“Yes?” I say, blinking, tilting my head as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Okay, it’s a little weird to invite your boss over, but it wouldn’t be as the boss. It’d be as a friend. “It’s fun to stream stuff over the app, but it doesn’t beat having you here.”
“You’re doing it again,” he says softly.
“What?”
“Catching me off guard.”
Iforce a small laugh, trying to chase away the flocks of cranes preparing for flight within my chest. “What can I say... I like to make life interesting.”
We both go quiet after that.
Theo glances toward the clock just out of frame, then back at me. “I should probably call it a night. It’s past ten here. I still have a couple things to do.”
My heart sinks a little, knowing he’s right. It’s late in London, and we’ve spent most of the day together. But that doesn’t stop me from selfishly wishing he’d go another hour or two.
“Thanks for spending the day with me. I enjoyed it,” he says.
“You’re welcome,” I say softly. “Good night, Theo.”
“Good night, Kaori.”
The call ends, and the screen goes dark, leaving only the quiet hum of my apartment appliances. I lean back against the counter, the glow from the city lights slipping through the blinds.
I stare at the black mirror of my phone, my own reflection looking back at me with a soft, dazed expression I barely recognize. The silence is heavy now—empty in a way it wasn’t five seconds ago.
That’s when it hits me—sudden and jarring, like someone’s slammed the emergency brakes on a coaster mid-ride. “Theo Riverton,” I whisper into the empty room. “I think I may be falling for you.”
Thirteen
Ispend what’s left of the weekend catching up on emails from the Imperial Household Agency.
Dear Princess Kaori,
Your recent talk with the Japanese consul general’s office in Atlanta received high praise from the consul general, Mr. Inouye. His report to the ambassador highlighted your unique ability to connect with the university students in attendance.
As such, we have received several inquiries from the consul general’s offices in Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles, inquiring if you might be available to participate in their informational sessions as a subject-matter expert. They are specifically interested in your insights regarding the differences between the Japanese and US education systems and your personal experiences as an international student.
The prospective dates are as follows:
Seattle: Oct. 6
New York: Oct. 22
Los Angeles: Nov. 4
These would, of course, be conducted via video chat, as we are aware your in-person appearances are currently being kept to a minimum.
