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“No, I’m sorry, you misunderstand me,” James says. “This one is a prototype specifically for Rua. It’s yours. You’ll be doing me a big favor if you can help me work out any kinks and improve the design.”
They’re both speechless, and just nod their thanks. He glances at me, and I smile and reach out a hand. He grasps it for a moment, then lifts it to his lips and kisses my fingers.
It’s an innocent gesture, but my face heats at the touch of his lips on my skin. Mum says, “Aw…” and I remember then that he’s doing it for show, but my face stays warm for a while.
Marie brings out our drinks, then sits with Rua, asking him to show her the ball.
“So, this is Leia,” Mum says as Leia waves the toy she’s holding. “She’s your niece, James, right? Aroha told me about your sister. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.”
“Yes, it was very sad,” he says. “I’m hoping to adopt Leia and bring her up as my own.”
“Where’s her birth father?” Dad asks.
“He’s not in the picture,” James says. He doesn’t elaborate.
“So you’ll be her daddy?” Mum asks. When he nods, she continues, “And Aroha, you’ll be her mummy? I’m finally a grandma! How wonderful.”
I look at James, taken aback by her comment. I should have guessed she’d say something like that. He quirks an eyebrow and smiles at her, but he doesn’t look at me.
“Can I hold her?” Mum asks.
“Of course.” My fingers fumble at the harness, and then I lift Leia out and pass her to Mum. Leia stares at her, wide eyed. Mum says, “Hello sweetheart,” and kisses Leia’s hand as she holds it up to Mum’s mouth. Leia giggles, and Mum laughs. “Oh, you’re just adorable,” she says.
I warm through. I was worried that Mum might be hostile toward her, but I should have known better. She loves babies, and she was so disappointed when I said I didn’t want my own.
“So, Aroha tells us that you own your own business,” Dad says to James. “Kia Kaha?”
James nods. “With four of my friends, plus one woman who’s our chief physio. Amongst other things, we design exoskeletons that help people to walk again.”
“You should see their building, Dad,” I say. “One of them, Henry, is a member of Ngai Tahu, and he worked with the local kaitiaki to plan and design the building so it connects with nature and the local culture. There’s a wonderful painting of Rangi and Papatuanuku as you walk in.”
“I’d like to see that,” Dad says.
“Actually,” James replies, “I have something to ask you. Our Building and Grounds Supervisor handed in his notice before Christmas. Aroha mentioned that you have experience with handling staff and maintaining equipment, and that you’re in between jobs at the moment. I wondered whether you would be interested in the position? I’d like you to come in and meet the other guys. It’s so hard to get trustworthy staff, and you’d be doing me a favor.”
Oh my God, this guy. How did he manage to make it sound as if my dad’s skilled and honest and perfect for the role in the same sentence?
Mum looks at me, and I can see immediately that she’s crazy about James. And who can blame her?
Dad looks embarrassed, though. “I don’t know what Aroha told you, but I’m just a process worker.”
“You were in charge of your shift though, right?” James asks.
“Well, yes…”
“And you’ve received an award for your contribution to the company for eight years running?”
Dad nods, but I stare at James. How did he find that out?
“You’re just the type of guy we’re looking for,” he says. “Would you be available to come in tomorrow?”
“I’ll check my calendar,” Dad says, then laughs, the frown lines that have been there for so long disappearing from his face.
James grins. “Shall we say ten o’clock?”
Dad nods. “I’ll be there.”
“Excellent.” James sips his drink. “This is an excellent cup of coffee, by the way.”
