Amid a smattering of applause, Geshe Wangpo joined Franc on the platform and walked over to the large, red bow. He was about to untie it before he remembered something. “Oh, yes. I am pleased to announce the opening of this marvelous new bookshop,” he said, his hesitation prompting amusement. “May its existence be a cause for all living beings to have happiness and to avoid suffering.”
As he tugged the ribbon, the panels of paper fell open, revealing gleaming rows of books, racks of CDs, and a colorful assortment of gifts. There was a wave of excited whooping and applause. Franc smiled as Geshe Wangpo gestured for Sam to join them on the podium. Sam vigorously shook his head, but Geshe Wangpo continued to insist. As Sam came to stand between the two men, the applause grew even louder, until the lama held up his hand in authoritative command.
“The books in this shop,” he said, indicating the titles ranged in front of them, “are most useful. I know, because I have checked up. I think in future weeks there will be many monks from Namgyal Monastery visiting. They may not have money to buy, but they will check up.”
Geshe Wangpo’s straight-faced delivery prompted great mirth.
“The person choosing the books, this one”—he turned and gripped Sam by the arm—“has read many books. More than some lamas I know. He has great knowledge, but he is a little bit shy.” There was a spark of mischief in the lama’s eyes. “So you must be patient with him.”
Far from looking down in embarrassment, Sam seemed energized by Geshe Wangpo’s remarks. Returning the lama’s smile, he looked out at the gathering and in a loud voice said, “We have a w-wonderful selection of book titles right here. All the old classics as well as some brand new releases. I can c-confidently say that this is a better stocked mind/body/spirit section than you’ll find in even the bigger American bookstores. I look forward to seeing you all sometime soon.”
A round of applause followed Sam’s remarks. Beside him, Geshe Wangpo gave a cryptic smile.
“I’m sure you’re all keen to get into the new section”—Franc took the lead again—“where you’ll be pleased to know we do take credit cards. But before that I have our third announcement. Which is that effective immediately, Café Franc is to be renamed The Himalaya Book Café. We have a new sign out in front, unveiled tonight for the first time.”
Another round of prolonged applause.
“When I first set up a business here, it was all about food and, I won’t try to deny, all about me. I’m glad to say that things have changed since then. We’re now about a lot more than just food. And fortunately we have grown way beyond just me. It is my very great privilege to work with the team of people here—Jigme and Ngawang Dragpa in the kitchen, Kusali and his team out front, and now Sam and Serena.
“So please, everyone, enjoy the food and drinks! Spend big on books and gifts! I look forward to seeing you all again when I am back from San Francisco!”
The launch party moved into full swing. No sooner was Sam in the bookstore than a line of eager purchasers formed at the till. In the restaurant, Franc circulated with Serena as the waitstaff replenished champagne and wine. The restaurant, now emporium, had never been so alive with energy, laughter, and joie de vivre.
How different all this was from the first time I’d visited Café Franc and was almost hurled forcefully from its door. What would have happened, I wondered, if I hadn’t made my way here in the naïve expectation of a delicious meal? If a home hadn’t been needed for Kyi Kyi, or Franc hadn’t been taken on as a student by Geshe Wangpo, or Sam hadn’t shown up at just the right time?
There was something mysterious and quite delightful about the chain of events that had led to this point.
And the events that were to continue.
Later in the evening, when the initial surge into the bookstore had calmed down, Serena walked over to where Sam stood with a commanding view of the gathering.
“It’s been a wonderful evening!” She radiated happiness.
“Hasn’t it just?”
Sam, I noticed, managed to avoid the floor and was looking directly at her, a helpless smile on his face.
Then they both started to speak at the same time.
“You go,” she said.
“N-n-no.” He gestured to her.
“I insist. You first.”
From my vantage point, I could see flecks of red dotting Sam’s neck. Like storm clouds gathering, the flecks melted together to form a crimson wave that rose steadily toward his chin then suddenly halted.
“I was just going to suggest,” he began, louder than strictly necessary. “Seeing as we’ll be working together—”
“Yes?” Serena prompted. As she brushed her hair back, her earrings glinted under the lighting.
“It would be a nice idea, but only if you had the time … ”
“Yes?” She nodded encouragingly.
“I mean, maybe we could get together sometime. Perhaps for a meal?”
She laughed. “I was going to suggest exactly the same thing.”