We’ve won the last few times, but we could use some help defending the title. It would be good to have you in the trenches with us for once. No pressure, of course.
I reread it once, brace myself, and hit Send. Setting the phone down, I blow out a breath. That wasn’t so bad. I don’t know how the guys will react, but I don’t really care.
We should make an effort to include Theo. It’s the perfect team-bonding activity. And a way for us to hopefully make him feel a little less lonely.
I relax against the back of the couch and launch the CAD program on my laptop. The last few weeks have been so busy. I haven’t had any time to myself. So today’s a “me” day. Time to play with some of my own designs. I don’t want my skills to get rusty.
My phone chimes.
Theo
Thanks, but I’ll have to pass this time. I’m in London. I won’t be back until the middle of next week.
My eyes widen.
Kaori
London again? That was a quick turnaround.
Theo
What can I say? I’m in high demand.
I snort. I can imagine the look on his face as he typed that.
Kaori
I guess you are. Well, let’s call it a rain check. Next week?
There’s a long pause, then the dots blink.
Theo
I’ll tentatively put it into my calendar. See you when I get back.
I sigh, a mixture of anticipation and disappointment swirling in my chest. I’ll have to wait another week to see him again. But beneath the disappointment, I also feel a sharp pang of sadness for him.
He just admitted how isolated he feels, and now he’s flying right back into the monolith of that London office. I hate the idea of him being friendless and alone. I promise myself that I’ll make sure he has at least a little sunshine this week. I can already picture the perfectOfficememe.
My phone vibrates again. I pick it up expecting another text from Theo, but this time, it’s a call from my father.
“Moshi moshi. Otosan,” I say, slipping into Japanese as I swipe to answer.
“Kaori.” Hearing his voice makes me a little homesick. “I didn’t expect you to pick up. I thought you’d be at work. How are you doing?”
I smile faintly. The same question, every time. “I’m well, Papa. I worked the weekend, so I have the day off. I’m keeping things low-key today, staying inside and hiding from the heat.”
“It’s a good thing you have air-conditioning.” He chuckles before catching me up on what he and Mama have been up to recently.
“You two have certainly been busy,” I say, leaning back against the couch. “I feel guilty that I’m not there to take some of these events off your plates.”
“That’s one reason I wanted to call. I was hoping I might be able to ask you and your sister to give a keynote speech at the spring gala for the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Arts. The theme this year is “Where Origami Meets the Modern World.” I thought you two could speak together about the intersection of folding techniques and engineering.”
I pull my laptop closer, the cursor blinking over my CAD design. “I don’t know about Rei, but I’m happy to do it. I’ll reach out to her later tonight.”
I open the notes app on my computer and jot down a quick reminder. Origami is one of her favorite hobbies. Despite the fact that she hates public speaking, if I’m doing it with her, I’m sure she’ll agree to it. It’ll be the perfect opportunity for her to get some practice in.
“Any other appearances you’d like me to make?” Off the top of my head, the only event I have planned is a talk I’m giving for the Japanese Embassy on my experience as an international student.
