“What do you think?’ Francie asked Ahri.
“I know you’re worried for me,” she said to Kayn, and he gave her one of hisduhlooks. Remembering her sister-in-law’s chilling tone, she said to Bill, “You’ll have to warn your decoy that she won’t have a good reception from his family at the funeral.”
“I guess that means you’re okay with this?” Rafe asked.
“I can live with it,” Ahri said.
“All right. I’ll set it up. Did they tell you when it is?” Bill asked.
“No, but I found the notice online,” Ahri said. “I’ll send you a link.”
She was rubbing her hands again. Rafe took one and held it between his. His skin warmed more than her hands, sending an unexpected pulse through her. It made her feel alive again, in a way she hadn’t in years.
“Ahri, are you listening?” Kayn asked, pulling her back.
“I’m sorry,” she said, still a little distracted. “What were you saying?” Rafe had released the one hand but took the other, seemingly unconcerned at the way her brother was watching him. She pulled back her hand.
“Bill was asking if you’ve decided on a new last name,” her brother said.
“He didn’t like me going back to my maiden name because of the connection to you. Since most Whites can’t tell Asians apart, I’ll be Ahri Shen.” She glanced at Kayn, waiting for his reaction.
“Chinese?” He spewed the word out like it tasted bad.
“Don’t be racist.” Ahri rolled her eyes. “My best friend in second grade’s last name was Shen.”
“Good reasoning,” Bill said. “What do you plan in the short term?”
“WhatcanI do? It’s not like I have ID for a new identity.” Ahri couldn’t keep the bitterness from her voice. She hated feeling helpless, having to rely on the charity of others, as kind as they might be about it.
“We’ll get this figured out soon,” Kayn assured her, seeming to understand her feelings.
“Howsoon?” Ahri couldn’t stop the flow of words. “I’m in limbo here, you know. I can’t go anywhere. I can’t even get ajob.” She shot a quick look at Francie. “I’m grateful for the way you’ve opened your home to me. I love being here and helping you with your garden in exchange for my room and board, so I mean no offense.”
“None taken.” Francie nodded in understanding. “You’re preaching to the choir, honey. I understand the need to work and be productive, to be in control of your life. I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”
Rafe was watching her, his eyes narrowed like he was thinking about something.
“What?” Ahri asked.
“What was your job before?”
“I was an executive assistant. Why?”
“Olaf’s gone to law school, and we haven’t found a replacement yet.” Rafe shifted his gaze to Kayn. “My other assistant is going on maternity leave soon.”
“Great idea. My sister’s the queen of organization.” Her brother grinned. “I’ll bet she’d give even Olaf a run for his money.”
“What do you think?” Rafe asked Ahri.
“What about your HR people? They’re going to want my birth certificate and stuff to prove I can legally work in the US.”
“Bill, do you think we can trust Orianna with it?”
“Yes. She wouldn’t be in her position if she didn’t have great discretion.”
“All right then.” Rafe looked back at Ahri. “You can start when you’re ready. It’s just a temp job, if you want it.”
“Yes.” She had to force herself not to throw her arms around his neck.
