“He doesn’t have to know,” I say, feeling a spark of playful rebellion. “And I do have one condition.”
His eyes fill with curiosity. “Which is?”
I smile despite myself. “Don’t call me Minami. Call me Kaori,” I add, glancing at him over the rim of my glass.
Another moment passes. Then he nods once. “All right,” he says.
And just like that, Theo Riverton, my boss, becomes Theo Riverton, my friend.
Ten
Igive myself permission to sleep in late on Monday, but my body doesn’t get the memo. By 6:18 a.m., I’m staring at the ceiling. I sigh, rolling onto my side and squeezing my eyes shut, willing my brain to drift back into sleep. It doesn’t work.
My brain, traitor that it is, replays Saturday on a loop. Sure, the site visit was exciting, but it’s the data Ican’tmeasure that I’m stuck on. I keep coming back to the motorcycle ride. I can still feel the vibration of the engine and the way my arms fit around Theo’s waist as if they belonged there.
Then there was dinner. Hearing about his nan and that he was lonely tugged at my heartstrings. It gave me a rare glimpse into the man behind the mask that felt dangerously intimate.
The truth is, I didn’t want the night to end. I wanted to keep talking to him. I wanted to know more about him and his life outside of work. And what’s worse is that I think I’m developing a crush on him. Which is a disaster, because I know better than anyone that nothing can ever come of it.
Get it together, Kaori.I reach for my phone to find a distraction and text Rei. My brain shifts back into Japanese mode.
Kaori
Good morning. Did you get the video I sent you?
Rei
I haven’t watched it yet, but I will when I get a chance.
Kaori
You should. It’s officially going on the “Reasons Florida is Good” list.
Rei
I seriously doubt that, but I’ll keep an open mind.
Kaori
That’s all I ask.
I laugh to myself. There’s no way she’ll be able to say anything bad about a Disney fireworks show.
After a shower and a grocery run, I settle onto the couch with my laptop. I tell myself I’m going to focus on work, but my self-control is at an all-time low. Giving in, I pull up my contacts and start typing to Theo.
Kaori
Hey, this is Kaori.
I chew on my lip. I want to keep this casual, but also professional.
Kaori
Thanks again for dinner the other night. I know you’re busy, but remember what I said about hanging out? Well, I was just thinking... on Fridays, a few of us from the office do trivia at Original Jorge’s. You should join us.
I pause, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. I need to make it sound less like a date and more like a team effort.
Kaori
