A Melody of You: Book Five

Emma

The board meeting was longer than I thought. Something can save Danny from getting fired. It's his skills on a computer. The head of our technology department spoke for Danny and explained how he has created a software for them that has helped immensely.

"The man has talent. He has the mind of a robot. It's unfortunate what he did, but I've never had anyone as gifted as him with a keyboard. Is there something we can do?"

"The thing isn't about how gifted he is," my boss said. "It's that he hid something that's crucial to this case. If the family knows what he did...it will get messy. They were already willing to sue a doctor that did nothing but contact us. I can't imagine what they will do to us."

He's afraid. I get it. I am slightly afraid to what could happen to our company. We are just starting to get funds and partnerships that could eventually help us improve the help we give families and children. Among those investors is Danny's company. Expanding our business overseas to help more children on the streets is a dream.

Jordan's dull eyes came into my memory as the board continued to argue. My heart shrunk at the memory of her deep sadness she wishes to hide. Perhaps Danny is right. If there's anyone who understands disappointment and sadness, it's him. He has another gift they don't know of.

He can see the heart faster than any of us could. That's how he got to mine and now I can't help but give it to him.

So I lifted up my hand and they were all surprised to see me speak up. I cleared my throat and straightened my back in my chair. "We should make the correction. Children change their opinion every time. They don't understand their own emotions during this process. It's a lot on them. After the second counseling meet, we can make the correction. We can say that we had misunderstood if anyone asks. This case isn't going uphill anyways. I think we all know where Jordan will end up. As for Danny, I would like to defend his case."

My boss does a scoff and points at me. "Are you a lawyer now? That's for the board to decide. Also, his boss is as careless as he is for him to not respond to my urgent emails."

"They are a startup company with good intentions," I said. "We should teach them how to deal with this kind of business since they are so eager to join us."

"We can start with consequences for stupid decisions like what Mr. Baek did," a board member said.

I clenched my jaw and pushed down my anger as I firmly said, "He has made a great contribution to our company already by just being here for a few months. He is willing to not only immerse himself in his area of expertise, but also work closely with the children. He was a foster child himself. He has a special connection with the children in our company."

"How will that help his case?" my boss says with a mocking smile.

I keep firm and say, "I won't deny that his actions were wrong and that he should attain consequences. Perhaps having a meeting with the board of directors of his own country will help break down an appropriate consequence for someone so gifted like him. He made a single mistake. Perhaps keeping him in the area he cannot afford mixing his emotions-"

The head of the technology department snapped his fingers with bright eyes. "I like that idea a lot, Ms. Nam. We all make mistakes but he made one where his emotions were in the picture. I admire the gift of social workers to have such firm yet gentle hearts where emotions don't get in the way to make such hard decisions. Danny belongs with us. Keep him with us and his consequence can be to not be near any of the cases if it isn't through a computer."

Everyone was quietly considering our request. I felt proud of myself for actually speaking up. Board meetings are terrifying, especially for a woman who barely has six months of having such a high position. My boss was annoyed that most of the members are nodding in agreement. I could tell he will start to hate not just me for my competence but also Danny for his inevitable skills on a computer system.

As he should. I would be jealous for that mind of his.

I suddenly have the urge to see him there at the doorframe. He would have his childish smile that makes his eyes twinkle. I wish I could taste those warm lips again.

I decided to visit him at the end of that day. The board want to wait to hear from his boss and give them this update. We will decide what to do with him once he responds.

I gave Danny the details of the meeting and he did a nervous sigh. I did a soft chuckle and pointed my chopsticks at him. "Don't worry, Danny. It will be okay. We just have to hope that your boss agrees to our terms."

He did a sad nod and I reached for his hand across the table. He looked into my eyes and I gave him a warm expression. His childish smile came back where his eyes reflected his heart doing a jump. He kissed my hand and we shared a chuckle.

"I miss working by your side," he said as we continued to eat our food. The waiter filled up our glasses of water as I examined how scared he is about this situation. "My boss will hit the back of my head! I may never come back here!"

My eyes went wide at his nervous words. "You panic so easily, Danny! Relax. Everything will be okay. I won't let them keep you in Korea."

His expression softened and he nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. I just...I like it here. South Korea is my country but the States is my home. You're here. That's enough for me to do everything in my power to stay. I promise I will never do a mistake like that. I just want another chance. I want to stay with you..."

My heart melted at his genuine words and I leaned forward to give his lips a quick kiss. His cheeks still get red and I did a small chuckle at his surprised reaction. I gave him a playful wink and said, "If I have to go to Korea to bring you back, I will."

His eyes sparkled and at the time, the idea was funny until it became real.

His boss got back to us and requested to have Danny back for a board meeting of their own. He was not very happy and didn't know if our idea was the best since he disrespected our company so much. I tried to convince him but he still seemed skeptical. So my boss called me into his office after dealing with another minor case. I was already so tired and I was ready to go home, but he made my exhaustion disappear as he said, "Go to Korea with Mr. Baek. Convince them that we need him."

I blinked with surprise and he let out a long sigh. "I looked into our systems to see what he did and I have to admit that he has brains. Take Mr. Hernandez with you. The junior manager of our company and head manager of the tech team will be enough to convince them."

But that's not even my job. I have a presentation this weekend. He must want to take over for once at the events.

But then those sparkly eyes were enough for me to nod in agreement. I don't know why I'm doing this until I see him walk in for the update. He looks so small and sad. My heart shrinks for him and I put a hand on his shoulder. I give him a reassuring nod and his eyes come back to life for a moment.

So I mentally prepare for this weekend trip. At least he'll be there. At least I'm getting paid still.

And I know he would do this and more for me.