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“Yes, our friend Tyson suffered a spinal column injury.”
“Juliette said he’s doing well.”
“He’s getting married tomorrow. We’ve all been working hard to help him so he can stand for his vows.”
“Oh, how wonderful. That must be so rewarding for you all. I bet his wife will be thrilled. Does she know?”
“Not yet.” He looks a tad amused, and I realize I’m babbling.
I flush. “I’m sorry. I talk too much when I’m nervous.”
The door opens and James comes in with two takeaway coffee cups.
“Thank you,” I say as he passes me mine.
He glances from me to Alex. “Everything okay?”
“Fine.” Alex takes his coffee cup. “Cheers.”
James looks back at me. “You sure you don’t want that tetanus shot?”
I bite my bottom lip, and he grins and goes out.
“Tetanus shot?” Alex asks.
“Um… Juliette said your bark was worse than your bite, and James said it might be best to get a tetanus shot anyway.”
He holds my gaze, and I can’t tell whether the comment has amused or annoyed him. I clear my throat. “Sorry.”
“You can’t get the staff nowadays,” he says.
My brow furrows. “I feel as if I’ve got off on the wrong foot.”
“You haven’t.”
“You seem annoyed.”
“I’m not. I’m very dry.”
I give him a helpless look. “I know I’m flaky and a bit hopeless. But I really, really want to do well in this interview. Finn needs this so much, so all I want to say is that even if I drive you nuts, please don’t hold it against him.”
“I wouldn’t be much of a man if I did,” he says. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, holding his coffee. “Missie, let me clear a few things up. Juliette put Finn forward for the trial, and I trust her opinion one hundred percent. The team here at Kia Kaha has read through Finn’s records from his physio and doctor. We’ve already given him the green light.”
I stare at him. Finn’s in?
“I know I referred to it as an interview in the email,” he continues, “but this meeting is just a formality. I wanted to meet you, that’s all, and discuss your role in Finn’s treatment. You know him better than anyone, and I want to talk to you about his motivation and whether you think he’ll be able to commit to the treatment, which involves a significant time investment for a young lad, as well as a physical strain that can be tough for a parent to deal with. I know you’re a single mother, and I believe you work full-time. You already have a lot on your plate, and I wanted to make sure you have enough support, because your wellbeing is as important to us as your son’s.”
My jaw has dropped. His speech didn’t mention his business’s needs once, even though I’m sure that’s in the forefront of his mind. I have no doubt that the success of these initial trials will impinge greatly on Kia Kaha’s future, and I wouldn’t have blamed him if he made that very clear. Instead, though, despite his somewhat stern visage, he’s just made me feel like the most important person in the world.
Emotion rushes through me without warning, and I press my fingers to my mouth in horror as tears well in my eyes.
To my surprise, he doesn’t frown or look impatient. Instead, he gets up, retrieves the box of tissues from his desk, brings them back, and offers me one before taking his seat again.
I try to blot the tears that tip over my lashes, hoping it’s not giving me panda eyes. “I’m so sorry.” My voice is little more than a squeak.
“It’s all right,” he says. His voice is gentle. “You’ve been through a lot. Your only child suffered an appalling injury. I can’t imagine how stressful it’s been for you.”
“Oh my God, please stop or I’m going to bawl my eyes out.”
