I subtly tapped his wrist and took his hand in mine and held it on the table where His grandfather could see. Because of the hand tapping system, it looked natural. “I’m glad to meet you, Ikari, I apologize for not meeting sooner but with my fashion business being so hectic for the season change, I hardly have to time to see Taylor.” I didn’t know why Taylor had declined to meet with his grandfather for so long. Last time I asked he didn’t really answer. But I knew I had to lie for him. I trusted his reasoning.
“Funny that you and Taylor had been dating this whole time I thought he was setting up a meeting,” Ikari said, keeping his eyes on mine. “I heard him say he was dreading it. But that was all to keep it from me, eh?”
I giggled. Dreading it? He hadn’t even met me yet! “Sorry we were so secretive. I insisted on it. I’m a private person.” That was a lie. But I probably wouldn’t want my clients to know about my love life until it was serious, gossip traveled fast, so there was some truth to it.
“When you asked me to get married, I convinced her to be more open about it. And then we decided to get married as soon as possible. It felt like the right thing to do.” He sounded convincing to me; it was following the story we crafted up together.
“Are you wanting children, Lydia?” He asked and my face went hot.
“Jiji.” Taylor said sternly. I could feel the stiffness of his body next to me.
“Is it wrong for a grandfather to want to know about grandchildren from my only grandson?”
I recovered quickly. “Yes, I’ve always wanted children.” This wasn’t a lie. The idea of tailoring very small suits or dresses for my future kids always excited me. I could bring them to runway shows and teach them how to sew. “We’re not planning anything right now.” Not a lie. “But I’m open to whatever the future brings.” Vague enough to not be a lie.
Taylor gave me a look that seemed grateful. When I said I could handle his grandfather, I meant it.
“Good. A fine girl Taylor.”
“Yes. I think so too.” He nodded.
A waiter came around and got our orders. I let Taylor order for me, I didn’t really want to look ignorant here and the dishes on the limited menu were all unfamiliar to me.
“Why don’t you get me and your wife some wine,” Ikari said, looking at his grandson with watchful eyes.
“I can call a waiter over,” Taylor suggested eyeing me, somewhat nervously.
“They’ll take too long. Be respectful Taylor, I’m too old to be walking around.”
Taylor squeezed my hand and then let go, standing up to go to the bar. He glanced back as he left, obviously concerned.
“Now Lydia.” I brought my attention back to Ikari.
“Yes?” This was going to be the real challenge.
“You love my grandson?” He asked.
“Yes. I wouldn’t have married him if I didn’t.” This was partly a lie. I had always seen myself marrying for true love. I never wanted to settle for someone even if that meant never getting married. But these were extenuating circumstances and also only temporary. Hopefully he wouldn’t see through me.
“So, you’re not marrying him for his money?” He asked bluntly.
I felt my throat close up and my heart pound. I wanted to pull my hair out, but I had to keep myself composed. I was marrying him for his money, but not in that way. I didn’t lie before, I wouldn’t marry someone just because they were rich, I wanted true love. But how was this any different? I remembered agreeing with Taylor that this was just a business deal, and that we weren’t using each other. But weren’t business deals just two people agreeing to use each other? I felt sick but I realized I was taking too long to answer.
“Taylor is a unique person,” I started while watching him walk back with two wine glasses in his hands. “Even if he was poor, that wouldn’t change who he is.”
“As long as you give him sons, I don’t care.” His grandfather said to me right before Taylor returned. He took the wine from Taylor. “That’s a respectful grandson.”
I felt my heart stop. Did his grandfather really believe that? I thought he was asking to make sure I had good intentions. He was just asking because he was curious. Now I saw why he asked Taylor to leave. Should I tell him what his grandfather said? I wouldn’t do it now. It might blow our cover and, I saw the way Taylor smiled genuinely as he spoke with Ikari. I didn’t want to be the one to ruin that tonight.
After we were served, and we ate. The founder of the shelter got a microphone and gave a short speech. It was about the importance of the work they were doing, she shared some success stories, and asked for everyone to be generous when they bid on the blind auction happening tonight to support the center. There was a round of applause and the music started again in earnest. Couples started moving to the center to dance while others went to bid.
“Are you going to bid?” I asked Taylor, guilt still boiling inside of me.
“I was planning on donating without the fuss. I don’t want anything.” He explained. “But if you want me to bid on something for you I will.”
“Taylor.” I leaned in and whispered.
“I’m serious.” He said back quietly. “It’s for a good cause.”
Since he wasn’t actually my husband, I didn’t want him spending more money on me that he had to. But he was right, and he obviously liked supporting the cause. I smiled, but still felt uneasy. “Let’s go look at what they have.”
Taylor agreed. Probably also eager
