Sighing deeply, India stood and moved to the window. The smile on her face felt almost natural. Good things had happened since she decided to leave her room after almost eight months seclusion.
Leaving the actual building was something she was not ready for, but the Mariner's Inn had a bar or pub in its lobby, so she decided to check it out. As it was the middle of the week, she had not expected there to be many people there, and she was right. One man at a table reading and no one else as far as customers. There were two employees, a woman and a man. India walked in and around the bar to a table that was effectively in a corner by the window. She could see the police station across the street. Her good ear was facing the bar and the hearing in it was excellent.
“There. Your first customer.” the womans voice spoke. “Ready?”
India was surprised at the Japanese accent that came from the man of such obvious African descent. The wrap on his head, she guessed, was hiding his locs. “Hai. I am ready.” and, out of the corner of her eyes, she watched him come to her table. “Good evening.” he handed her the small menu. “May I get you anything while you wait?” his accent was thick, but his English was very good. Slow. He wasn't rushing his speech.
“Some iced tea, please.” her voice sounded calm, but she was nervous. She covered it well, as always.
He bowed slightly. “Right away.” and he was gone. Looking out of the window as she waited, she was almost startled by his return. “Youra iced tea.” he set it down and pauses a moment. “Please forgive me, but are you India Tor?” he sounded very polite and a wee bit nervous, but India had already figured out that this was is first day on the job.
It almost stunned her that she was recognized. Even in the States, few knew her on sight, and she was not so famous that she could not walk the streets unmolested. Even though her heart stopped, she put a smile on her face. “Yes. I am.” she confirmed to him.
The dark man bowed almost double. “I am a very large admirer of your music, Tor-sama. An honor to meet you in person.” he straightened and continued as if he had not just bowed. Back to business. “Have you decided on your order, Tor-sama?”
She couldn't stop the slight smile. It was always nice to meet a fan. Even now. She ordered a light dinner and ate it, feeling lighter of heart than she had in some time. Afterward, she lingered, ordering a hot coffee, and watched this fan of hers. The only other customer left and one person came in, had a drink, then left again. A very light night. Perfect to train 'the new guy'.
India guessed his name was Eien by the conversation she overheard between he and the woman training him. She heard her explain with amusement that tips were more than welcome and him explaining he knew that, and would get used to it. Apparently it was different in Japan, where he was from.
To help him, India left him a large tip and left and a nod to them both.
And the next night she was back. Eien served her again, and they engaged in small talk when she got brave enough to sit at a relatively isolated corner of the bar. When she mentioned that she could use some humor, he took a napkin and wrote down a web address and suggested an anime he found funny and touching. Bu there was no flirting, for which she was grateful. He was her waiter, or her bartender, or whatever it was he would be called. And he was a fan of her music. Nothing more.
But tonight was Friday night, an she didn't know if she could face the Friday night crowd in the pub. Instead, she ordered Clam Miso Soup and a Salmon Tempura Roll from the local sushi shop. As usual, the delivery guy knocked, called out a delivery for India Tor and left the food on the floor right out front. She always paid and tipped using her credit card, so she did not have to open the door for anyone. Getting her meal, she had eaten it while watching more episodes of the anime Eien had suggested to her. She was surprised to find that she really liked it.
Picking up the bedside phone just before the pub closed, she dialed down to it and asked to speak to Eien. She told him how much she enjoyed the anime and that she was sorry she hadn't made it down.
“You were missed, Tor-sama.” he told her, his rich resonant voice comforting to her good ear. “It would please me if you came again. Your voice is pleasing, even when you are not singing.”
India was smiling as she thanked him and hung up, promising that she would do her best to visit the pub on Saturday night. More, she was surprised to find she was looking forward to it.
Maybe it was time she came out of her shell.
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