That Evening, The Cliffs
The family gathered around the dinner table; every seat was filled except one. Ami’s smooth forehead creased. “Kas, is Kimi not coming back for dinner?”
Kasra sighed. “He’s holed up at his office again in one of his frenzies. His PA said he’ll be there all weekend. We can reach him at his landline.”
Ami’s jaw tightened, disapproval barely contained. “That stubborn brother of yours is begging to end up in the ER again!”
Across the table, Seven caught her frustrated expression. “Has Kimi been hospitalized before?”
She turned to him, a worried shadow in her eyes. “Yes. He has peptic ulcer disease and, well, he tends to overwork himself. Once he’s locked into work mode, it’s like he’s in the Twilight Zone until he’s done.”
Seven exchanged a troubled look with Katherine, who frowned. “So, he’s not only skipping meals but sleeping erratically?”
Ami shook her head. “I can’t say for sure, Little Kate. Have you spoken to him today?”
Katherine hesitated, guilt gnawing at her. “He didn’t reply to my message. I figured he was busy and that I’d see him at dinner.” Her voice trailed off for a second before she collected herself. “Why don’t I bring him some food? It’s the weekend, so I can at least make sure he eats.”
Ami’s tense features softened. “That’s so thoughtful of you, Little Kate. I think he has some form of OCD. He’s the most stubborn of all my boys.”
Katherine nodded slowly. “I’ll give it a try. What’s his company address and landline? I’ll call him from the lobby once I arrive. He can’t turn me away if I’m already there, right?”
Ami’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Kas, text her the details. I’d feel better knowing Little Kate is there to keep him from making himself sick.”
Seven offered some advice. “Sis, peptic ulcers mean he’ll need a special diet. Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods. Go for bland foods: oatmeal, whole grains, high-fiber. Fresh fruits are good, too.”
“Got it,” Katherine chirped, then piped up with a request. “Aunt Ami, could I trouble the chef to prepare two ulcer-friendly dinners to go? I’ll join him so he doesn’t eat alone.”
Ami’s chest warmed, her disquiet giving way to something softer. “Of course, sweetheart. And let me know how it goes, alright?”
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Katherine beamed and excused herself. “I’ll pack some overnight gear just in case I can’t convince him to come home.”
……
A little later, she returned to find two insulated containers on the table and a Tupperware of fresh fruit. She gathered them, bid everyone farewell, and headed out.
……
The Just Dynamics headquarters at 1825 K St. NW, Washington, D.C., is a hive that never sleeps. Though the usual daytime crowds were gone, a skeleton crew remained for after-office hours, staff on standby, ready to assist occasional late visitors or urgent walk-ins. Katherine approached the front desk, where a uniformed associate sat quietly behind the counter.
“Good evening,” Katherine said casually. “I’m here for Kimi.”
The receptionist’s polite smile didn’t waver. “Good evening, ma’am. Do you have an appointment with Mr. Shahi?”
Katherine paused before answering. “No, I’m here to bring him his dinner.”
The receptionist’s mien shifted to suspicion, disdain now written all over her face. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Without an appointment, I’m afraid I can’t let anyone through. Mr. Shahi is very particular about this.”
Katherine felt a tinge of frustration but remained composed. She understood protocol. She normally got through by flashing her badge, but this visit was personal. Scanning the space, she noticed the nearby staff stealing discreet glances her way.
Undeterred, she dialed the landline. It rang several times before a tired, raspy voice crackled over the phone. “What’s the emergency?”
She drew a breath, ignoring his clipped response. “Kimi, it’s me. I’m at the front desk. Can you come get me?”
A beat passed before he reacted. “Katherine? W… Why are you here? Give me a sec. I’ll be right out.”
Kimi hung up and hurried to the lobby, his footsteps echoing in the subdued hallway. Distracted by the kerfuffle, nearby employees looked up, surprise etched on their faces as they watched their usually unflappable boss rush out with uncharacteristic urgency. Their eyes followed him; he stopped in front of a young, barefaced woman, hands laden with bags.
“Why are you here?” he repeated, gaze dropping to the things she was carrying. “Let me help you with those.”
She held out a bag and said, “I’m here to have dinner with you. Am I welcome?”
The tension in his shoulders eased, a hint of warmth breaching his stoic demeanor. “Of course! I couldn’t be happier,” he gushed with a grin.
The receptionist froze, mouth agape. God! She really knows the boss!
At this moment, Sergio approached, assessing the scene with a trace of alarm. “Mr. Shahi, I heard a commotion.”
Pride flickered in Kimi’s expression as he gestured to Katherine, almost boastfully. “My wife is here to have dinner with me.”
Sergio blinked, taken aback. But just as quickly, he regained his composure. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Shahi. I’m Sergio, Mr. Shahi’s PA.”
Katherine’s jaw nearly hit the floor. It took more than a beat to gather herself. “I’m Kate, pleased to meet you, Sergio,” she replied, extending her hand.
Sergio shook it firmly, features now schooled. “Right this way, Mrs. Shahi,” he muttered, taking the bags over as they made their way to Kimi’s office.
Inside, Sergio offered, “Shall I set up the table, sir?”
“Yes, please. And bring us two glasses of chilled sparkling water.”
Sergio dipped his head in a slight bow and exited, leaving the couple alone in the sleek space. As he busied himself, his thoughts churned, reality sinking in. Damn, she looks barely legal. Didn’t peg the boss for a cradle-snatcher, but everyone’s got their fetishes.
He shook his head, bemused. Looks like Mr. Cool and Collected has a wild side after all.
