Queen of Love

“I am not offended. I have thought about you, though.”

The plate reappeared on Genevieve’s table. “For that, you get another bite.”

Laughter precluded Genevieve from eating another bit of cake. “It’s good, isn’t it?”

“Mm. Douzo.”

Yet Genevieve didn’t help herself. She was besotted with more thoughts of Saturday night when she and Aya pretended there was no risk of fraternization – they were merely two women who had met in a bar and decided to have a good time. It’s been so long since I did that. Rarely did Genevieve meet someone who made her feel like a young girl again. Back when I was navigating the world without my family – and navigating who I was.

Slowly, but surely, they ate the cake and drank their beverages. Genevieve glanced over the residential listings Aya had put together for her. She had to admit, her tastes instantly gravitated toward the apartment in Hiro-o. It wasn’t only the view or the concierge. It was being in Shibuya, where Genevieve’s life in Japan had truly begun.

“I should get going,” Aya said. “Like I said, meeting in the morning.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to keep you.”

“Do you need an escort back to your hotel?”

That caught Genevieve off guard. “Are you asking if I want you to accompany me?”

“That’s one way to look at it. Place isn’t too far from here, right? Hook a left at the crossing, if I’m remembering correctly.”

“How very generous of you. Perhaps I’ll take you up on it.”

“I must warn you,” Aya said, standing up with her empty tray in hand, “I can’t be entertained tonight.”

“I wouldn’t dream of keeping you from something as important as sleep.”

Aya took Genevieve’s tray for her. Does she do these things because I’m technically her client? Or because she’s so chivalrous? Genevieve wanted to believe it was Aya’s nature. Much like other wonderful things could be in her nature as well.

Aya accompanied Genevieve back to her hotel. They weaved between tourists and students, climbing and descending the myriad of hills making up Shibuya’s crowded but unique footprint. Genevieve was glad to have the company. Although she knew the way back to her hotel, she sometimes wasn’t used to walking through crowded places by herself, let alone at night. An escort helped her feel safe. Having a local with me? A mere bonus.

Having that local be someone like Aya? Genevieve could hardly contain herself.

“Let me or the office know if you’re liking any of those listings.” Aya hung outside the main entrance of the hotel. Her body language implied she did not intend to come inside with Genevieve. “I’d also be happy to answer any questions you may have about them. Might want to hurry, though. I have a feeling a couple of them will go quickly.”

“How am I to tell you if I don’t have your number?”

“You have a good point. I’m assuming you have a Japanese SIM card?”

“It won’t be a problem.”

Aya removed her phone from her pocket. So did Genevieve. They tapped the tops of their phones together. When Genevieve looked down, she saw the notification containing the Chinese characters for Aya’s name. It’s so pretty. There were a few contenders for how to spell Aya’s name, but “colorful” was not the one Genevieve had guessed.

“Your name could be Chinese,” she quipped. “Three characters.”

“How do you say it in Mandarin?”

“Oh…” Genevieve had to think about it for a bit. “Shan Gu Cai. Maybe.” She cocked her head. “Same meaning.”

“I don’t really think about the meaning of my name.”

“I’ve heard that a lot here in Japan.” Genevieve put her phone away. “Thank you for walking me back to my hotel. I hope I can see you again soon.”

Aya took a tepid step closer. “I’m sure that can be arranged, now that you have my number.”

Genevieve didn’t want to misread the situation, but she swore Aya had come closer so they could share an intimate moment. Or maybe that was her heart fluttering as she remembered what someone like Aya could do to her.

“Have a pleasant evening, Ms. Liu.” Aya swapped the hand holding her briefcase. “Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything.”