Page 23 of Praising Haru

Great. I’m looking forward to it.

I can’t help but smile.

So am I. I figured we’d start at Blayd’s Bar, and we can move on from there. Or not. Whatever you want.

Let’s see how we feel on Saturday.

Good plan.

It’s weird being back. Not that I haven’t been back since heading off to uni, but only for short visits. Weekends, the odd week here or there.

You didn’t come home for the holidays? Students get a lot of holidays.

LOL. They do. And no. I got a part-time job and worked through most of them.

Look at you being all responsible.

What about you? Did you go to uni?

No. I decided after sixth form that I wanted to work with my hands. So I went to college and learnt how to be a brickie.

You enjoy it?

I love it.

And you’ve got the tan to prove it.

He’s noticed? Of course, he’s noticed. I’ve sent him enough photos of myself over the last twelve months.

It’s one of the perks of working outside. Don’t worry. I take care of my skin. I wear sun cream every day, even in winter.

Why did I tell him that? I’m sure he doesn’t care whether I take care of my skin or not.

Hey, I’m not your dad. But for the record, I’m glad. Did you ever think about moving away from Leeds?

No. Okay, maybe I did for a few seconds when everything blew up with my family, but this is home. I’ve never lived anywhere else, and I want to stay close to Mum and Dad.

You’re a homebody?

Yes.

That’s

I raise an eyebrow. Did he press Send by accident? I expect another text to pop up straight away, finishing his sentence. I wait five minutes.

Everything okay? You’ve not been abducted by aliens?

Aliens? Wow, you have a vivid imagination. Everything’s fine.

Should I mention his misfired text?

You must have a good imagination too. You’ve got to pull ideas for clothes from somewhere.

My imagination doesn’t tend to leap to alien abduction.

Oh? Where does it leap?

Haru’s response seems to be to keep me waiting again. He must be busy writing job applications. Maybe he’s only checking his phone every so often. In the end, I have to put my phone away and return to work.