Iknowhe didn't just tell me he'd replace me on day one.
I spin around, spitting mad and ready to throw hands, when I realize he's on the phone. I didn't even hear him answer it, but I feel sheepish that I assumed he was addressing me with his harsh words.
Not that the idea was unfounded. But still, I should know a little bit about making assumptions, and incorrect ones at that.
He sees me watching him and sighs, rolling his eyes as he waves me over and eyes himself in the mirror, turning this way and that as the look clearly grows on him.
I go where I'm beckoned, because that's what a good assistant does. I have no idea what he wants, but it feels like the right thing to do as he clearly bickers with the person on the other end of the call.
"I don't care what it takes, you tell him I'm not going. They can pick another event for me to make a grand appearance at. Surely they won't have to change that much around to make it work. We haven't even solidified the release schedule yet. I know damn well it's not going to be that big of an inconvenience to the company to lose out on the one red carpet walk."
He reaches out when I'm close enough and grabs the tablet from my hands, swiping it open with a flourish. I watch carefully as he slings the contacts around and stops midway through the list, selecting one titled'talent coordination department'.He hands it back and covers the receiver of his cell, effectively silencing his own conversation to talk to me.
"That's who you want. Just request a meeting in person for us. I have a feeling they're not the type to make decisions or meet demands over the phone." He looks me up and down for a minute, keeping the person on the other end of the line in suspense while he does . . . whatever this is. "Thank you, by the way."
And just like that, he's turning around and returning to his call.
I nod and get to work, listening discreetly as he argues with a person I suddenly feel a little sorry for. He's a handful, that's for sure, but from what I gathered in his bio, and in the notes left to me, he might be difficult, but he's damn good. He's gotpull.
Everyone has a dark secret or two in their past, though. And though I've only just met him, I find myself wondering what secrets Kai Kobayashi is hiding.
What is it nobody else knows about you, Mister Perfect?
I send off the email and settle into the chair, watching him pace angrily as I wave off the store attendants who've inched nearer in the hopes we might make a purchase and get the fuck out, probably.
Secret baby? Nah, not the type.
Malicious ex-girlfriend? Ex-boyfriend? Secretly gay?
No, that sort of thing leaves a trail online. It leaves evidence.
Criminal background?
No. There's no way. He's too clean, too demanding. I can't see him getting involved with something criminal in the least. When the hell would he have time?
That reminds me . . .
I open up the scheduler app that links to his personal phone and mine, and delete the entry titledmeditation blockand fill it in withLunchinstead. And then, without a second thought to the matter, I book a table for two at a healthy restaurant down the road that I frequent quite often when I've got the funds for it.
I'm sure Kai will like it. There's no seafood to be found, and the food is in line with the ridiculous diets these idols participate in nowadays.
And then I go back to contemplating what, exactly, makes Kai Kobayashi human.
That's a piece of the puzzle I might never know. But damn, do I want to.
I don't even know why.
chapter five
Kai
"Where to, Mr. Kobayashi?"the driver asks as I slide into the car with Miss Stone, the new assistant. I'm not in charge of the schedule. That's her job.
"Ask my assistant." I got three hours of sleep last night; I'm going to take a five minute nap in the car on our way to the meditation studio. I slide my sunglasses over my eyes and shut them, leaning back against the seat with a sigh.
"Here's the address," Denali says as she leans forward and talks to the driver. "Thank you, Roger."
Roger. That must be my driver's name. I don't know why, but until now, I've never even bothered to ask him for his name. Now, I know it.
