Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
I nod fast, and looking at her, I grin while wiping the tears from my face. “I’d really like that.”
Keeping her arm wrapped around my shoulders as we walk to the kitchen, she says, “Let’s get our daily dose of caffeine, then you can tell me all about your brother.”
While I fix us each a mug of coffee, Mom looks at the flower arrangement. “This is stunning, Yuki. Which florist did you buy it from?”
“I made it myself.” Loving the attention she’s giving me, I quickly begin to feel better. “Would you like me to make you one?”
“Does a bear shit in the woods?” she gasps.
Not understanding what she’s saying, I give her a confused look. “Huh?”
“Yes! Oh my God, I’d pay good money for it.”
As I set her mug down in front of her and take a seat, I grin happily. “I’ll make you one today. What kind of flowers do you like?”
She gives me a list, and I place an urgent order online. When it’s confirmed the flowers will be delivered before five this afternoon, I ask, “Will you be able to stay for dinner? Otherwise, I can give you the arrangement tomorrow.”
“I’ll tell Franco to come over, and we can spend the evening with you.”
I drink some of my coffee while she sends him a message, and as soon as she sets her phone down on the island, she reminds me, “Tell me about Ryo.”
“It was such a shock. It was so good to see him and catch up. I used to write letters I couldn’t send to Ryo and finally got to give them to him.” I take a deep breath before I continue, “I’m still processing all the emotions. So much has happened.”
Mom soothingly rubs my arm. “I can only imagine. If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
“I’m just trying to get used to everything. It’s all good things, and I just feel a little overwhelmed. Having you over is already helping so much.”
Her phone beeps and she checks the incoming message, then says, “Franco and the girls are on their way.”
“Should we take something out of the freezer?” I ask as I get up to check what our options are.
“Do you have steaks or burgers? Franco can throw some on the grill for us, and we can fix a salad to go with it.”
Opening the door, I take out all the steaks and burger patties, and seeing there’s enough for a small army, I check what vegetables we have. “What kind of salad?”
“Potato. It’s Franco’s favorite.”
I leave the meat out so it can thaw, and as I drink the last of my coffee, I mention, “I think I should arrange the gathering for all the women during one of the poker nights?”
“That sounds good. Us girls can sit outside, and we can set up tables in the foyer for the men.”
“What do I need to do for the men?”
“Not much. Make sure there’s enough whiskey and snacks like chips and nuts.”
“That’s easy enough.”
Mom gets up and places our empty mugs by the sink, then says, “Show me your pottery.”
We head outside, and I gesture to the wall where all my pots are lined up.
“Jesus, Yuki!” Mom gasps. “You made these?”
I soak up her response to my art, pride and warmth flooding my chest. “You can take a couple.”
“If you don’t stop me, I’ll steal them all.” She picks up a round-bellied pot that’s decorated in earthy colors. “God, I have one hell of a talented daughter-in-law.”
We hear a car coming up the driveway, and I turn to watch Mr. Vitale park the SUV. I walk closer, and after hugging Bianca and Sienna, I hang back with Mr. Vitale as they walk to where Mom is still admiring my clay pots.
“How were things after I left?” Mr. Vitale asks.
“It was tense, but eventually it got better.” I meet his eyes, then say, “Thank you for helping me yesterday.”
He rubs my shoulder, smiling at me. “You’re welcome.”
Feeling awkward, I begin to fidget while my eyebrows draw together.
Mr. Vitale tilts his head, concern flashing over his face. “What’s wrong?”
“Is it okay if I call you Dad?”
A smile spreads over his face again, and wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he gives me a sideways hug. “Of course it is. You didn’t need to ask.”
Relief eases the awkwardness in my chest, and as we walk toward the other women, I murmur, “You raised an amazing son.”
“I know.” He brushes his hand over my back in a comforting way. “Thank you for making him happy.”
I let out a chuckle. “He’s the one doing most of the work.”
Augusto
After we landed in Tokyo, Ryo took us to the monastery where he was trained.
As we walk past the temple to the rooms we’ll be staying in, the air feels weirdly peaceful considering we’re here to go to war with Tanaka.