AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Cheers,” I croak out.
A Japanese chef slides behind the counter and bows to us. He pulls out an expensive-looking fish and starts cutting it like a ninja.
My eyes widen.
Sazuki, on the other hand, looks largely unimpressed.
“How is Rowan?” Sazuki asks when the chef is finished with the fish. He slides a pair of chopsticks over to me and picks up his own set. Expertly, he plucks one of the sashimi slices and eats it.
“He’s with his mom right now.” I eye the chopsticks warily. I’m more of a knife and fork guy.
Well, more of a fork and a tear-it-with-my-teeth guy.
On top of that, I’d take meat and potatoes over raw fish any day.
But Sazuki seems to have made an effort so I pick up the chopsticks, one in each hand. “Since Alexa isn’t doing too well, he’s sleeping in her hospital room to have as much time as he can with her.”
“Ehem.” Sazuki slides me a fork.
“Thanks.”
He nods brusquely. “Who is Alexa?”
“Rowan’s mom.”
Sazuki doesn’t blink. “And why is she in the hospital?”
“She’s…” Guilt pricks my chest. “She’s got terminal cancer.”
Sazuki’s blank expression shifts to one of concern. “I am sorry.”
I nod.
“So this is why your son showed up that day,” Sazuki says, wisely putting it together. “His mother wanted to see him safe and secure with you before she passed.”
“That’s what it turned out to be.” I put another piece of fish in my mouth. My past experience with sushi wasn’t a pleasant one, but this isn’t too bad. Maybe it’s because the fish melts in my mouth. Or maybe it’s because I haven’t eaten much lately and my stomach is chomping at anything I provide.
“What does this have to do with Nova?”
At the mention of her name, my stomach drops and the fork slips out of my grip.
Sazuki studies me carefully. “Is she unhappy that your ex-girlfriend has returned?”
“That’s not it.”
“Then?”
I keep quiet, which is a first for me.
Sazuki takes a napkin and wipes his mouth with it. “I understand how difficult it is to create a harmonious environment with your lover and your child’s mother. In my case, I did not see my ex-wife’s schemes or how it affected Dejonae until it was too late. I am very grateful that Dejonae was so mature and patient about Ashanti. She gave me another chance in the end. Perhaps you can talk to Nova and—”
“This isn’t something I can talk to Nova about.”
He arches an eyebrow as if to saywhat do you mean?
I tell him about the doctor’s warning, Alexa’s request to leave the hospice, and the requirement of marriage.
Sazuki is quiet when I’m done.
