I’m about to respond when Mr. Quincy and Mr. Noh walk past our table. Mr. Quincy, a tall and gangly American with thick glasses, raises a hand in greeting.
“Hey, I heard the news. Congrats on the LOA!”
“Thanks, Mr. Quincy.”
Mr. Noh pauses too, his warm brown eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yes, Miss Ross, I saw your request come through this morning.”
“That’s right. I’m due in a few months, and the pregnancy has been... a lot.”
“Family must always come first. Your little one is lucky to have such devoted parents already.”
I thank both men before they continue on, talking among themselves. As I glance back over at Kelly, she’s making a face.
“Okay, I’ll admit it,” she mutters. “Mr. Noh-Memory is sweet. If only he’d remember my name.”
“You’ll get there. Hopefully,” I laugh.
“Yeah, let’s hope by the time you have a whole baby, he’ll remember my name is Kelly and not Kathy.”
It’s only a little over a week later that Mom’s able to fly out to South Korea.
The intercom buzzes, and I rush from the middle of folding laundry to answer the door.
“Baby girl!” she squeals the moment I open.
Behind her, the driver Jin arranged staggers under the weight of her luggage. There’re at least three full-sized suitcases, two carry-ons, and what appears to be a large tote bag stuffed so full it’s practically bursting at the seams.
“Mom,” I say, half laughing as she pulls me into a hug. “Did you pack your whole wardrobe? How long are you planning to stay?”
“As long as you need me, honey.” She pulls back, her hands framing my face, eyes already glistening with tears. “Look at you. Look at my baby. You’re so big already!”
“Gee, thanks.”
“I mean it in the best way. You know that.” Her hands drop to my belly for a motherly caress. “My grandbaby is in there.Mygrandbaby. I just can’t believe it.”
I step aside for her to enter our apartment, the first time she’s seen it. She gives an impressed nod and mentions how much she likes the open floor plan.
“Enjoy it for now. We’ll be moving next week. At least temporarily.”
“I keep forgetting Jin’s got it like that. Where is he anyway?”
“I’m right here.”
Jin appears in the doorway, perhaps the only time he’s ever been awkward as he gives a wave hello. Mom beelines straight for him, pulling him into a tight hug. He goes stiff at first, then pats her on the back like he’s uncertain how else to respond.
“Jin, honey. Thank you for the car service. The very nice young man who was driving carried all my bags.”
“Yeah, all thirty-seven of them,” I add teasingly.
But Mom’s already moved on to the next topic as she browses our apartment, admiring every detail from the tall windows to the way we’ve furnished the place.
“Who was that man outside your door?”
I glance at Jin. He stares back as if equally unsure how to answer. Then he decides to take the lead.
“Security,” Jin says vaguely. “My work requires certain precautions.”
Mom’s eyes narrow. She looks at Jin, then at me, then back at Jin. I can practically see the questions forming in her mind, the suspicions taking root.
