Jennifer and Rocket (The Princesses of Silicon Valley Book 6) Read Free Page A

You need to learn the songs and the movements that go with each song. I danced both Hula 'Auana and Hula Kahiko. That’s modern and ancient Hula.”
    “Okay, Okay, Miss Hawaii, my knowledge of hula doesn’t get past the opening credits of Hawaii 5-0 .” The actress on that show is hot, and Jennifer looks a lot like her.
    “That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” she indigently says. “They show a Tahitian dancer on the opening credits. It’s not even hula.”
    Damn, she’s cute as can be getting worked up about hula dancing. This afternoon is starting out well.
    After parking in the Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse Garage, we walk up to the de Young Museum. I’ve already purchased tickets online. I head over to the audio tour desk and purchase one for each of us.
    Walking around the exhibit with Jennifer, I find the display enthralling. For me, being with real art is like listening to live music. There is an intimacy and thrill that I experience from the proximity to the creative process.
    When we finish with the modern art exhibit, I lead Jennifer to the sculpture and decorative art collection.
    “Sculpture speaks to me,” I tell her as we walk around a classical figure. “The 3-D aspect gives you negative space and shadow. Look at this piece,” I say. “The composition and flow is amazing.”
    “What type of sculptures do you create?” she asks as we walk around another classical sculpture.
    “I like to play with negative space and shadow. I use materials in a way that will surprise the viewer. Right now I’m in a liquid phase. I like the movement of water. Metal is my medium, but I like to work it so you think it’s moving, dripping. I use different metals and different textures to give the piece unexpected fluidity.”
    Jennifer’s forehead is pinched as she looks at me. Finally she says, “You’re not what you appear.”
    “Yeah, that’s what I want people to say about my work.”
    Man, what is it about her? I’m not ready to take her home. Spontaneously, I ask, “Do you want to go to the Japanese tea garden?”
    She nods. I keep my hands in my pockets. I have an overwhelming desire to touch her, pull her close. But I can tell from her body language, she’s not ready for that. She’s still deciding about me.
    I like that.
    Usually, women chase me, I’m not used to being with a woman I need to convince.
    The challenge of catching Jennifer is…fun.
    As we pass the Dore Vase in front of the de Young, I can’t help but admire it. As I trail my hands over the bronze metal, I explain to Jennifer, “I’ve always liked the flow and composition of this piece. It was designed about a hundred and fifty years ago.” As she stares at the large vessel with figures flowing up and around it, I explain. “It’s a wine allegory, the figures are from the ancient classical rite of Bacchus.”
    Jennifer gives me a quizzical look. “How do you know that?”
    “I’ve been to this gallery before, I like art.”
    Walking down the length of the concourse, I appreciate getting to spend my day with a pretty, perky girl. After paying the fee, we enter the gates of the tea garden and walk through the sculpted gardens, stopping at the teahouse.
    Sitting down on Japanese style stools, Jennifer tells me, “My mom’s been learning how to perform the Japanese tea ceremony.”
    Our server delivers our pot of tea and Japanese cookies. “I take it you’re Japanese?”
    “My mom’s family came from China. My dad’s came from Japan. My parents met in college, UH Mānoa.”
    “You’re the rebel, coming to the mainland?”
    “Actually, my parents came here for dental school, UCSF. That’s when they started dating. And your family?” she asks.
    “Where are my folks from?” She casually nods as she leans in showing her interest.
    “My dad’s from the south, Mobile, Alabama. When he gets mad, his southern accent comes out. My mom’s from DC. Both my parents are artists.”
    “Art’s in your blood,”