Myra’s Big Mistake – Chapter 17

Eight months later…

I snag a cocktail from a waiter and prepare to smile, nod, and make small talk for the next hour. Everyone is milling around the plans and models for the Stars Above Theme Park, which is due to start construction next month and open in less than two years. But I know the plans backwards and forwards, so I give others the room they need to lean in and examine it all.

“Oh my gods,” Ruby breathes out as she hustles over to me, “it’s amazing. Myra, I’m floored.” She giggles and jumps up and down, little hops in her cocktail dress and high heels. Nosh chitters on her shoulder. “He says he can’t wait to go.”

“Neither can Mochi and Ringo. They literally can’t stop talking about it.” I use my free hand to smooth out the wrinkles in my dress and adjust my waistline.

“Stop fidgeting. You’re gorgeous.” Ruby lightly smacks my arm to keep me still. “I have never seen Nosuké this happy before, ever.” She turns and looks out across the room. “His father? Well, the man could use some good times, anyway.”

We both lean to the side and spot Noburo Maeda, dressed in a tuxedo and sipping on a bourbon, talking with my mother and father. He looks uncomfortable, but I think that’s my father’s fault, not the theme park. He supports Nosuké and this new venture, even though he wanted the casino.

Mochi returns to me. “Your dad is barely talking. I think he’s said three words in the last five minutes.”

“Thanks, buddy,” I say, sighing. My little spy is the best in the house. Always watching out for me.

Since Nosuké is busy talking to the investors and people on the town council, I lift my chin and decide it’s time. “I have to go do my duty.” I groan, and Ruby gives me a reassuring one-armed hug.

“Remember yourself. You are strong and competent. Your big mistakes are in your past.”

Her words are even more reassuring than her hug. “Thanks.”

“Signal me if you need rescuing.”

I pick up Mochi and steel my nerves.

Crossing the room to Mr. Maeda and my parents, I consider making a run for it. My father has not spoken to me since the dinner I brought Nosuké to. Mom and I meet for coffee often, and she comes by the izakaya when she can. But otherwise, it’s not like we’ve talked much in the intervening months. I should turn and leave before anyone sees me.

“There she is!” Noburo Maeda’s voice booms out, and I wince, wishing he were a less gregarious man. “Myra, your mother is an absolutely charming woman.”

I smile at him and his blatant disregard for my father. My mother, of course, loves this.

“Noburo,” she drawls out, “you are too much.” She laughs as she sips her drink.

“Mom, Dad, I’m so glad you could make it.” I turn to look at the presentation and Nosuké talking with everyone. He catches my eye briefly. “So, what do you think of the plans?”

“I like it.” Dad does not make eye contact. “Much better than a casino. You’ll have to thank Nosuké for hearing me out about our previous disagreement.”

I press my lips together and consider just how much I want to ruin this evening.

“She doesn’t need to thank me because it wasn’t my idea.” Nosuké is suddenly by my side. His hand glides across my lower back, and he pulls me to his hip. “Stars Above was all Myra’s idea.”

“I love when he sticks up for you,” Mochi whispers in my ear. I cover a smile.

Finally, Dad’s eyes meet mine. I sip my drink. “I’m sure it was mostly your idea,” he says to Nosuké. “Myra is not especially the motivated type.”

Noburo chuckles, his low voice rumbling. “You must be joking. Myra is one of the most motivated people I have ever met. This project would not have happened without her. At least sixty percent of the ideas for the park’s features came from her.” He leans close to Dad. “Remember that we didn’t need your approval once it was no longer a casino. Give the girl some credit for being a superstar.” He huffs and stands up straighter. “I see Ms. Itami is here. Excuse me.”

Nosuké’s arm around my waist tightens, and he leans over to kiss my temple. “My superstar.” He sighs. “I always get the feeling my dad is flirting with you.”

Mom laughs. “He could do worse.”

“Well then,” Dad says, bristling. “I suppose congratulations are in order.”

“Thank —” I start, but he bulldozes on.

“But I can’t imagine you do that much while still working at that izakaya.”

Nosuké’s fingers dig into my side. He’s so pissed, and if I don’t stop this conversation right now, he’s in danger of decking my father.

“Dad, I know it’s hard to let go of the dreams you have for your kids, but if you want to attend my wedding and meet your grandkids someday, it would be best for you to loosen up and give me a little support.”

He’s silent for a few moments while my heartbeat drums in my ears. I’ve had months of dealing with obstinate and powerful people to prepare me for this. I will not let him ruin my success with his petty comments.

“Yes, of course.” He glances at my mom, and her eye contact with him is dead cold. “Perhaps you can come by the house for dinner soon, both of you, and show me some of these rides you have planned.”

Nosuké’s fingers relax, and my body loses some of its rigidity.

“I think that’s a great place to start,” I say, lifting my glass.

“Excuse us,” Nosuké says, ushering me away from them.

“I’m going to tour the room again and listen in.” Mochi shifts on my shoulder, so I let him down. Glancing back at my father, his eyes are on Mochi as he runs off. Dad’s expression is resigned. Okay. It’s not acceptance, but I’ll take it.

Nosuké guides me to a quiet corner of the room, and I sigh and relax into him, resting my forehead on his chest.

“You pulled that capitulation from him out of thin air.” He wraps his arms around me. The warmth of his body is exactly what I need right now. “Hey,” he prompts, so I look up. “Wedding and grandkids?” His smile is disarming and loving.

I return the smile with a raised eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about it.”

He slides his hands to my face. This is his favorite thing, looking into my eyes and holding me captive. I love it too.

“It’s all I’ve thought about for months,” he says, and my body shakes with relief.

“Then all you have to do is ask.”

“And what will your answer be?” He already knows.

“Yes. I’m saying yes.”