Damn. She’s good.
–Kim: She slept with him. Wouldn’t be asking if he was just her boss.
–Court: I didn’t even think about that.
–Edgar: I knew there was something between the two of you.
–Nate: Lucky man. He needs to kiss your feet every day.
–Me: Yes. We are officially In a Relationship. But Mom doesn’t know yet, and I need to figure out how to bring it up without freaking her out. One hundred dossiers, remember?
–Jo: But if you’re with Declan, who cares about the dossiers?
–Me: My mother. Her goal for me isn’t just a “relationship.”
If it were, my life would be easier.
–Tony: My lips are sealed.
–Me: Thanks.
“Are you texting your father?” Mom says.
“No. Why?” Is Dad supposed to tell me what’s going on?
“You should. He misses you.”
“Isn’t it pretty late in Seoul right now?”
“Then text Mr. Park, so he can give him a message.”
Poor Mr. Park. He’s probably still working. “I’ll call Dad later.”
Mom pats my knee affectionately. I put my phone away and keep it in my purse.
The second we enter the suite at the hospital, Ms. Lim and Ms. Kim get busy laying out giant fruit baskets and flowers. Mom also brought lots and lots of balloons. And cake. Because no birthing is complete wit
hout a three-tier cake.
Tony is here, of course. “Thank you,” he and Ivy say, smiling as Mom fusses.
“This is the least I can do for my daughter,” Mom says in English. “If you were in Korea, I would’ve arranged for more.” She sighs.
She’s probably thinking about all the things she could’ve done to spoil Ivy in Seoul. Mom’s convinced she needs to step up because Ivy doesn’t have a mother and Tony’s mom is… Well, she’s one of those people who would be better off dead for the improvement of humankind. That leaves my mom to act as Ivy’s mother, a responsibility she takes seriously.
Ivy flushes, and I squeeze her hand. As much as Ivy appreciates what Mom does, I can sense she’s also flustered at the lavish attention being thrown at her.
“Now, let me see my honorary grandchildren.” Mom peers at the twins Ivy is holding. “Oh my goodness, they’re so cute! Do you mind if I hold them?”
“Sure. Go ahead.” Ivy smiles.
“I want to hold Katherine,” I say. You can never cuddle enough with your honorary niece. Besides, she’s named after Tony’s late sister, who still means a lot to him. I want to shower Katherine with all the love and have Tony and Ivy both know she is going to live a long, healthy and happy life.
“I’ll hold Sebastian, then.” Mom takes the boy. Then she notes the anklet. “This is absolutely stunning. Excellent taste. Where did you get it?”
“A friend got it for us. He had one made for Katherine, too,” Tony answers.
“I want to know where he got them made. I want one made for Yuna’s children.” Mom gives me a mildly disapproving look.