“Tell her I will cease, and I’m sorry to have upset her.”
Tono seemed relieved by her response and repeated Brie’s words in Japanese. Mrs. Nosaka glared at her. She spat something to Tono, raising her eyebrow while looking down her nose at Brie.
“My mother also wishes that you would refrain from looking her in the eye.”
Brie pursed her lips. So…she had another Ms. Clark on her hands.
I’ve been trained well for this.
Brie lowered her eyes and bowed before Mrs. Nosaka. Although she heard an angry huff, the woman said no more.
Tono lightly brushed against Brie’s arm and she smiled to herself. She knew it was his way of thanking her for submitting to his mother. The simple fact was, Brie would do anything to help him.
A short time later, the ambulance pulled up. Brie stayed where she was as Tono and Mrs. Nosaka approached it. As soon as the driver opened the back of the ambulance, Mrs. Nosaka began her instructions and complaints. Brie tried not to laugh as she watched the ambulance workers maneuver around her as they tried to get Tono’s father out.
It was shocking to see Master Nosaka. He looked so frail now, a ghost of the imposing man he used to be. Brie had to hold back the tears as they rolled him by her. She followed, and returned to Sir as they wheeled Tono’s father to a private room.
Brie took Sir’s hand and whispered, “I feel so bad for him.”
“I feel sympathy for all three.”
“Yes…”
Sir directed her to the waiting room while he made her a cup of tea. The warmth of the liquid was appreciated, but what Brie really craved was caffeine. She stifled a yawn as she took another sip, finding herself struggling to adjust to the jetlag. Yet Sir looked refreshed and alert. It seemed almost inhuman.
“Do you ever get tired?”
He gave her a little smirk. “I’m used to international travel. It doesn’t affect me like it did when I was a boy.”
She looked up at him and grinned. “I bet you were the cutest little boy, Sir.”
He rolled his eyes, chuckling as he patted her knee.
“I really wish I could have known you in your gawky teen years.” She stared at her Master more critically. “You probably didn’t even have them, did you?”
He shook his head knowingly. “Something tells me your tiredness is playing into this conversation.”
“But did you, Sir?”
“Did I what?”
“Did you have awkward teenage years?”
“If I answer, will you stop asking questions?”
She nodded, purring with inner satisfaction.
“When I was fourteen, I experienced a growth spurt that left me overly tall for my skinny frame. I was referred to as the Rod for years…and it wasn’t meant as a compliment.”
Brie batted her eyelids, saying teasingly, “If the girls gave you the nickname, I’m positive they meant it as a compliment, Sir.”
He shook his head, but couldn’t hide his smile.
Tono’s mother exited Master Nosaka’s room and went directly to the staff desk, making a new list of demands. Brie was surprised by how well the staff handled it.
“What did you say to them?” she asked Sir as she watched the encounter.
He leaned close and whispered, “I explained Mrs. Nosaka’s unique requirements and how best to handle them.”
“Well, whatever you said, it seems you’ve worked a miracle, Sir.”
“Let’s hope—”
Sir was interrupted when Tono came out and surprised them both by telling Brie, “My father would like to speak with you.” The last time the two had met, Tono’s father had called her ‘ dame’ , claiming she was not good for Tono.
When she hesitated to respond, Tono assured her, “He asked specifically for you.”
Brie wasn’t prepared to be rejected again and glanced at Sir. “Can you come with me?”
Tono explained with regret, “Visitors are strictly limited. Otosama’s condition is extremely compromised.”
“Of course…” Brie looked back at Sir with trepidation before entering the room. He nodded confidently, giving her