STARDUST

My Boy •XVII

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~Jeremy Kim~

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David

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I sat down at my desk with a sigh and logged in to the computer, already starting to check messages.

"Oh good, you're here."

I looked up and smiled, "Oh, hello Mr. Kim."

He sighed and leaned his arms on my desk, "I thought I told you to call me Jeremy. You make me feel old."

I put on a teasing smile, "You're old,."

He pretended to be hurt and placed a hand over his chest, "You wound me. I feel a heart attack coming on."

I snorted in a very un-lady like kind of way, and then laughed. "Anyways, you have a meeting at noon today with Liam Windsman from advertising about something or the other." I flipped through my notes again, "And...hmm...that's all today. Coffee time I guess."

He laughed, "Good, a break. I'll be in my office. You know how I want my coffee so hop to it!"

"Yes, sir," I said with a small salute and I went to go get his coffee.

I was just adding the second sugar packet when I heard David's voice. I groaned silently. "When are you going to stop playing hard to get, Raya?"

I rolled my eyes then turned around to face him, only to have him much closer than I anticipated. I put my hand on his chest and pushed him back a little, "David, do you ever take a hint?"

He was handsome, I'd give him that, but he was a just in it for the chase.

His brown eyes shone with amusement, "What are you talking about, sweetheart?"

I rolled my eyes again and turned around, grabbing Jeremy's coffee in the process. "I take that as a no," I told him, and then started back to Jeremy's office.

Of course, David was persistent, "Ah, come on Raya. A gorgeous chocolate girl like you with no boyfriend? I know for a fact that you haven't had a guy for like three years."

five years, I silently corrected him.

"Just drop it, David, okay? There is no one and there won't be anytime soon."

He caught up with me and grabbed my arm, a smirk on his features, "So, you're telling me that Lianna just popped out of no where, huh?"

My eyes narrowed slightly, "Don't. Okay? I know who the father is, if that's what you're asking. And I'm still in contact with him." It wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't exactly the truth either.

Thankfully we were right outside Jeremy's office and I walked right in, closing the door in David's face. "Here's your coffee," I said, setting it down on the desk.

"He still bothering you?" He nodded toward the door.

"No, nothing I can't handle." I offered him a smile. "Anything else you need?" I asked as my gaze wondered around the room unconsciously; I always loved his office. It almost looked like a mini-apartment.

"No, I think I have everything." I nodded.

I started, "Well, just rin-" I stopped.

My mouth parted a little when my gaze landed on a book that was resting on the coffee table by the couch.

I went over to it and picked it up, reading the title. Coming and Going.

Then my gaze traveled down on the cover a bit and I sighed.

Kento Tanaka.

"Really excellent book, I might say. And I'm not one for reading either. Have you read it?" Jeremy asked me from his desk, slipping his glasses over his nose.

I smiled and with one last lingering look, I placed it back down on the table. "Yeah, several times actually." And that was true... "I loved his first book too. You should read that one if you get the chance."

He nodded, "I think I just might."

I nodded, "Well, I'll be at my desk. Ring if you need me. Or yell. Whichever you prefer."

He chuckled and I made my way out of his office.

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"So, how was it sweetie?" I asked Lianna as we walked to the car, taking her small hand in mine.

She grinned at me, "Great momma! I made twee new friends!" I just smiled, deciding not to correct her this time.

"So, you had fun?"

She nodded vigorously. Then she spotted the dead squirrel on the road, "Oh no, momma. Look."

I looked to the squirrel and then to her, "That squirrel didn't listen to his mommy when she told him to look both ways before crossing the road."

Lianna made a sound in the back of her throat that sounded like a small squeak, and I smile softly to myself. The things I do to keep her safe...

Where did I make up that story anyways?

Lianna looked both ways at least three times on each side before seeming satisfied and I grinned. I knew it would work.

I buckled her into her car seat in the back, before pulling out of the parking lot.

The car was filled with Lianna's voice as she talked about everything she did today. But then she stopped and I looked at her in the rear view mirror. She fiddled with her hands in her lap before asking, "Momma, do I haf a daddy?"

I swerved slightly on accident and exhaled sharply. I bit my lip, choosing my answer carefully. There was no point in lying. "Of course you do. Everyone has a daddy." I found that I was holding my breath, waiting for her response.

"Well, where is mine?" Her innocent eyes met mine, filled with curiosity and excitement.

Oh God.

"Um, well. I-." What do I say? I didn't want to say he was dead, that was just way to unfair for both Lianna and Kento. "He's away," I said finally.

She bowed her head, "Oh." I was thankful she left it at that. If she asked, "where?" Or, "why?" I was so dead.

But she wasn't done quite yet. "Will...will I see my daddy when he gets back'd?"

My heart clenched painfully and I found my grip was tightening on the steering wheel, making my knuckles white. "Maybe, Lianna. Maybe."