right, so tell me when it starts going back to normal. It should in a few seconds, so you should be able to see just the one thing.”

ANOUK WASN’T going to travel for Japan, at the least, not yet. ❛ Well, I’m not traveling to Japan. I’m going to Switzerland and the US soon.❜ She points out, picking up one of her chocolates and ate it slowly. ❛ I’ll pick one of our best in Swiss. ❜ She tilted her head to face her, enjoying staying on the warm water. ❛ Paris! Their dishes are very similar to ours. Except we do have a lot of cheeses. Or more than them. ❜

“Oh, exciting. What will you be doing on your trip?” She asked, raising her eyebrows in excitement. It had been a while since she’d been to the United States, and she’d been meaning to meet a few investors in New York in person and catch up with her relatives. “Yes, but Parisians are a lot more creative with their presentations and flavor combinations--they’re a lot more bold when it comes to taking culinary risks. But they truly shine when it comes to Pastries.”

Nikhil found this news about tipping very confusing and worrying. He really did not want this woman fighting him because he would not accept her money. To his recollection, tipping was meant for service workers only- not anything close to insurance. Clearly, he did not know enough about China. “I do not wish to offend you or anything. It is not at all within the framework of the culture I know.” He could buy his own lunch. This was so confusing. “I can… accept it if it would acknowledge that I respect you and your decision-making…?”

Ulani did not understand why he was making this a lot more awkward than necessary, but this only made him irritate her more. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves lest they’d want to have metal flying everywhere and she’d make a scene. She didn’t know whether to tell Chloe about this, or just settle with talking with someone else about it since Chloe probably loved her cousin regardless of his oddities. “Right, that would be best. I hope you have a nice day, Mr. Vara,” she said as she sorted out her things and prepared to leave.

“Mass… murderer? Are you sure that your job is going okay, ‘Lani?” Chloe did not think it was a big deal that she fell back on the diminutive of her ex’s name when they weren’t fighting. Anyway, she definitely had not grown up on true crime documentaries. It had all been dramatic fiction for her and her dad, so she continued to be horrified how truth was stranger than fiction. “Unless you’re having a weird emergency and need help. I can be very good in weird emergencies.” Was that something to be proud of? Who even knew at this point.

“Yeah, it’s actually been quite boring, lately. We’re kind of back to the mundane life, barely any cases, no autopsies... I guess you could say we’re sort of back to normal,” she said with a laugh. She almost forgot how Chloe didn’t share her penchant for murder mysteries and gore. It was just as well. “I’m sure you are,” she said with a smile. “But I can take care of myself, so you don’t have to worry about me.” She shifted in her seat. “So what have you been up to? Plan any cool events, lately?”

Zella burst out laughing shaking her head, a large smile plastered over her lips. “Oh, knowing you I’m sure I will.” She nudged back. “I mean – yeah they may not want to hear that…. But they can also deal with it.” She said tossing hair over her shoulder. “It’d be more the wife that may not like it – unless I’m marrying you then” She shrugged and chuckled. Zella picked up her drink and took a long sip. “Good good. I look forward to you showing me around one day then.” She winked, she knew one day the two would actually go on a trip together. They would have such a blast. “So basically – like we always do when we’re not on Icaira? Yanno – hide the whole demi-god thing.” She chuckled. It would be easy enough to do honestly. Besides Zella was a very private person and rarely liked anyone knowing anything about her, or even being around her half the time. She smiled as she felt Ulani’s arm wrap around her waist. “A gazillionaire eh?” Zella sked eyebrows shooting up. She knew that Ulani had a lot of money but never even cared to ask how much. “Your life sounds like such  soap opera.” She smiled, “If you’re the star – what’s that make me? The friend with benefits that ends up dying in the end?” She joked, “But sure, get me a cult together, we’ll make the world a better place in our own way.” Zella mused and then ate another one. She had picked up two, so she held one out for Ulani to take a bite of. “Get fat with meeee.” She teased.

“I look forward to that,” she grinned devilishly as she kissed her on the cheek. “That it true. I can imagine by mother would have a ball and laugh her ass off. I mean, I got my sass and wit from her. If anything, she should be quite proud,” she mused. “I mean, it’s a shame what happened to Danby, and I had honestly been looking forward to making a great speech at your wedding, but you know, next time I’ll make it count,” she said with a smile. She poured herself some champagne and almost choked on her drink when Zella mentioned the possibility of them getting married. “Well, I’m not entirely opposed to that, but I’m also not sure about getting back into dating--let alone marriage. I guess... I just haven’t gotten over Chloe yet. I mean, I don’t want to get back together with her, that ship has sailed. I just... I don’t know if I’ll ever find that with someone, again. As I said, I’m not the nicest person. I’m rather hard to love,” she said with a snort. “Yeah, pretty much,” she said with a shrug. “You’re too pretty to kill off. The fans would riot,” she said with a laugh. “I can live with that. I can’t live with obesity, I’ve already inherited quite a few co-morbidities from my family.”

“But it’s just… boring.” Max’s response was more the internal gambler inside of him speaking, than Max himself. That part of him that wanted to take the risk, to open a casino on the island and get back to where he was in Vegas. “Pff, Fink. I doubt he’ll be in office for long, so I won’t even need to ask him, no matter what I decide.”

"Well, you asked for my opinion," she said with laugh. "I'd give you the more lucrative option with fewer risk than a high risk, high reward situation. But hey, if you've got money to burn, be my guest," she said with a wave of her hand. "Yeah, the others in power don't support that crackhead either. We'll get him off his seat in no time."

“Auntie Ulani!” Jack grinned as he mad his way towards the woman, and he laughed at just how quickly she was distracted by the babies. “Hey Tom!” He grinned, having bent down to place Elena back in the stroller so that Ulani could get a better look at both of them, fussing the dog. “She’s a bloody wonder woman, having gone through that. It didn’t look easy, that’s for sure.” He spoke, standing back up so that he could look at his sister. “Want to push them? I’ll take Tom, a welcome break.”

“Oh, they’re so sweet,” she cooed as she crouched down over their strollers and smiled at them. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be having a few boxes of things sent over to your place. It’s just a few clothes, food, blankets, two automated basinets, a roomba and towels--just the basics,” she said waving her hand dismissively. “Yeah, I’d love to push their stroller. Two babies at once, huh? All because you couldn’t remember to use a condom,” she said with a laugh. “Sasha, I’m sure, can handle herself, but how are you holding up?”

Zella grinned and nodded her head, “I bet it was amusing. If either of us ever gets married I have a feeling we’ll be telling similar hilarious stories to make the other laugh.” Zella had never thought much on marriage but the mention of it made her think of the stupid stories she’d tell of their adventures over the years. Ways she could get Ulani to giggle and be embarrassed. It would be fun. “So…. Basically how I always am. Right. Easy enough. I don’t want people touching me or my stuff ever so this would be fine.” she grinned and pressed a kiss to the top of Ulani’s head. “Oh? You’d fund my cult? You have that sort of money?”  she asked eyebrows wiggling as she tried not to chuckle. “But – Uliiiii they’re so yummy I want to eat them all!”  She whined, it was very rare for Zella to actually act sort of childish and goofy but Ulani was comfortable and it just made it so easy to be a big kid around her. “Can I eat half? And not die?”

“Oh honey, my goal is to get your drink shot out of your nose as you enjoy my comedic genius,” she said with teasing smile as she nudged her shoulder against hers. “Though, I don’t think it’d do well to talk about how you’re great in bed, at your wedding. Might turn a few heads and you know how the boomers are,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Yeah, you’ll fit right in with the locals,” she said with a snort. “Pretty much act like you’ve constantly have something to hide,” she added as a forethought. She smiled at the kiss and wrapped an arm around Zella’s waist. “I’m secretly a gazillionaire whose radio silent since I’m so rich, I’m not supposed to exist otherwise people will come for me and try to get me murdered, so I like to live a life of anonymity that way I can live like everyone else,” she said, none of the words a single lie but she laughed anyway because just listening to herself made her sound like she was telling a tall tale. “Do what you want, sweetheart. I’m not your mother,” she said with a laugh. “I’m just informing you of the repercussions.”

       ANOUK GET CLOSER TO Ulani, with a sly smile etching on her features. ❛ Not a problem. ❜ The blonde was glad they could get into some agreement. Anouk would never do anything without the other’s consent to show to the cameras or whatsoever. She picked the chocolate from the box, and eats it, humming in delight. ❛ Not so bad. ❜ She flipped her wet hair backward. ❛ I’ll have a flight to Switzerland and LA, upcoming, and I’ll bring chocolate from my country if you would like. ❜ As a Swiss, she’s very proud of the chocolate of her country and she adores to sponsor them, not that people were actually paying her to do such a thing, she does it on her own will.

Ulani really valued her privacy and usually preferred to keep an inconspicuous profile for the most part. Only a few people truly knew how wealthy she and her family are, and she liked to keep it at that. There was no way to truly live when you were constantly under surveillance, and she was never one to like being the center of attention. “I do prefer my Japanese chocolate, but I wouldn’t mind Swiss. I’m sure you know all the best places to hit up,” she said with a sly smirk. “Though when it comes to European sweets, I’m still quite partial to Paris.”

Seeing Ulani of all people being the person trying to calm her down was not at all what she expected. Honestly, it almost was enough to make her curse under her breath and wonder if the world really was turning on it’s axis. Thanks to her father and Nyx, all of them were thrown into a mess that seriously didn’t involve them. In her opinion, Nyx and Zeus should just go to some remote space where no innocent person could be harmed and have at it. “It’s hard to feel that way when you see your little brother hurt by all the looks and gossip,” she said through slightly gritted teeth. Protecting people was a new feeling for the woman, but she quickly found it was something she could do well. That was one area her temper could actually thrive in. “He tries to hide it well, but I can see it in his face when he thinks no one is looking. He’s just as much of a victim as everyone else who was kidnapped. Plus, none of us would ever want to be Zeus’ favorite. All of us hate him.”

Trying to calm down her ex’s angry girlfriend wasn’t something Ulani had envisioned her Saturday night was going to turn out, but she had an inkling that Chloe probably didn’t want to find her in prison for assault. She sighed as she held up a hand as all the silverware on the onlookers’ tables hovered before them and began remolding into sharp knives. “Nothing to see here, folks. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll do well to leave the Zeus kids out of your lips and mind your own business. She can bring down lightning, and I can skin you alive. Those don’t sound like great options,” she said with a wink as she utensils went back to their original forms and clattered onto their tables. “People will talk, it’s normal. Striking fear, usually helps keep things at bay,” she said. “That’s fair, Zeus is an asshole.”

The notary signature session went as smoothly as expected, which was a huge relief. Nikhil was blissfully unaware of Ulani’s (accurate) thoughts, and was therefore able to continue being his uptight, fairly weird self without distraction. What baffled him more was when Ulani tried to give him money. “Thank you…?” He could not accept this. It was probably illegal. Therefore, he casually slipped the money right back into one of Ulani’s pockets, and accepted this as a signal that he should speed walk away before anything weird happened. Obviously he would get along with some customers better than others. And sometimes those customers he did not get along as easily with would apparently… give him him money? He had no idea what to make of this. Tipping in the insurance industry was too strange for him to really comprehend. Perhaps she had some sort of weirdly-manifesting crush on him? No. Maybe? He would put this out of mind, and get the paperwork entered squared away so he could preserve what remained of his nerve.

Ulani looked from her pocket to him in confusion. “Excuse me?” She asked, not sure if she should be insulted or amused that this man was actually refusing her money. “No, I insist. Take it. Think of it as a tip for helping me get this all sorted out. It’s rude to not accept money from a Chinese woman,” she said, wondering why she was fighting him on this. Sure, Asian rules didn’t really apply to this part of the world as much as it did back home, but most people were quite money-driven, and a tip was something most people would be rather grateful for. “Use it to buy yourself lunch or something.”

“Yep! I mean, I do a few different things but being an artist’s one of them!” Mari answered cheerfully. “I kind of got away from it a little bit when I was working on getting my shampoo ready to sell at the salon, but then I got a contract with Roman Enterprises for some of my stuff, so then it became less spare time and more time time again.” Okay, so time time didn’t really make a whole lot of sense as far as explanations went, but it was probably fine. “I’m not really sure how they feel about sea metal as a main component, but that’s ok! I think I should be able to find a buyer either way. Of course, I can send part of the proceeds your way, if you’re helping me get materials! Let me know if you have a percentage you want, or if you want to draw up a contract or anything fancy like that, okay?”

“Oh wow, you keep yourself busy, I’m impressed,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest and nodding appreciatively. Ulani always admired small business owners with a unique vision, and she always liked to support them if she actually liked them. “I’m sure it’ll be fine, and don’t worry about sharing the proceeds. I don’t mind helping you get started, besides, there’s no use for all that metal out at sea. If anything, it’s probably leeching toxins or whatever into the water,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. She didn’t think it was necessary to tell her that she was a part of one of the elite families in Asia with money only Kevin Kwan could dream of. “Crazy Rich Asians” merely scratched the surface. “We can draw up a contract that keeps my name anonymous, alright?”