Chapter Forty-Five
Sierra
The morning Griffin and I return to the States is hectic. Our flight lands late, and we only have time to grab a quick shower before rushing out to resume our normal lives.
No more walking around the busy streets full of signs I can’t read or seeing gorgeously wrapped gifts and snacks.
That’s okay, though—it gives me another reason to go back to Tokyo. Next time, I’m going to do all the planning and make it my treat to Griffin. And budget more time, so we can see Osaka and Kyoto, too. Actually, I want to see the aquarium in Okinawa as well. Apparently, it’s the third biggest in the world and has whale sharks! And the pictures of the beaches in Okinawa look amazing.
I walk into the lobby of Silicone Dream, feeling good in one of my cutest purple dresses and nude heels. Dan greets me, waving a beefy arm and smiling broadly. “Good morning. Happy belated birthday, Sierra.”
“Thank you!” I reach into my bag and pull out a wrapped box. “Here’s a small gift for you and Sally from Tokyo.”
He takes the present. In his hands, it looks even smaller. “Wow. Thanks. What is it?” he asks, placing the box near his ear and shaking it a little.
“It’s a box of red bean paste in mini-cakes shaped like bells. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s sweet and delightful.”
He lowers his arm, placing the box on the security desk. “I shoulda got something for you. I mean, it’s your birthday.”
“Oh, no need. I got the best present I could have ever wanted.” The amazing trip and the romantic, sexy time with Griffin. I’m still swooning. There was a little bit of an awkward bump with that whole mom thing, but it’s no big deal. Nothing can possibly ruin our magical four days in the Land of the Rising Sun.
“Oh, I’m sure. Don’t know what could beat getting a song from Killian Axelrod.”
“You saw the video?”
Dan laughs. “Everyone’s seen it.”
I flush with pleasure at the memory. “Griffin made a dream I didn’t know I had come true.”
Dan nods. “Seems like a good sort. Nothing like that ex-husband of yours.”
“Comparing anybody to Todd is setting the bar low.”
He snorts. “True enough. Well, I’m just happy you have somebody treating you the way you deserve.”
He isn’t quite old enough to be my dad, but I don’t mind. It’s sweet of him to care.
“I’ll be up later for the party.”
Heather and Ellie must’ve arranged to have the birthday party today. As usual, they’ll probably do it during lunch, so everyone can come over and have some cake. Except Barbara, who has a special fresh fruit cup just for her.
“Awesome,” I say. “I’ll see you later, then.”
I rush to the elevator, which is just closing its doors. I can see somebody through the gap and call out, “Wait!”
The doors reopen. Ellie’s the only one inside. She gives me a once-over and says, “You look good.”
“Hard to look bad after so much fun in Tokyo.”
“And not just any fun, but X-rated fun.” Ellie waggles her eyebrows.
“That was amazing, too.” My mouth curves into a smile. Then I remember something. “Oh my God, by the way, I have to tell you something. It’s about my destiny.”
“Yeah, Griffin. Any guy who treats you like that is definitely destiny.”
“No, no. I mean, yes, but there’s more. He’s the Midnight God.” My voice rises almost to a squeal.
She gasps. “No. Way. Seriously?”