by Imari Jade
It took about an hour to go around the property twice. It was a beautiful winter view. Snow fell lightly and the leaves crackled under their feet as they strolled. Dae-Hyun told her some more about his life back in Korea, and she promised that she would go with him the next time he went back because she wanted to visit Seoul in the spring time. They arrived back at the house, took the boys out of the stroller, and carried them back into the warmth of inside. Dae-Hyun went back for the stroller while she got the twins out of their coats. She changed both of their diapers and tucked the sleeping infants into their cribs. After that, she changed into her tae kwon do costume and went down to the exercise room. She put on some music to entertain herself while she waited on her sensei to join her.
Dae-Hyun showed up a few minutes later. “Sorry to make you wait. I had to answer a phone call.”
“Anything important?”
“Just Mr. Kehoe checking up on us,” Dae-Hyun answered.
The look on his face told her there was more to the conversation, but she didn’t pry. “I like this song,” Shaundra said, dancing with an imaginary partner.
“You dance real well,” Dae-Hyun said, watching her.
“I used to have a life before I had kids,” she told him. “My first husband and I used to go dancing every chance we got. Do you dance?”
“A little.”
“Then join me. I need a partner.”
Dae-Hyun hesitated at first and then walked over to her.
“Put your arms around my neck.”
“I don’t know if I should,” Dae-Hyun said. “It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“We are just dancing. I don’t know what’s up with you Asian guys. It is the oldest form of exercise and entertainment. It’s an expression of joy.”
Dae-Hyun wrapped his arms around her neck and Shaundra put her arms around his waist and moved him around the floor. “See. No harm, no foul.”
Dae-Hyun was a fast learner. Their roles reversed and he waltzed her around the floor.
The music changed to a faster pop number and Shaundra left his arms and dance around him. “This is how we do it down south in America,” she told him. “It’s called backing that thing up.”
Dae-Hyun folded his arms in front of him and watched. “That should be considered illegal.”
Shaundra laughed. “It probably is in some prudish country, but not in this exercise room.”
“And were you doing that when you caused a fight in that nightclub?”
Shaundra rolled her eyes at him. “Ooh, low blow. Who told you about that?”
“Mr. Kehoe. He told me never to take you to a club.”
She chuckled. “No.” She walked over to her CDs, found Silk, and put on “Freak Me Baby.”
Dae-Hyun listened to the song in its entirety. “Oh, now I understand why your husband got so upset.”
“You think he got mad then, wait until he comes home and finds his kids gone.”
“I’m prepared,” Dae-Hyun said. “Now please re-start the song. I’m interested in dancing to it with you.”
Shaundra smirked at him and her cougar reared its head. Why do I feel like I should say no?
****
“Are you excited that your boss is returning tomorrow?” Barbara asked Damien as he sorted through Cristal’s correspondence and organized her appointment and meetings into her calendar.
“Yes,” Damien answered. “I’ve heard so many wonderful things about her.”
“She’s a fun boss too,” Barbara added. “She curses and she’s dating Yi-jun Lee.”
“Who is Yi-jun Lee?” Damien asked. The name sounded more Korean than Japanese.
“He’s a famous Korean actor,” Barbara told him. “He’s in the United States right now filming a movie.”
“Oh, so they’re having a long distance relationship?”
“It’s a long distance relationship any way you look at it. Yi-jun lives in Korea and she lives in Japan. But he takes her to wonderful places like France and she joined him in the United States a couple of months ago before the tour.”
“And they’re still together?”
Barbara nodded. “I heard he’s coming to Osaka for Christmas.”
Yes. He knew long distance relationships worked. They just had to because it was the only way he could keep his sanity until he could see Tricia.
“Do you have a girlfriend?” Barbara asked.
“Yes. We’ve been dating since we were kids and we’re getting married as soon as we graduate.” Might as well erase any fantasy she was having about him. Barbara was cute, but she wasn’t Tricia. His baby was fine chocolaty goodness.
“Is she here in Osaka?” Barbara asked, getting deeper into his business.
“No, she goes to school in New York.”
“Oh, so that’s why you wanted to know about long distance relationships.”
“Yes.”
“Do you love her?”
Damien picked up another envelope and opened it. “More than life itself.”
She chuckled. “You sound way too serious.”
“I am serious,” Damien told her. “She’s the woman I want to spend my life with and have my babies.”
“What’s her name?”
“Tricia Morrison.”
“Why does that name sound so familiar?”
“Her mother is Shaundra Morrison, the writer.”
“Ooh,” Barbara said. “Didn’t she date Satoshi Hayashi of Aomori a couple of years ago?”
“Yes, we were on a break.”
“And she broke up with him to go back with you?”
“Why do you say that like it’s impossible to believe? Apparently, I am the better man.”
Barbara looked over at him, checking him out. “I guess so, because Satoshi is really hot.”
“American men can be hot too,” Damien told her. “And he can’t be as hot as everyone says he is.”
Barbara looked at him oddly. “Have you ever met Aomori?”
“No,” Damien replied. “I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure. Anyway, she is so over him.”
“I heard your new boss dated him once too…before Yi-jun.”
Damien raised an eyebrow. “How do you know so much about these people’s lives?”
Barbara pursed her lips. “Because I have nothing better to do while I’m getting an education and working.”
Damien laughed.
A few of the other employees walked through the office, returning from the first lunch shift. He and Barbara were assigned to the second lunch shift. After a month, he had this work down pat and he was actually doing quite well in school.
“Would you like to go to lunch with me today?” Barbara asked.
She’d asked him to lunch several times before and he had always turned her down. “Where at?” he asked. He was in a generous mood since he’d talked to Tricia last night. His baby was spending some time with his geeky brother and missing him desperately.
“I’m in the mood for a burger,” Barbara told him. “And fries.”
“Real hamburger?” Damien asked. “Because tofu burgers leave a lot to be desired.”
“Real beef,” Barbara said. “And greasy, salty fries.”
That got to him. Since coming to Japan, he had to sacrifice his tastes and try new stuff. It came as quite a culture shock. Thank God for his future mother-in-law. She really put out the spread for Thanksgiving and he didn’t feel so homesick now. “Okay,” he agreed. “And those burgers better be good.”
“Great,” Barbara said, finishing up her mail. “The place is owned by Americans. You’re going to love it.”
He’d better, Damien thought. Because he felt so guilty now for going to lunch with the young woman.
Chapter Fifteen
The tension was so thick on the plane Yori could cut it with a knife. He wasn’t stupid. Something had happened in the last two weeks and it involved Cristal and Satoshi. Normally, the two of them sat together whenever they traveled, talking or playing card
“What’s wrong with Satoshi and Cristal?” he asked Ichiro. The two of them had mended their squabble since they left for the European tour and started spending time in each other’s company without wanting to kill each other.
Ichiro shrugged. “I noticed it too. She’s been wearing those dark sunglasses twenty-four-seven, and he’s been staying as far away from her as possible. I think they broke up.”
Yori nodded. “Maybe it’s for the best. She probably likes Tae better and finally told Satoshi.”
“Tae is a douche,” Ichiro said. “I didn’t think Cristal had bad taste.”
Yori smirked. He missed Ichiro’s analogies. “Are you excited about going home?” Their European tour had been a smashing success, made them a lot of money, and earned them a lot of new fans.
Ichiro nodded. “I miss my wife and my babies.”
“Yeah, I miss my wife too,” Yori admitted. “I’m tired of touring.”
“Me too,” Ichiro agreed. “And I’m so glad that they relaxed the rules about our military duty while we were away. I wasn’t looking forward to leaving Shaundra for two years.”
“Yeah,” Yori said. “I don’t think I would have made a good soldier. You know I like giving orders better than taking them.”
Ichiro nodded. “I’m thinking about retiring. I’m tired and I just want to stop.”
“Me too. After our contract expires next year, I plan not to sign a new one.”
Ichiro shook his head in agreement. “What do you think the others will do?”
Yori shrugged. “Probably hire two more lead singers or go solo.”
“Takumijo isn’t a soloist,” Ichiro said. “Maybe he’ll go into acting, and Satoshi will probably retire too. He’s mentioned moving back to the United States a couple of times before.”
Yori shook his head. “He won’t go as long as Shaundra’s in Japan.”
“What do you mean by that?” Ichiro asked.
“He’s her soul mate.”
“I thought that’s what I’m supposed to be.”
“No, you are her baby and the love of her life. He’s the ultimate best friend, just like Harper. They might go on and marry others, but their hearts will always belong to her.” Who was he kidding? He felt the same way about her.
“I don’t think I like that,” Ichiro said jealously.
“It is totally out of your hands,” Yori explained. “It’s a spiritual thing. I bet the two of them know more about your wife than you and I will ever know.”
“I guess you’re right,” Ichiro said, settling back in his seat. “At least she’s talking to them.”
Yori looked over at him. “Tell me honestly. Did you cheat on her?”
Ichiro glared at him and Yori got lost in the blue sea. “No. I did not cheat on Shaundra.”
Yori sighed. “I believe you. In fact, a part of me has always believed you.”
“Thanks,” Ichiro said.
“You’re young, Ich, and you have a beautiful heart and soul to match that face. “
“A lot good it does me. Shaundra just won’t believe me.”
“You have to make her believe. Take her somewhere and rekindle the flame.”
“I’ll try,” Ichiro said. “I won’t lose her to Harper or Satoshi.”
“What about me?” Yori asked.
“Not even you,” Ichiro said. “But if I die, I want you to look after her.”
“Done,” Yori said.
“But I’m not telling you to try to kill me off to do it.”
Yori smirked. “I’ll take her back to the United States.”
“Why?” Ichiro asked.
“Because Shaundra wants to go home,” Yori said. “She’s an American on Japanese soil and she’s gone through a horrendous time since she met us. Harper may be a bastard, but he told me that Shaundra lost most of her memory during the earthquake and tsunami and is struggling with trying to get it back. He said she blacked out a couple of times on the way to the hospital to deliver the babies and she cried out in her sleep about the water and the dead bodies that she saw.”
Ichiro stared at him. “Why didn’t someone tell me about this? I could have gotten her help.”
Yori shrugged. “I guess none of us thought you were old enough to cope with this, but I think we were wrong. She won’t admit it you, but I think she might need to see a shrink to help her with this.”
Ichiro groaned. “I’ve been so selfish. I think I’ll take her home after Christmas. It will be my present to her.”
“What about the diamond ring you bought for her in Amsterdam?”
“Oh, she’ll get that too, but I think she’ll enjoy going home more.”
“Good,” Yori said. “I’m sure she wants to see her mother and kids and introduce them to their new siblings.”
“Do you think I can convince her by Christmas Eve?” Ichiro asked.
“Why Christmas Eve?” Yori asked.
“Because it’s my birthday and the only gift I want is for us to get back together and celebrate my babies’ first Christmas together as a family.”
“You have two weeks,” Yori said. “I still believe in miracles.”
The public address speaker came on.
“Good evening, everyone,” the pilot said. “We will be landing at Narita Airport in twenty minutes. It’s a chilly thirty degrees outside, so bundle up.” The announcements continued and then finally, he said, “Welcome to Japan.”
****
Satoshi’s cell phone rang as he walked away front the baggage claim counter. “Yes?”
“Satoshi, this is Shaundra.”
“Yes, I recognized the number. What’s up?”
“I have to tell you something.”
Satoshi stopped walking. “Is anything wrong? Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m okay and the boys are fine. Listen. I moved out of the farmhouse,” she confessed.
“What? When?”
“The day you guys flew back to Europe.”
“A month ago?”
“Yeah. That’s why I’m calling. I want you to be there for Ich when he finds out and try to calm him down.”
“Why did you do it?” Satoshi asked.
“Because I can’t cope. And I hurt so much in my heart.”
“Where are you?” he asked.
“Not too far away. I rented a house.”
“He’s going to go ballistic.”
“He won’t if you explain it to him. I left a note. I needed time away to think about things and to get my life together.”
“He’s going to want to see his sons.”
“And he can. I don’t plan to keep my whereabouts a secret. I just can’t stay under the same roof with him until I work this out in my head.”
“Okay, give me the address.” Satoshi dug around in his bag for a pen and paper. Shaundra gave it to him. “You’re right. You’re close by. Do you want me to come over?”
“After you calm him down.”
“This is wrong on so many levels,” Satoshi said.
“Yeah, I know. But I do love him. That’s why I’m still in Japan. I could have taken off and left his ass, you know.”
“I have to go,” he told her. “See you in a couple of hours.”
“Bye,” she said, and hung up.
“Damn,” Satoshi said as he disconnected his phone. No wonder he couldn’t reach her every time he tried calling the house. Why now? It wasn’t like he didn’t have his own problems to deal with. He rejoined the others. Takumijo hovered closed to Cristal. She wouldn’t even look his way. He hadn’t gotten a chance to apologize to her yet. Takumijo hadn’t spoken to him either since their little altercation in his room at the hotel. His stomach still hadn’t recuperated.
Masaaki’s cell phone rang. He answered it and hung up. ���The lobby is full of fans.”
“We were expecting that,” Takumijo said.
“Security is in place. Let’s get out of here,” Masaaki told them.
Satoshi sighed. The more things changed for them, the more they remained the same. But one thing did change. Instead of him fleeing the fans with Cristal, the honor now fell on Takumijo.
****
An hour later, Ichiro got the surprise of his life when he got home and found his family gone. The biggest surprise was that he took it better than Satoshi expected. He’d found Shaundra’s note and he sat down and read it.
“Where is she?” Ichiro asked him.
“Why do you think I know?” Satoshi asked.
“Because you are her soul mate. If she will tell anyone, it would be you.”
“She has rented a house not too far away. She called me at the airport after we landed and told me everything.”
“Is she with Harper?” Ichiro asked.
“No,” Satoshi said. “She did this all on her own. And it’s our fault. We deserted her for Mr. Niigata. I suspected something like this would happen.”
“Come on,” Ichiro told him. “I’m going to get her and bring her back home. She doesn’t need to be alone anymore.”
“Do you want me to get Takumijo?” Satoshi asked.
“No, this doesn’t involve him. Just us. We’ll take the new Escalade I bought.”
Ichiro had bought a bigger SUV to chauffer his bigger family around. They left the house without telling Takumijo they were leaving. Ten minutes later, they drove up to the house.
“Is this it?” Ichiro asked. “It’s smaller than the farmhouse.”
“How much room does she need for herself and two babies?” Satoshi asked. “It looks rather nice, like a picture out of a book, and look at all the land.” He opened the passenger car door and Ichiro turned off the engine and stepped out the driver’s side. They walked up to the metal gates and Satoshi pressed the button to call inside the house.
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