“No, I’m not pleased. But what can be done about it now? The most painful moment in my past has now been publicized for the world to see.” His eyes held a certain sadness as he spoke.
“I’m sorry, Father. I wasn’t able to stop this from happening. By the time I found out those details were included, the article had already been published.”
“It is as I said. I knew this would happen, from the moment you told me about the reporter.” Hiro turned his gaze away, as if looking at some faraway object only he could see. “Aiko betrayed me. I wanted to bury that secret with her. Now...” He shrugged.
Hiro’s use of the word betrayed hit Ken in the chest like a stone. For a moment, he was speechless. He’d spoken similarly of Nona in reference to the article. Nona had betrayed him, but it wasn’t the same thing. As he sat in the room with his father and sister and the specter of his mother’s memory, he realized that he’d lived most of his life in the shadow of his father’s pain. The weight of Aiko’s infidelity had crushed Hiro inside, and he’d passed that shame, mistrust and anger on to his son. It was a tragic legacy, a heavy burden Ken knew he no longer wanted to bear. And in releasing it, he hoped to free his father from the burden, as well.
Miyu broke the silence that had fallen in the room. “If you think it would help to talk about it, we’re willing to listen.”
Hiro turned wide eyes on Miyu.
Ken reached for her hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he nodded. “She’s right. You’re welcome to say whatever is on your mind to us. Unburden yourself, Father.”
He was quiet for a few moments more, with his eyes darting between the two of them. Then he sighed. “There isn’t much to say. I worked long hours as county commissioner, sometimes ten or eleven hours a day. Aiko came to me, told me that she was lonely and missed my company. I was so concerned with work that I let it consume me. She reached out to me, and I dismissed her.”
Both Miyu and Ken kept silent, out of respect for the older man.
“I blame myself for what happened to Aiko. Had I listened to her, maybe I could have prevented her affair. Then she wouldn’t have been in that car with him that terrible, terrible day. He died at the scene, but she lingered on long enough to give birth.” His gray eyes welled with tears. “I loved her. I loved her so much. Despite her unfaithfulness, losing her hurt me badly.”
When Ken looked at Miyu again, he saw tears standing in her eyes as well.
“And I reminded you of her affair. Of the other man.” Miyu sniffled. “I’m so sorry, Hiro.”
Ken said nothing, because he sensed something happening between his father and sister. They were both in pain, for different reasons.
Hiro fixed his watery gaze on her. “You were only a child, with no fault in this. I apologize for making you bear the blame, Miyu.”
It was the first time Ken had heard his father speak his sister’s name. His mother had survived long enough after Miyu’s birth to name her, but his father had always referred to her as “the girl” or “her.” It was far from a declaration of love, but for Hiro, it was a very big step.
“I accept your apology.” Ever gracious, Miyu offered a soft smile.
“I don’t know if I can ever accept you as a daughter.” Hiro watched her, awaiting her reaction.
“I understand. I’m satisfied to be friends with you, as long as we can put the pain behind us.” She rose from her seat on the couch, walking around the table to where he sat. She extended her hand to him.
Hiro took her hand in both of his. Looking up at her, he said, “You have Aiko’s eyes.”
She squeezed his hand.
Ken watched the exchange and felt a lightness enter his being. It didn’t matter to him that it had taken this long. He was simply glad that the two people he loved most seemed to finally be developing a relationship.
As Miyu returned to her seat, Hiro spoke again.
“Ken. Have you spoken to Ms. Gregory?”
He shook his head. “No, not since the day the feature was published.”
Hiro scratched his chin. “Then you don’t know that she came here to speak to me.”
“What?” Ken stared at his father. “When?”
“This morning. She came to the door, and Frances let her in. She sat just where you are sitting and gave her sincere apology to me for any trouble or strife she caused with her article. You told her of my love of architecture, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
“She gave me a volume on the architecture of Shinto shrines in Japan. It’s beautifully illustrated, very detailed. She presented it humbly and with proper respect.”
Ken blinked several times. He had no idea Nona had visited his father. Not only had she apologized in person, but she’d brought a gift she knew his father would enjoy. “What did you say?”
“I accepted her apology. She was very humble and didn’t make excuses. She simply asked my forgiveness.” Hiro fixed him with a penetrating stare. “But I sense she hasn’t yet gained yours.”
Ken looked at Miyu, who smiled his way.
“You know what you need to do, Kenny.”
He smiled, because he knew what they meant. Whether she knew it or not, Nona had just shown his father that she’d make a wonderful daughter-in-law. She’d demonstrated the one quality a man like Hiro valued most in a wife for his son: humility.
Chapter 19
The interior of Exhibit Hall A of the Charlotte Convention Center buzzed with conversation and activity from the moment Nona stepped inside. It was Ken’s big night, the unveiling of his final design for the restoration of the Grand Pearl Theater. Even though she hadn’t spoken to him in almost a week, she wanted to be present to congratulate him after his moment in the spotlight.
The occasion had been billed as semiformal, and she’d chosen a strapless maroon peplum cocktail dress. The lace inset in the V neckline kept the dress modest, as did the hemline that stopped a few inches below the knee. She’d paired the dress with a pair of three-inch pumps in metallic gold, and gold earrings hung in her ears. As the chill from the air-conditioning touched her skin, she pulled her gold pashmina wrap close around her shoulders.
She moved through the space, marveling at the size of the crowd in attendance. The one-hundred-thousand-square-foot facility teemed with people, all of whom had dressed in their best cocktail or evening attire for the event. Easels had been set up around the space, displaying concept drawings of the restored building, including the interior rooms and the grounds. She paused to view the drawings, impressed with the visual manifestation of Ken’s vision.
She overheard several people speaking about the drawings on display.
“The architect is obviously very gifted,” one woman remarked.
The man standing next to her agreed. “Definitely. Look at these designs. The finished product is going to be amazing.”
Nona moved past them, a smile touching her lips. She felt proud that the man she loved possessed such talent. Inside, she still felt nervous about what the night would hold. She didn’t know if she’d be able to convince Ken that they belonged together, or even that it would be worth his time to speak to her. But no matter the outcome, she had to try. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life with him, wondering where he was or who he was with.
Along the east wall of the exhibit hall, a display of items related to Ken’s business, Yamada Creative, had been hung on a floating wall. There were large images of the company’s logo, as well as photographs and sketches of past design projects. The centerpiece of the display was a series of portraits. One, a company photo, depicted Ken with his assistant and two interns. Another depicted Lynn, sitting on the edge of the reception desk at the Yamada Creative office. But it was the center image that drew her attention. It was the largest picture in the group, and for good reason.
The fr
amed image showed Ken, leaning against his drafting table. He wore a slim-fit black suit, cut perfectly to fit his muscular frame. He’d paired the suit with a crisp, classic white shirt and a solid gold metallic tie. A matching pocket square accented his jacket. His dark hair, neatly parted and combed to one side, just grazed his chin. His large hands were in his pockets, and he wore an intense expression that conveyed his passion for his artwork.
She stood there, slowly shaking her head back and forth. Damn, he’s fine.
Viewing the image, she struggled to keep it together. This image of him blew her mind. She’d never seen him dressed like that; the closest she’d come was seeing him onstage with the band. That night, all the guys had been dressed alike. But seeing him like this, in such a well-tailored suit, with no one else to distract from his utter gorgeousness...she could barely process it. She sucked in a breath and swiped her fingertips over her chin, proud of the fact she’d managed not to drool.
Logically, she knew he’d simply been looking at the camera when the image was taken. Emotionally, though, she felt he was staring at her, into her. It was as if he were looking directly into her very soul. She remembered feeling the same way the night they’d first made love, when he looked into her eyes. She’d felt as if the core of her being, as well as her body, were laid bare before him in that moment.
When she finally tore her eyes away from the image, she continued to walk through the exhibit hall until she reached the area that had been set up for the audience to hear the evening’s speakers. Padded chairs had been set up in rows, all facing a large stage. A podium centered the stage, backed by a group of five chairs.
Many of the chairs were already occupied, as the speakers were due to take the stage within the next half hour. She strolled down the center aisle, checking either side for an empty seat. Her preference was to be as close to the stage as possible. If Ken is dressed tonight the way he was in the photo, I need to see up close.
Though she wasn’t here in any official capacity, she approached the front of the seating area, where the first row had been marked off for the press. Taking the last empty seat directly behind the row where the press would be seated, she tucked her small handbag into her lap.
A few minutes later, Nona saw a group of people approaching the stage. As they began to step up on the stage, she saw the familiar face of Mayor Tyson, as well as the three committee members she’d interviewed for her feature. Ken’s assistant, Lynn, was also present.
The last person to step onstage was Ken. When she saw him, her jaw dropped.
He wore the exact same outfit from the photograph. And though she’d thought it impossible, he looked even more delectable in person. She drew in a deep breath, letting her gaze follow his movements as he took a seat onstage.
As the event began in earnest, an emcee gave a brief welcome before introducing Ken. “And now, please welcome our architect, Ken Yamada of Yamada Creative.”
Ken approached the podium to the sound of enthusiastic applause. Resting his open palms atop the wooden surface, he looked out over the audience. “Thank you all very much for coming out tonight. I’ll do my best not to bore you.” His eyes swept the room until they landed squarely on Nona’s face.
Her breath caught in her throat as they made eye contact for the first time since the night he’d stormed out of that dressing room at the Blue Lounge. She waited, unsure of what would come next.
A ghost of a smile touched his face, and he winked at her.
Feeling her nervousness melt away, she let a small smile show through. His gesture gave her hope that when this was over, he’d hear her out.
As he spoke, his gaze traveled the room. Every few minutes, though, his eyes would find their way back to her face. “I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to restore the Grand Pearl Theater. I’ve completed a number of projects around the southeastern United States, but this is the first time I’m completing a renovation of a historic site. I’m excited to move forward with this project and to see the finished product.”
Nona smiled. The passion he had for his work was evident in his words, his tone, his expression. She couldn’t think of anyone who would be better to restore the Grand Pearl.
“This building has so much historical significance, not only to Charlotte and to Mecklenburg County, but to this region and this nation. At one time, during segregation, it was the only theater African Americans in the area could attend. By bringing my vision for the theater to life, I hope we can start a process of healing and reconciliation for the misdeeds and injustices of the past. I also hope that we can look toward a brighter future for our city, one of tolerance, togetherness and love.”
Applause filled the room as Ken finished his speech. People jumped to their feet, Nona included, to express their approval of his words. She locked eyes with Ken, hoping her expression conveyed how much she’d been moved by his words—and how much she’d missed him.
* * *
The minute Ken finished shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the city officials, he left the stage to find Nona. He’d been watching her throughout his speech, and she knew it, because she’d been just as focused on him. Now that his obligations for the evening were complete, he wanted to speak with her.
She’d been sitting in the second row during his speech, but as people got up from their seats and started moving en masse toward the exits, he’d lost sight of her. Now on the exhibit hall floor, he sidestepped between bodies, excusing himself every time he bumped against someone. His gaze swept the room, seeking the dark beauty in the gorgeous deep red dress.
Over the next few minutes, the crowd thinned out considerably as people left the venue. A small number of stragglers remained, chatting in various corners of the room, but the exhibit floor had mainly emptied.
When he finally caught sight of Nona, he stopped in his tracks. She stood with his father and Miyu, chatting near the floating wall with the company display. He wasn’t close enough to make out their words, but all three of them were smiling, and he considered that a good sign.
Miyu noticed him first. “Great speech, Kenny.”
Hiro’s expression conveyed his agreement. “I’m very proud of you, son.”
“Thank you, Father. Miyu.” He looked between them to where Nona stood.
“Ken.” She said his name in a voice that barely surpassed a whisper. Her eyes met his, and the rest of the world seemed to fall away.
Miyu sensed what was passing between them. She linked arms with Hiro. “Come on. Let’s take a look at some of the drawings.”
Hiro didn’t protest as Miyu led him away.
Ken took a step in Nona’s direction, entering her personal space. “My father told me that you stopped by.”
“I wanted to apologize. Even though this was all a horrible mistake, I’m still responsible for what happened.” She blinked, her dark lashes fluttering.
“He knows you were genuine, and because of the way you approached him, you’ve really endeared yourself to him.” He reached for her hand, capturing it in both of his. “And to me.”
She trembled, tears gathering in her eyes. “Ken, I’m so sorry. You have to know that I would never purposefully betray you.”
“I know that now.” He drew her body close to his, reveling in the feeling of her soft, warm form filling his arms.
As she slid her arms around his neck, her explanation tumbled out in a rush. “I’d written about it in my journal, and I didn’t even realize I’d taken my journal to work. The intern grabbed it when he came to get my article revisions, and then my boss—”
He placed his index finger against her lips. “It’s okay, honey. I get it.”
“Really?” Her voice held a touch of fear, as if she were afraid his forgiveness would be snatched away at any moment.
He curled his finger beneath her chin, lifting her fa
ce up. For a moment, he simply stared at her, taking in the beauty of her dark, almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones and the soft fullness of her red lips. “Nona. I forgive you. In a way, I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
Confusion made her brow crinkle. “What? Why would you say that?”
“Look at the two of them.” He gestured behind her, to where his father and sister were. They stood together, looking at one of the concept drawings he’d created for the event. “Ever since she was born, he’s been keeping her at arm’s length, never really developing a relationship with her. This is the first time they’ve ever spent a significant amount of time together.”
Nona glanced over her shoulder at them. Turning back to him, she shook her head. “I’m happy they’re getting along, but I can’t take the credit for that.”
“Yes, actually, you can.” He brushed his fingertips over her jawline. “Your article was the catalyst for all this. It made my father uncomfortable enough to finally sit down and talk to Miyu, and to address his feelings about what happened with our mother. So, thank you, Nona. Thank you for helping me put the broken pieces of my family back together.”
She smiled as a tear coursed down her cheek. “I’m glad I could help.”
“Besides, I need to apologize to you.”
“For what?”
“For being so stubborn and secretive. I should have just been open with you from the beginning.” He pushed a fallen lock of her hair away from her face. “I realize I was broadcasting my issues of mistrust onto you. I made you work way too hard to learn who I am.”
She shrugged. “You did. But I’m glad I went through it. You’re more than worth the effort it took.”
He felt a smile stretching his lips. Having her in his arms again made him feel lit from within, as if his heart were smiling, too.
“So are you and I back on good terms now? Because I miss you.”
He nodded. Leaning in, he said, “We are on better terms than ever. And I missed you, too.” He brushed his lips against hers. It was a brief, teasing kiss meant to convey his growing desire. “Now let’s go to my place and I’ll show you how much.”
Tempo of Love Page 15
