“I’m glad you found each other,” Faith says.
I’m torn between being glad his parents aren’t prying about why I needed to vent and wanting to ask them for their perspective on things. Not that I’ve got any right to ask for their input. I barely know them.
“What else do you have in common?” Faith asks.
He likes being praised, and I like praising him. “Not our taste in music,” I joke.
Haru rolls his eyes. “He likes the same kind of music you do, Dad.”
Evan arches an eyebrow. “Really? I like you more by the second.”
“We like making things with our hands. They’re just really different things,” I say.
“Have you seen any of Haru’s designs?” Faith asks.
“Not yet, but I want to.”
“I’ll show you some after dinner,” Haru says.
“I’d like that.” Don’t call him beautiful, even though he is and deserves to hear it a million times a day.
“He’s very talented.”
“You have to say that. You’re my mum.”
Faith clucks her tongue. “I don’t have to say anything. You are talented, sweetheart. Don’t let anyone tell you any different.”
“So talented no one even wants to interview me.” Haru hunches his shoulders.
My heart aches. “They will soon. You’ll end up with at least two fashion houses fighting over you.”
Faith smiles as she looks between us.
“Kyle has been introducing me to science fiction,” Haru says, probably to change the subject.
“And you’re going to show me how amazing the action and adventure genre is.”
“You’re widening each other’s horizons. How wonderful,” Faith says.
I almost choke. If only they knew how much Haru had widened my horizons. It’s something to keep to myself.
“Dinner was lovely,” I say as I polish off the last thing on my plate.
“We’ve still got pudding to eat. Haru, would you help me?” Evan asks.
“Sure.”
“I’ll clear the table,” Faith says.
“Let me help,” I say.
Between the two of us, we clear the plates and dishes and stack the dishwasher. We’re done before Haru and his dad, so we sit at the dining room table together, the air a little awkward between us.
“You like him a lot, don’t you?” she asks.
I glance at Haru and his dad. They’re using a tiny blowtorch, so I guess they’re caramelising the top of crème brûlée. Haru looks gorgeous as ever but also happy. He’s got a huge smile, and it’s clear he and his dad are laughing and joking about something. Being around Haru gives me the best kinds of goosebumps. He makes my tummy flutter and opens my mind to endless possibilities.
“Yes.”
