The Legacy (3 page)

* * * *

Leigh stood up, stretched, and groaned. She had cleaned every inch of her new apartment. Jenna had come over to help for a little while, but the children had gotten restless, so she had left. The apartment was small, but it was in a nice neighborhood and affordable. She still had her college loans to pay, but she would manage.

Her mother had finally returned her call. She was in New York, and didn't expect to be back for at least a week. She had offered a blithe apology for forgetting to mention it to anyone. Her reaction to Leigh's account of the previous night had been a simple, “Oh, dear.” And then, “I'm sure Frank didn't mean to cause any harm. You're all right now, aren't you? I wish I could be there, but this is a very important case for our firm, and I've got to get this witness to testify. But anyway, you're old enough to be on your own. I'll come and see you when I get back.”

Leigh had disconnected, feeling lost. When had her mother grown so callous?

She would have to start looking for furniture sometime. Right now she had a sleeping bag and a beanbag. Most of her clothes were folded in the same laundry basket she'd used in college. She'd managed to squeeze it in the back of her car, along with a few other necessities. She'd also grabbed some of her favorite mugs, and some paper plates. It would take a while to furnish this place.

She put down her cleaning rag and headed to the car to get her things. On the way to the parking lot, her cell phone rang. She looked at the readout to see who was calling, and her spirits lifted when she recognized the number.

“What's up, Andy?”

“I wanted to see how you were doing. It was late when you got home last night.” Pause. “Is—is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it's fine. Why do you ask?”

“I'm outside your house. Your car isn't here. Where are you?”

“I just got an apartment at Pine Ridge.”

Silence.

“It was kind of a last-minute decision.”

More silence. Then, “Which apartment?”

She told him the apartment number, and he promised to be there to help. For the first time in several hours, things were looking up. And not for the first time, she wondered why Andy always managed to lift her spirits.

Andy knocked while she was still hanging clothes in her closet.

She let him in after looking through the peephole. She still wasn't ready to face her father. It wouldn't have surprised her if he had managed to find her. He would probably blame her for his incarceration. If she hadn't run, he wouldn't have had to go looking for her. Never mind the fact he had been drinking and had threatened her. It would still be her fault.

Andy came inside, looking at her as if he hadn't seen her in ages. He studied her face, not looking in her eyes, but looking for something. Then he walked around her, looking her up and down.

“Andy, what are you doing?”

Finally, he looked in her eyes. “Are you okay?”

“I was until you stared me down.”

“Why did you need to move so suddenly? You've never even mentioned it.”

“What makes you think I never thought about it before?”

“Most people, when they move, make plans and ask for help moving their—stuff...” He looked around. “Which you don't seem to have.”

“I've got everything I need.”

One dark brow rose. “You do? No furniture.” He walked into the kitchen and opened a few cupboards. “No dishes, no pots or pans.” He stormed into the bedroom. “And no bed.”

He planted himself in front of her, arms crossed. “What's going on?”

There was no reason to lie. “Dad had—too much to drink last night. I didn't feel safe staying there, so I went to the Shadyside Motel. Jenna put me in the room next to the office, and I heard Dad come in and threaten her. She called the police, and they took him away. It wasn't the first time she's had to call them. So, I finally took Jenna's advice and got my own place.” She took a deep breath. “I stopped at the house before work and grabbed what I could fit in my car.”

“Did he hit you?”

“No.”

“Did he try anything else?”

Her hesitation was all the answer he needed. “Leigh, what did he do?” He stepped closer. “What did he try to do?”

“Nothing.” She hadn't given him the chance to try anything—this time.

“He's tried something, before, hasn't he?”

She couldn't deny it. A few times, when Frank drank, he had confused Leigh with her mother.

“Leigh, why didn't you tell me? You can call me anytime. My family—we'd all help you. Why didn't you come to my house?”

“I—didn't have my car. I didn't want to take the time to get in it and start the motor. I just—ran.”

He closed his eyes and massaged his forehead. Leigh had never seen her friend so upset. Finally, he sighed heavily and began to pace.

“Okay, so you're out of there,” he said. “What about your mom? Is she in danger?”

“I don't think so. He only gets angry when she's not there. When she's home, he's as sweet as can be, trying to please her. But when she's on business trips, he gets frustrated. He stays more sober when she's there, because he knows she doesn't like it when he's drunk.”

“My dad said he offered Frank a job with Tanaka Farms.”

“Dad never said anything about it. Did he turn it down?”

“I guess. Dad won't talk about it.”

“Did they fight?”

“I don't know. It's too bad. They used to be the best of friends. Just like their fathers were.”

Andy shook his head sadly. He looked around her sparse furnishings. “So, let's get some furniture.”

“I can't afford furniture right now.”

“You can where we're going. Come on.”

Two hours later, they returned to the apartment with Andy's younger brother, Craig, and another friend. They'd borrowed two of the Tanaka farms delivery vans and brought a bed, a dresser, a table and chairs, a couch and two end tables. Andy's car was loaded with bedding and whatever else Lily Tanaka could stuff in. Leigh was amazed.

“Are you sure nobody else in your family needs any of this stuff?” Leigh asked for the umpteenth time.

“Nope. I have everything I need.”

“I won't need it either,” Craig chimed in. He didn't share his brother's aversion to conversation. “I'm living with Grandma and Grandpa Fujimori while I go to school at UCLA. Jenny's married and has her own stuff. So it's yours. Mom was thrilled to have someone use it. Didn't you see her smiling when we hauled it out?”

“I wondered about that. Craig, if you ever want this furniture, let me know. Eventually I'll be able to save enough to buy some of my own.”

“Will do. But I doubt it.” Craig turned to his brother. “Nick and I will get these vans back to the farm. See you at home, Andy.”

With a quick goodbye to Leigh, he and his friend were gone. Leigh turned to Andy.

“I'd like to do something to thank your parents for their generosity.” Leigh couldn't imagine her parents giving anything away and not expecting at least a tax deduction for it.

Andy paused. “Well, there is one thing…”

“Name it.”

“Mom says Grandpa refused to come out of his room today. He wouldn't talk to her except to grunt. Something's wrong. Will you go with me to talk to him?”

“Of course! Your grandpa is a sweetie. Do you want to go now?”

Andy checked his watch. “No, it's late. He's asleep. Tomorrow?”

“No problem. I've got the whole evening open, now that I don't have to look for furniture.”

“Okay. I'll call you after work. We can pick up something to eat.”

“Just come over. You usually work later than I do. I'll pick up a pizza on the way home.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Andy backed toward the door. His hands were in his pockets, and he wore a pained look.

“What's wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing. I just—“

Before she knew it, she was in his arms and being kissed within an inch of her life. He held her tightly, and yet his hands cradled her as if she were a priceless treasure. The kiss deepened and time stood still as she melted into him, matching each of his caresses with one of her own.

And then, just as suddenly, she was released and alone. She blinked, wondering whether or not the last few minutes had been a dream. Through the foggy haze in her mind, she heard the door slam, and the car start as he drove away.

What had just happened?

* * * *

Andy drove home on autopilot as he scolded himself. What had he done? How could he have been so stupid? Just because he'd always dreamed of kissing Leigh like that didn't mean he should act on it.

He'd been so angry when he'd found out about Leigh's stepfather, he had wanted to shake her. How could she have kept this from him? Why couldn't he have known about Frank's drinking problem? Surely Dad wouldn't be friends with a man who would abuse his own stepdaughter! He was torn with anger for her, her stepfather, and himself. But mostly he wanted to hold her and keep her from danger.

So he had grabbed her like a maniac and kissed her like he'd always wanted. Nice going, Einstein.

The kiss had been like every fantasy he'd ever had. He'd felt like the hero in every old-time movie he'd ever watched with his grandparents. He'd never felt so alive, so powerful, so—masculine. Had he overdone it? No, it seemed she had been as involved as he. She certainly hadn't protested.

He breathed a happy sigh. Maybe there was hope.

 

Leigh put the pizza in the oven to keep it warm. She put a few bottles of cola in the refrigerator and made sure the ice cube trays were full. Then she went into the bathroom to freshen up. For some reason, she was warm all over, and it wasn't necessarily because of the weather.

She hadn't been able to get that kiss out of her mind. She and Andy had been best buds since they were small. They had known each other forever. They'd been there for each other when one or the other had experienced bad dates and broken relationships, and he'd even filled in as her homecoming escort when her jerk of a boyfriend got a cheerleader pregnant. But last night was—different. It was like the start of something new. And she liked it. A lot.

After washing her face, she felt better. But then decisions had to be made, and even the simplest task took forever. Should she put on makeup, or would that seem too much? Should she tie her hair back or let it hang loose? Should she change her clothes? Agh!

This was ridiculous. It was just Andy, for heaven's sake. Good old Andy. So he kissed her. He was probably just relieved she was all moved into the apartment. Just a housewarming gift, sort of.

On the other hand, a kiss like that would be worth moving several times a week.

She finally settled on a T-shirt and jeans, and tied her long hair back into a comfortable ponytail. Nothing unusual. Just a little mascara, no other makeup, no jewelry. There. Decisions made.

Where in the world was that guy?

Andy often worked late. As the future CFO of Tanaka Farms, he was in on all the financial planning of the business, and whenever there was a problem, he was expected to be there. There was no telling how long he would be held up. Maybe she could unpack some more of her things.

At his knock, her heart jumped into her throat. She reached for the doorknob, but remembered to look through the peephole first.

It was Andy. However, her usually impeccably dressed friend looked a mess. She threw open the door.

“Are you all right?”

Her question caught him by surprise. He blinked then stared at her. “Sure. Why?”

“Your hair is standing straight up, your shirt is half untucked, your tie is crooked, and—” She looked down and choked back a laugh. “Your shoes don't match. I thought you were in a fight or something.”

He ran a hand through his hair, making it even worse, and looked down at himself. “Do I look that bad? Maybe I should have gone home first.”

“No, no, you're fine. Come on in. I got pizza from DeMarco's. Thick crust, with everything.”

He smiled widely and stepped in. “That sounds great. I'm starving.” He stopped suddenly. “Was I supposed to bring something? Drinks, dessert, or—”

“Nope. I've got Coke in the fridge.”

“Great. I'll spring for dessert.”

They ate in a comfortable silence. Since they were both hungry after their long day at work, the pizza was consumed in no time. Andy finally sat back and sighed.

“That was great. Are you up for ice cream?”

“Sure. Why don't we pick up a turtle sundae for your grandpa and bring it over there?”

“Good idea.”

They stopped at their usual ice cream shop, getting an extra treat for his grandpa, and brought all the desserts to the Tanaka home. The elder Mr. Tanaka was settled in his recliner, watching
Jeopardy
. He smiled when they walked in.

“Well, what have we here?”

“Hi, Grandpa Tanaka.” Leigh answered, as usual. “We brought you a turtle sundae. We know how much you love them.”

“I sure do. Pull up a chair and join me.”

The three enjoyed their treats, and while Grandpa Tanaka chatted with Andy about the family business, Leigh watched with familiar envy. Her mother's parents were both dead, and her father's parents lived on the east coast. Frank's parents weren't around. She had never had the closeness she saw between the generations in Andy's family.

She also noticed how good Andy was with his grandfather. He didn't get impatient when the elder man asked him to repeat himself, and he willingly got up to fetch things for him. He truly cared about the people in his family.

When the conversation stopped, she looked up to find both men looking at her.

“Sorry. What did I miss?”

“Grandpa asked you about your new apartment. Do you feel safe?”

“Oh! Sure, I feel safe there. I know a lot of the residents there from high school.”

“Kids, I'm actually glad you came to see me tonight. Now I can give you this.” Kenjiro walked over to his desk and lifted the large wooden box. Andy and Leigh looked at each other, puzzled.

“I think you should give this to your father. And maybe he will decide to leave it to you.”

“But why, Grandpa? You just got it!” Andy sat back, his arms crossed, clearly not wanting to take the swords from his grandfather.

“Your father deserves it much more than I do. You heard how Mr. Kimura translated the letter. It's supposed to go to the oldest son when he has demonstrated all the virtues of the samurai. The code called the
Bushido
, or “Way of the Warrior.” I've never done anything except sell flowers. There's nothing brave or noble about that. My son has won awards for his scientific discoveries. He's president of the Kiwanis club. He's done a lot more for the business and the community than I ever thought of doing. It should be his.”

Andy continued to resist as his grandfather held the swords out to him. Leigh had to step in. She reached out and gently touched the older man's arm. “The chest is yours to do with as you wish, Grandpa. But don't you think you should be the one to give it to your son? It would be silly for him to get it from Andy. This is something that's passed from father to son, not the other way around.”

Grandpa Tanaka grimaced. “I suppose you're right.” He turned to Andy. “Tell your father I need to see him, will you? I know he's busy—it doesn't have to be right away.”

Andy knew his father would make time for his own dad, no matter what his schedule was like, but he just nodded. Wanting to change the subject, he asked, “Do you want to play Scrabble?”

At the mention of his favorite board game, Grandpa Tanaka perked up. Andy found the game, and the three played until Leigh smothered a yawn. They said goodnight, and the couple left.

The drive back to Leigh's place was done in silence. When they got back to her apartment, Andy followed her in, sighing heavily as he plopped himself on her couch.

“Well, now we know what's bothering Grandpa,” he began.

“Yes. That's so sad. Why does he feel so inadequate? He's always been such a strong person.” Leigh pulled a couple of soft drinks from the fridge and offered him one. He took it absently and took a deep drink.

“So how do we prove to him that he is worthy of the swords?” He got up and started to pace.

“I think we should find a list of the samurai virtues and then find the ways your grandpa has shown them.”

Andy stopped in his tracks and stared at her. “That's a great idea! I guess I'll look them up.”

Leigh walked over to the coffee table. A shelf underneath held a stack of her manga collection. “I know one of these magazines lists them. But it will take me a while to find it.”

Andy finished his drink and set the empty bottle down. “Go ahead. I'll check online. Tomorrow. Right now I'm beat.”

“Go on home,” she told him, setting the magazines on top of the table. “Tomorrow's Friday, and I don't have plans for the weekend. Or I didn't until now.”

He looked at her and gave a resigned shrug. “Looks like we're having a scavenger hunt.”

She nodded cheerfully. “Scavenger hunts are fun.”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I'll call you after work.”

She stood still, staring at the door long after he left. After the previous night's passionate kiss, his peck on the cheek left her wanting more. Was he stepping back? She touched her cheek, remembering his warmth, his gentleness, his scent. No, there was warmth and affection in that short kiss. Much more than the affection he would show for a buddy.

She sat on her couch, absently leafing through her manga collection. For years she had read them, wanting to absorb everything she could about his family's culture. It had been her way of being close to Andy and his world.

Maybe there was a chance he was ready to let her into it.