Tae wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of his mother’s words, except... he knew she wasn’t kidding. He tried not to be bothered by the often overly traditional way of thinking of Korean mothers. But sometimes, it was just so asinine.
“Umma...”
“We should at least consider it, no?” she said.
“Do not—”
“Just talk to him. See what he thinks. It’s a good idea, but if I bring it up, he will get frustrated. He’s always believed I don’t approve of Andrea,” she said. At least she was self-aware enough to realize that much.
“Why on earth would he think that? Oh, maybe it’s because you’re actively trying to set him up with someone else.”
“Tae, don’t be dramatic.”
Tae shook his head. He couldn’t convince his mother not to go down this road. But he wasn’t going to have any part of it. Plus, if Julia’s family only had three chances with this, Min was not going to make the cut.
And if not Min, well, Tae wasn’t even going to be in consideration. They were likely checking résumés, tax returns, and pay stubs. Still... he could have some fun and help Julia along the way. He hadn’t spoken to her since he’d agreed to be her dating coach. He hoped she hadn’t changed her mind. He was actually looking forward to helping her.
He thought back to the job offer Grandma Song made him at her birthday party, asking Tae to date Julia. Did she want Julia to spend time with someone jobless and without a future so she’d get a clearer picture of what she should be avoiding? Was it a lesson for Julia to never settle for something less than the best? Or did Halmoni actually believe Tae had some magical power to deliver women to their future husbands?
Tae tried not to feel offended. Everyone just wanted what was best for Julia, after all. But what about what was best for him? In any case, being Julia’s dating coach, going on practice dates with her, would settle it. He would decline Halmoni’s offer but accept Julia’s. Seemed they ultimately wanted the same thing anyways.
Tae ran back down to his room. With the addition of a couch, a bed, a kitchenette, and a small bathroom, it was now technically his studio apartment. Which wouldn’t be so depressing if it wasn’t the ground floor of his parents’ home where he was living rent free. There was no way of making any of it sound impressive.
Hey, wanna come back to my apartment for some lovin’? We just gotta be quiet so my parents can’t hear.God, just imagining the conversation was enough for Tae never to get hard again.
Tae grabbed his phone and let out a deep breath before activating the screen. He ignored the message waiting for him from Kari and opened a new text message.
Hey there, let me know when you have a quick secondhe typed.
His phone rang unexpectedly.
He looked down, and it was Julia.
“Hello? That was fast.”
“Hi! Well, I currently have a quick second...”
Julia, ever the precise communicator.
“...and it was perfect timing. I have a favor to ask of you.”
Seemed everyone needed Tae these days. And it sure didn’t suck to be needed by CEO Julia Song.
“Oh?”
“I’m getting bids on an office renovation, and I’m not exactly sure what some of these line items are about. Our facilities manager is new, and I’d just feel better having a second look-over. My dad says you’ve been doing a lot of this type of work for some of the neighbors. Is this something you could look at for me? I need you if you’re able.”
He didn’t expect Julia’s request to have quite the effect on him that it had. His chest puffed up, and his ego expanded. Just hand him the superhero cape to put on. Julia needed him. He wasn’t about to let her down now.
“Of course. Happy to.”
“Great, can I email them to you?”
“Or better yet... I know this is likely a long shot, but I’m gonna be up in LA tomorrow. You’re probably super busy, but I was wondering if you’d be free to grab a coffee in the afternoon? And I can take a look at the estimates then?”
“Like I’d give up a chance to see you outside of the Irvine bubble. No way. I’d love that. It’s been too long. Would two o’clock work?”
“Definitely. I’ll come by your office.”
