Chapter 11

Chapter 11

T he next morning, I arrive at the Book Club bright and early to start setting up for tomorrow’s open house event. Despite my renewed determination to forge ahead, I can’t shake the lingering sadness from last night’s conversation with Rosa and my… abrupt end with Daichi.

Sigh. This morning I hate myself for what I’ve done. Although I maintained a smile and a kind demeanor, what I did was wrong. I was a total bitch to cut him off and walk away.

But it was for the best, right?

The last thing I need is for the rumors about us to keep spreading like wildfire.

Daichi is a good man who deserves better than to have his reputation dragged through Yamato’s infamous gossip mill just for being kind to me. I’m doing him a favor by distancing myself, no matter how much the thought of it stings.

You’re doing a good thing, Winta.

Then why does it feel like it was the worst possible move?

With a weary sigh, I shake off the thoughts and get to work. There’s far too much to do today to waste time wallowing in self- pity and ‘what ifs.’ I need to get the main lobby and library areas prepped for tomorrow’s meet-and-greets, set up displays for the informational materials I’ve prepared, coordinate with the staff on their roles for the day…

I’m so engrossed in my mental checklist that I don’t even notice the front doors sliding open behind me. It isn’t until a warm, familiar voice calls out a cheerful greeting that I stand up and look.

“Morning! I come bearing caffeine and baked goods.”

Daichi stands in the entryway, holding a loaded tray of steaming coffees and a box of — mmm — what smells like freshly fried donuts from the bakery down the street. And Itsuko sits at his heels, looking pleased with herself, as always.

“Daichi? What are you…” I approach him, and he hands the bag of donuts to me. “I, uh…”

“Thought that you had everything handled and didn’t need any more help from me?” He finishes, arching one eyebrow in a look of mild challenge. “Yes, I heard you loud and clear on that front.”

Itsuko lets out a little trill, as if agreeing with his words. I flush, struggling to find a response that doesn’t make me sound like an asshole.

But Daichi doesn’t give me the chance. Setting down the tray of coffees, he shrugs out of his jacket and moves further into the lobby, already scanning the space with an appraising eye.

“Well, it just so happens that I took the day off from the restaurant anyway,” he remarks, rolling up the sleeves of his henley to reveal toned forearms. “Figured I might as well put the spare time to good use helping however I can around here. That is… if an extra pair of hands wouldn’t be too much of an imposition?”

He gives me a pointed stare and a tiny smile, like he knows I can’t refuse without being rude.

Curse his effortless charisma and thoughtfulness.

I start to protest again, but Itsuko barks softly and walks over to nudge my shin with her nose. Her big dark eyes watch me with clear expectation, challenging me to say no to their help.

I can’t say no when I’m up against Daichi’s stubborn thoughtfulness. That disarming charm of his is a powerful weapon.

“All right, fine,” I relent. “We could use an extra set of hands today, if you’re really sure you don’t mind helping.”

The grateful smile Daichi flashes me is bright enough to put the sun to shame. “Of course, I don’t mind. Just point me where you need me.”

I try not to dwell too much on his smile, or the way his voice somehow makes my pulse kick up a notch. Instead, I wave him toward the stack of boxes filled with display materials and informational pamphlets.

“We need to get all that unpacked and set up around the main lobby area,” I instruct, doing my best to keep things all business. “The goal is to make everything warm and inviting, you know? Show off the Book Club’s personalized, intimate approach right from the get-go.”

Daichi’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he nods. “Got it. Cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Leave it to me.”

True to his word, he dives into the task with that same effortless focus and diligence I’ve seen when he’s in the kitchen.

Over the next few hours, I sneak glances at him while he works. I notice how strong he looks and how his shirt rides up every time he reaches or lifts something. I tilt my head for a better view, and Itsuko snickers at me. Busted.

Get a grip, Winta.

I avert my gaze with a blush and walk away. He’s just being a friend by helping, that’s all. No need to be ogling him like a sad, lonely woman starving for attention.

Except… the more I watch Daichi move about the space with that grounded presence of his, the more my resolve to keep him at arm’s length crumbles like a sandcastle against the tide. His energy is warm and welcoming. It’s like a soothing balm for the loneliness I’ve felt for so long.

I keep telling myself it’s not romantic attraction driving this; it’s simply the bond with someone who understands my struggle.

Yeah, that has to be it.

Or it’s lust. Sigh.

It’s probably lust.

This is why I can’t shut out Daichi’s support, no matter how hard I try to convince myself to push him away. He’s activated some primal part of my brain, an area I don’t have control over. Look how weak I am in the face of a caring and attentive man. It’s ridiculous.

I should stop reading romance books and move onto mysteries or something.

Get back to work, Winta.

I’m getting lost in the calming rhythm of unpacking boxes and setting up displays when the front doors slide open with a cheerful jingle. Glancing over, my heart plummets straight into my stomach.

Oh, no. Nononono, this cannot be happening right now.

My parents burst into the lobby with their usual rambunctious glory, followed by Ean and Suri and their pairs. They spot me, waving and calling out greetings with that typical Kimura boisterousness that always makes me want to slink away and hide.

Except this time, I have the added horror of them noticing Daichi right away, too. He straightens up from where he’s been arranging a pamphlet display, offering them all a warm smile and an easy wave.

“Well, hello there,” he calls out, as if he hasn’t single-handedly turned my quiet morning of preparation into a potential emotional minefield. “I didn’t realize you’d all be joining us for setup duty today.”

Mom and Dad both turn to each other with bemused expressions. Great. They know. Suri steps forward, grinning with delight as Finn excitedly gambols at her heels.

“Daichi! I didn’t know you were helping out at the Book Club now, too,” she exclaims, approaching him with a wave. “This is a… surprise.” She glances over at me, and I hide behind a bookcase.

This is a nightmare. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as my family gathers around, greeting Daichi like he’s an old friend. Daichi shakes Ean’s hand and smiles at Ume’s curious head movements. He laughs at something Dad says while he pets Finn, who comes up looking for attention.

It’s almost… domestic, in a way. Like he’s the world’s most patient, unflappable houseguest being welcomed into the eye of the storm that is my family’s antics.

Suri comes to my side. “When did he show up?” she whispers.

“This morning,” I croak out. “First thing.”

“Ah, he even woke up early? Who would have thought that Daichi Kaga would be so invested in helping preserve the Book Club’s legacy?” She looks at me, and I can sense the laughter hiding behind her serious expression.

“Don’t start,” I protest, but Suri only smiles.

“Mmhmm,” she murmurs, giving me one last pointed look before turning back towards the others with a bright smile. “Well, in that case, we’d better not stand around gawking all day. We’ve got an open house to prepare for.”

Gia appears at my elbow, looping her arm through mine.

“Your family came! That’s so nice.”

“Not really,” I mumble.

She chuckles. “Hey, you got a sec?” She jerks her head towards the back offices. “I need to run something by you really quick.”

Uh oh. I hope nothing’s wrong.

I allow her to tug me away from the controlled chaos of the main lobby area. As soon as we’re out of earshot, Gia whirls on me with wide eyes and a manic smile.

“Okay, spill it, girl. What’s the deal with your handsome chef buddy being here and getting all cozy with the family?”

Will this day ever end?

“There’s no ‘deal,’ Gia. Daichi just showed up offering to help with setup for tomorrow,” I insist, struggling to keep my voice down. “He took the day off from his restaurant and said he wanted to lend an extra set of hands. That’s it.”

Gia is not buying it. We’ve been best friends for too many years, and she can read me like an open book.

“Uh huh, sure. And I’m supposed to believe his being here has nothing to do with the rumors about you two?”

Dammit. I knew that stupid gossip would make it back to Gia.

“The rumor mill is wrong,” I protest, perhaps a bit too defensively. “Daichi and I barely know each other. And you know how I feel about dating. I’m sure he’s like every other guy who has let me down. I’m not getting involved.”

Gia hums, unconvinced. “Listen… I’m not trying to give you a hard time here, okay? I’m always gonna be Team Winta, no matter what.” She smiles and sighs as she runs her hands down my arms. “I just… want to make sure you’re being honest with yourself about what’s really going on between you and Chef Hottie over there.”

She squeezes my hands once before letting go. The gentle concern in her voice takes me by surprise.

“Because from where I’m standing? It seems like the man has taken a personal interest in you and in helping preserve this place that means so much to you. Which is… kind of a big deal. Especially for someone who’s been unlucky in the romance department for as long as you have.”

I gulp down a sudden lump in my throat after hearing her words. Maybe there’s more to Daichi’s determination to help me than just kindness.

“I… I don’t know what to think, Gia. A part of me wants to ignore it and stay away from him. It’s safer. There’s less risk of getting my heart broken again over something that might just be my own wishful thinking.”

Gia’s expression softens as she reaches out to give my arm a reassuring squeeze.

“Look, I’m not saying you need to decide one way or the other, okay? The last thing I want is for you to get your hopes up if this is just a kind guy being supportive. But Winta… I’ve known you long enough to recognize when you have feelings for someone.”

I open my mouth to deny it, but she raises a finger. “Ah! Denial,” she says, ticking off finger number one. “Avoidance.” Finger number two. “So much blushing.” A damning finger number three.

I pout and fold my arms over my chest.

“Anyway, that’s just my two cents as your oldest friend.” She sighs. “But there’s actually something else I need to run by you, and it’s not good news.”

I frown at the shift in her tone. “What is it? Did the supplier mess up our pamphlet order again or something?”

Gia shakes her head, mouth set in a grim line. “No, nothing like that. I just checked the weather reports for tomorrow and… well, there’s a pretty major storm system headed our way. If the forecasts are right, we could be looking at high winds, heavy rain, maybe even thunderstorms rolling through around the time we’re supposed to have the open house event.”

“Damn it.”

With so much depending on tomorrow’s open house, the idea of postponing or canceling because of bad weather is heartbreaking. But I should have expected it. Early fall on Orihimé has been stormy for the past five years. A super monsoon hit this neighborhood not too long ago, but luckily, the town rebuilt and secured the nearby mountain to prevent more landslides.

Gia nods. “We might need to start making some contingency plans, just in case…”