Page 54 of Room One Hundred and Twenty Nine

“I’m sorry,” Simon says. “Did you say you’re in love with your bosses? Like plural?”

She nods. “Yeah,”

He looks at all three of us. “These two?” He points to Nick and me.

“And him,” she points to Elijah, who’s sporting a guilty as charged look on his face.

“Elijah, seriously? She’s your assistant.”

Simon seems to be flip flopping between what he’s most shocked about. That we’re her bosses or that it’s more than one person.

“I didn’t plan this, Simon,” Elijah says, keeping his voice down. “It just happened. I tried to stay away. We all did. But you know your daughter. She’s amazing. Smart, beautiful, funny. And she’s perfect for us. I couldn’t tell you because I didn’t think it was my place. We also haven’t discussed our future yet. But Haruko didn’t want to lie to you anymore. So, I called Nicholas and Parker here so we could tell you together.”

Simon turns to his daughter.

“Sweetie. They aren’t manipulating you or anything, are they?”

Haruko shakes her head. “No, Dad. I really do love them. All three of them. So much. I didn’t mean to, honest. But I have, and I don’t want to let them go.”

Simon looks at the three of us again before he turns back to his daughter. “You’re sure?”

Haruko nods.

“Yeah, Dad. I’m sure.”

Simon rubs his eyes. Digesting what his daughter told him. It’s several moments before he uncovers his eyes. “This… is… shocking. Is this why you got silent when I asked you if you were seeing anyone?”

She nods.

“And you’re telling me now because you don’t want to hide this from me?”

She nods again.

“Well, I’m flattered you care so much. This is a lot, and I mean, the three guys thing I think I can get over but Haruko, they’re your bosses—”

“I know, Dad.”

“This is not okay.”

“I know,” she says and covers her hand with his. “We’re going to talk about it tomorrow. I’m going to find another job and it‘ll be okay. It’s not like they can find other jobs. It was always going to come to this. If this…” she waves her hand to us, then to her, “was ever going to happen I was going to find another job.”

Simon takes a deep breath. “Well, my company is looking to hire some assistants soon. Maybe you can find a job there.”

The smile on Haruko’s face sets the table at ease. That’s how powerfully happy she is.

“Thanks, Dad.” She reaches over and hugs her father.

The smile and colour returns to Elijah’s face. Nick and I have calmed down quite a bit.

Simon looks at us. “My priority always has and forever will be, making sure my daughter is happy.” He leans over the table towards us and whispers, “So if you hurt her, I’ll use every Karate move I know to kick your asses. Especially you.” He points to Elijah and who holds up his hands in surrender, nodding his head.

“I figured.” Elijah says. “So, seeing that I don’t have any plans to hurt Haruko, are we good?” he asks his friend.

Other than with Haruko, I’ve never seen Elijah this vulnerable. Never thought it would take another person entering our lives to see another side of him. Mostly because I didn’t think there was another side. I thought he was a grump through and through. That he was hard as stone and that was just who he was. But Haruko has cracked open his shell and now he’s more open than before.

“Yeah, Elijah. We’re good. Just remind me not to ask how your love life is going ever again.”

Laughter echoes around us, and I can tell an immense weight has been lifted. It’s only the technical side of this situation that needs to be worked out. As well as telling Haruko that we love her. Out loud.

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