No Ordinary Love by Kenya Wright Read Free Book Online

fashion lessons last year.”
    He pointed to my scratched up army boots. “Is that what you call an example of what I’ve taught you?”
    “What, my boots? They’re comfortable and hip.”
    “You’re stuck in the 90s and you were barely alive long enough to be into the style. I don’t get it.”
    “Hey, I was a kid then. Well, mainly it was through my toddler years, but—”
    “I’m dressing you.”
    “In a nice pants suit, I hope. Maybe with some stripes or something.”
    He fake growled.
    Really?
    “Fine. You can dress me. I didn’t bring any date wear anyway.” I leaned my weight to my other foot. “I’m more surprised you’re not warning me against dating the gangster.”
    “Don’t call him that. The yakuza doesn’t exist.”
    “You’ve been screaming he’s the Dragon all night—”
    “That doesn’t mean you should say it. Knowing you, you’ll let that slip out of your mouth in front of him, or even worse: try to interview him. Just go on the date and nicely tell him you’re not interested.”
    “I will, while I get him to let me write about his soapland and hand back my recorder.”
    “It’s always the book with you, isn’t it?”
    “I’m addicted to the story. Writing is like cocaine, baby. Every page I finish is a snorted line.”
    “Thank goodness your writing is better than your metaphors.”

Chapter 6
     
    KENJI
     
     
    How amusing?
    I folded up Nyomi’s message, tucked it into my pants pocket, and tipped the young boy named Shin. Outside the moon glowed with awareness of this crazy night. Shin’s blue hair waved in the breeze. As if noticing my disapproval he yanked his hat from his back pocket and set it over his head. Every week, he dyed those long strands. Each time I saw the new color, I frowned.
    Inside my back pocket sat black rope. It was about two feet long. I couldn't stop thinking about Nyomi. Only touching the rope soothed my nerves. Those rigid edges scraped against my fingertips and reminded me of why I had to remain calm.
    She'll be ready soon.
    Taking my hand out of the pocket and checking the time on my cell phone, I considered maybe going up to her myself. She wanted her broken device. I had it, and so much more. What would she do if I came to her now?
    No. That's a bad idea. Relax.
    I stood on the side street outside of her friend’s place. At first, I’d assumed the man was her boyfriend. Jun checked him out and discovered from his neighbors that the Zo fellow was quite the ladies’ man. They claimed he had a new woman in his apartment each weekend. I hope he won’t be a problem that I'll have to solve.
    I glanced up to the guy’s balcony. If she came outside, she still wouldn’t see me. She’d have to go to the patio and then crook her neck awkwardly to the side to see my car, but she would get a glimpse of me. What am I doing out here? I’d had other plans this evening, things that needed to be done before going to Father and giving him his report. My Tora changed that with her chase.
    “Sato-san, do you need me for anything else?” Shin didn’t count the money. Instead, he tucked it in his front pocket, pulled his skateboard from the sidewalk next to my car, and jumped on top.
    “Hold on,” I said.
    Grinning, his gaze remained on the ground in front of me. Not many held my attention. For the few that had my view, they valued my time most of all. Plus, the teen did odd jobs for me every now and then. Nothing too dangerous. Although one could argue that my Tora was pretty lethal when shoved over the edge. Giving her my message could’ve ended up badly, at least with a knee to his groin.
    Before I got into my car, I turned to him. “Are you going to school every day?”
    He kept his head bowed. “Yes.”
    I hope he really is going.
    The kid had brains and knew it was a bad idea to lie to me. His mother, Reika, had begged me to save him. She took care of my grandmother—cleaning her house, giving her herbal medicine, and making sure her last