Arima (Haruki Arima Duet, #2) Read online

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  Haru.

  Money. Kid. Fiancé.

  Never thought I'd have any of them.

  Six years ago, a careless mistake ended up giving me the greatest gift of all—my son. For Max, I abandoned my reckless, dark ways and embraced adulthood, fully intent on getting a promotion and securing a life for both of us.

  I thought that's all I needed until Summer came into our lives and showed me what I was missing. Apparently everything, because I can't imagine my life without her.

  Summer's come a long way from the vulnerable, naive, misguided girl I first met, but her mother doesn’t see that. Hell-bent on ruining the happiest moment of her daughter’s life, she takes every opportunity to diminish my girl’s strength, cutting her down with vicious words and cruel actions.

  I wonder what it’s really about. Is she just a vindictive woman or is there something deeper here?

  Arima

  有馬

  Arima

  First edition. May 28, 2020.

  Book Two of the Haruki Arima Duet

  Laine Watson Books

  Published By

  Mir.Mad Works

  A Division of Mir.Mad, LLC

  Atlanta, Georgia

  Copyright © 2020 Laine Watson. All Rights Reserved

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Laine Watson

  Visit my website at www.LaineWatson.com

  Laine Watson Books and Mir.Mad Works are registered trademarks of

  Mir.Mad, LLC.

  Cover Design and Editing by Touch Creations

  Contents

  Chapter 0.5: My New Life

  Chapter One: Missouri

  Chapter Two: Chatty Kathy

  Chapter Three: Hayden

  Chapter Four: Tattered Past

  Chapter Five: Olive Branch

  Chapter Six: Attempt

  Chapter Seven: The Man In Between

  Chapter Eight: Your Kind of Girl

  Chapter Nine: Max’s Incredible Sundae

  Chapter Ten: Changing Your World

  Chapter Eleven: The God of Spring

  Chapter Twelve: Look at Them

  Chapter Thirteen: Black Spring

  Chapter Fourteen: Don’t Stop Trying

  Chapter Fifteen: What I Wouldn’t Change

  Chapter Sixteen: The Haru I Know

  Chapter Seventeen: Suspicious Morning

  Chapter Eighteen: Iroshima Castle

  Chapter Nineteen: I Want to Touch You

  Chapter Twenty: Subpoena

  Chapter Twenty-One: Sadness

  Chapter Twenty-Two: To Darby’s

  Chapter Twenty-Three: Of Course

  Chapter Twenty-Four: We Miss Bob

  Chapter Twenty-Five: Can’t Deny

  Chapter Twenty-Six: Haru, You’re an Asshole

  Chapter Twenty-Seven: So, How Was the Hearing?

  Chapter Twenty-Eight: You did This

  Chapter Twenty-Nine: Miako

  Chapter Thirty: Back Home

  Chapter Thirty-One: Blind Man’s Bluff

  Chapter Thirty-Two: Why?

  Chapter Thirty-Three: Wedding

  Chapter Thirty-Four: Graduation

  About the Author

  Chapter 0.5: My New Life

  After being bullied in high school, throwing away my first couple years in college and almost giving up, I finally found a place where I thrive with people who I love and hold dear. It sucks so bad that my mom can’t be a part of it. What can I do?

  I walked out of my mother’s house with Haru, the man I fell in love with. Despite my mother’s refusal to accept this, I followed my heart. I moved hours away to Ridient, Missouri with him and his six-year-old son Max. Many times, I’ve thought myself insane for doing something like that. I’m still in college and he’s a joint business broker a company called Alson. We’re from two different worlds. Somehow, we’ve been making it work.

  Things have changed since we moved to Missouri. Haru wanted Max to grow up with his grandparents. He got his wish. I, on the other hand, haven’t spoken to my mother since she mocked me for trying to have a life I wanted.

  Other things have changed also. A while ago he got a haircut I hated, but he’s let it grow. I like his hair longer. We didn’t use to, but now we go on dates. Haru’s parents babysit for us when we do. I also get to experience loving family time when we go over to Haru’s parents’ house. It’s something I’m not very family with but enjoy so much. These experiences are so precious to me. Not only that, I’m not just sitting in my mother’s office everyday, loathing my life like I was before. I’m living it. I’m doing an internship as a counselor at Ridient High School. Even though my mother and I are estranged now, a little piece of me still wants her in my life.

  Chapter One: Missouri

  “Hey, so how did everything go with that tenth grader who swore at the teacher?” the counselor, who mentors me, asks.

  I sit in her chair. “I think it went well, actually. Her mom seems like she’s open to counseling.”

  She takes a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk. “Wow, not bad for a counselor in training; you’d think you got paid for this. That mom has been a hassle since day one.”

  “I never thought I’d be counseling teenagers. That’s definitely not what I set out to do. Counseling, I mean, not the teenagers part. Thanks for letting me use your office. All the other counselors treat me like I’m an assistant.”

  “I can get my own coffee.” She flips her hair and tilts her head to the left with the kindest expression in her eyes. “You have a way with people. It’s strange but kind and meaningful.”

  “I thought I’d be dealing with kids under the age of eight, Mira.”

  “Well, you’re probably good with them, but you’re great with these kids.”

  “This seems surreal. Just a few months ago, I attended a second-chance school and lived with my mom. Then a summer goes by, and I’m at the university. Then I meet you. This spring semester has been the best so far. If it weren’t for you, I would never have taken this internship.”

  “Well, you were very inspiring; you had a lot to say. This is the first year I’ve personally requested an intern.”

  “My mother would not agree with you, but I do really like working here.”

  “Once you finish your observations and this internship, you should apply for the paid internship.”

  “Paid internship?”

  “Yes. If you submit an application next semester, I’ll write you a recommendation. If you get it, you’re pretty much guaranteed a job after graduation.”

  “Really? I’d love to.”

  “I know you’ll get it.”

  “I hope so.” I sigh, getting up from the desk. “Well, I have to go. I’m headed to the elementary school.”

  “Okay, have fun.” She waves me away. I leave the school and hop into a black four-door sedan with gray seats and a nice black dashboard. It’s mine. I bought it
with the money I saved up from watching Max—something I don’t get paid to do anymore.

  I drive to Eckert’s Mill Elementary School. It’s about one p.m., and school let out early today. I spot Haru waiting in his unflashy, two-door car, so I park and get out.

  Seeing him in Max’s school parking lot, smiling at me as I walk toward him, is unreal.

  “Hi, princess.” He smirks.

  “Hi, Haru.” My hands press against his chest.

  He bends down to kiss my lips. “Thank you for coming.”

  We walk into the school, turn down two hallways, and walk all the way down one until we arrive at Mrs. Tillman’s first-grade class.

  “Hi, Mrs. Tillman,” I say as we step into the classroom.

  “Summer. Haruki. You came. Max is going to be so happy.”

  “Where is he?” Haru rests his hand on the doorframe and leans out the doorway to glance down the hall. After a moment, he walks over near me and pushes his hands in his pocket.

  “He’s on the playground. The kids who are still here after the pick-up cut-off time will come back inside in a few minutes for the after-school program.” Mrs. Tillman dips her head to glance at the wooden table.

  “Oh, okay,” Haru says, darting his eyes over at me.

  What was that look for?

  Mrs. Tillman raises her head and takes a seat in the wooden roller chair. She smiles, extending her hand toward us. “Please have a seat.”

  Haru and I sit down in wooden chairs in front of a large desk.

  I ask, “Why did you want to see us?”

  “Well, honestly, Mr. and Mrs. Arima...”

  “We’re not married.” I smile politely at Mrs. Tillman. Then dart them over at Haru, who is smiling as he stares into the grayish blue tiles on the floor.

  “Yet.” Haru leans closer to me and dips his head. He catches my eye, and I stare more endearingly at him. I melt into the chair. Mrs. Tillman’s voice pulls me out of my allure.

  “I’m sorry, my mistake. I thought you were. You’re such a beautiful couple, and you support Max so much. There isn’t really anything other than good things to say about Max. He does well. He’s on the Honor Roll, and you guys have him at school on time. He’s kind and—a little rough. I did want to ask you about a screening.”

  “A screening?” Haru wonders.

  “Yes. We think Max is gifted. There’s a screening he needs to go through and some other things. Here’s a pamphlet if you want more information about the screening and other procedures.” She hands us a brochure.

  “Oh, thanks.” Haru takes the information from her, hands me the pamphlet, and opens the brochure.

  “Other than that, there’s nothing else. I have some art for you guys to take home. If you are interested in the screening, please let us know as soon as possible. You have until the end of the year.”

  “What’s the screening for?” Haru asks, glancing up from the brochure.

  “Max’s cognitive abilities are vastly more developed than his counterparts. He gets bored easily in this environment. I’ve found a few appropriate ways to help him. You know he knows all the times tables required to move on from sixth grade?”

  “Yes, I taught him.” I smile proudly. “One to twelve.”

  “Yes, but those are not third-grade efforts. Max has even surpassed those standards. He’s a child that likes academic challenges. I believe advancing him a few grades might help him thrive more.”

  “Advancing a few grades?” Haru arches his neck.

  “Please, consider it.”

  I glance at Haru, who is speechless. “We will. We’ll let you know.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure Max will appreciate it.

  I knew Max was smart, but maybe “logical nature” is more than just logic.

  We talk a bit more, and then Max and a few of his classmates come into the classroom.

  “Mom! Dad!” Max runs up to me and hugs me, then fist-bumps Haru.

  “You ready, bud?” Haru asks.

  “Yeah!” Max says, excitedly. “Bye, Ms. Tillman.”

  “Bye, Max.” Ms. Tillman smiles.

  Max says goodbye to his friends, and we head out of the school and back to the house. We say nothing to Max about the screening.

  “Dad, can we go to the park and play? Can you be a zombie killer again?” Max asks.

  Haru glances at me.

  “I guess that’s fine, but please be back by dinner. It’s going to be at six; try not to make it seven again.”

  “Okay. We get it.” Haru laughs, glancing down at Max as if I’m being overdramatic.

  Max smiles at Haru, then his eyes travel toward me. “Can we have chicken and rice tonight—easy on the vegetables?”

  I fold my arms and give Max a motherly smile and a stern eye roll to Haru, who makes sure not to make eye contact with me. “We can have chicken and rice... and vegetables.”

  “Fine.” Max shrugs.

  Haru parks the car in the driveway of our Missouri home. We’ve been here a while, and we haven’t talked about unpacking; we’ve been living out of boxes. It’s different from the old house. It’s a two-story, five-bedroom home. On the top level, Max’s room is at the end of the hallway, then we have a guest bedroom on the other end, and in between, a bathroom.

  Downstairs, there is a living room, dining room, and den. Down the short hall, there’s the kitchen, which is bigger than the old one and has dark wood cabinets and a black fridge. An island centers the area, with stools to serve as a kitchen table. We mostly eat in the den together. We have a basement, where Haru keeps all of his cool man toys. There is a bedroom that will probably be a guest bedroom and a bathroom at the very front of the house, and Haru’s office. Then our master bedroom is down the hall. Our private bathroom has two separate sinks, a huge hot tub that fits three people comfortably, but only Haru and I use it. On the other side of the bathroom is a Japanese style shower with the linen closet.

  Haru changes into sneakers, shorts, and a T-shirt, then kisses me goodbye. As he leaves, he gets a call.

  Max runs past him out the door into the yard. While Haru stands in the door and talks, I get the ingredients out of the fridge to prepare dinner.

  “Hey, you want to have dinner with my parents in a couple weeks, princess?” Haru asks, walking back into the kitchen.

  “Here? No! There are still boxes everywhere—”

  “No, at their place.”

  “Oh.” I drop my shoulders and close my eyes.

  “Hey, hey...” Haru says, leaning over to me. He takes his fingers and tilts my head upward by the edge of my chin. “What’s wrong, princess?”

  “I wish I could go see my mom. Things are horrible between us. I know I planned on never looking back, moving forward without her, but I miss her.” I dip my head down, and Haru’s fingers caress my face, then runs them through my hair.

  I glace up at him with sad eyes.

  He stares down at me for a moment, concern etched across his face. “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.”

  “It’s just—we’re here with your family, and we’re happy, but I wish we could all be a family. We should.”

  Haru wraps his arms around me. I lay my face on his chiseled chest and snuggle into the warmth and comfort of his body.

  “We should.”

  “I shouldn’t have just left things like I did.”

  “You can always talk to her. Don’t you have your friend watching out for her? Stop being stubborn.” He pauses and kisses me. “Call her and invite her out here. We’ll pay for the trip; she can stay with us.”

  “Haru...”

  “Do it, princess. I’m right here. There’s nothing to be afraid of.” He kisses me again. “We’ll be back.”

  “I didn’t say yes to dinner.”

  “Yeah, but you know my mom will call you and guilt you into it, so the answer is yes.” He smirks.

  “You’re right.”

  “I know I am.”

  “I haven’t talked to her since we left
. She probably thinks I’m a horrible person or childish. If I call her now, I’m almost certain she’ll say I abandoned her, or I’m being immature or something like that. She doesn’t get it. I did this for me. I wish I could make her see I didn’t just run away with you. I wanted to prove to her and myself that I could do it—be a mom, be a good girlfriend, and still do all the things I wanted to do, including taking care of myself. I did everything I said I was going to do.”

  “You don’t need to prove anything to her, princess.”

  “Yes, I do!” I stare intensely at Haru as he stands in the middle of the doorway. I ball my fists by my side, and step forward. “Even if it’s only to rub her face in it.” My shoulders drop a moment later, and I release my fists. I bow my head and frown, scooting my foot back. “At least that’s what I thought.” I stare pensively at the floor. “Shouldn’t I feel better about rubbing it in her face? I don’t even want to do that. I just want her to be a part of our lives.”

  “Call her. It will be fine. See you in a little while. Call me if you need to.” He smirks lovingly as he disappears out of the door.

  I sigh heavily, staring into the ceiling. He’s right. I lean against the counter and pull my phone out. I stare at it, as if doing so will give me the nerve to call my mom.

  I’m going to call her—wait, let me call Darby first, I think as I dial.

  “Hello?” Darby answers.

  “Hey.”

  “Is this another ‘spy on my mother’ call? Or do you actually want to talk to me?”

  “Um, both... I kind of left abruptly, but would you want to come here for a few days to hang out with me, Max, and Haru?”

  “Um, yes! Best friend, awesome kid, and uber hot guy? I’m there. Because, you know, I’ve never met him. You’ve been keeping him all to yourself.”

  “Really?”

  “Absolutely! When?”

  “I’m not sure exactly, but in the next couple of weeks. We’ll pay for you to fly out, and you can stay with us.” Hopefully, Haru doesn’t get upset that I invited her also.

  “I’m so there!”

  “Haru wants me to invite my mom here. So, I’m about to call her.”

  “Oh, so you invited me because you need your best friend?”