Chapter Text
You haven’t RSVPed yet. The wedding is in a month.
I know.
Having a hard time finding a +1? ;P
Makoto sighed and set his phone down on the bar. Truth was, he didn’t really want to go to this wedding, even if it was his best friends. And no, he wasn’t having a hard time finding someone to go with him. He hadn’t even been looking. He pulled the invite from inside his coat pocket. ‘You are cordially invited to the wedding of’…. blah blah blah. Sigh.
“Mr. Tachibana, would you like another?” The teal eyed bartender offered with a polite smile.
“Last one, Sousuke.”
“No problem.”
He had been a loyal customer at this establishment for little over a year. Makoto usually came when the young bartender worked since he preferred the way Sousuke made his drinks. The fact that he was easy on the eyes didn’t hurt either. Early twenties, tall, broad, and (unfortunately) straight as an arrow. He discovered Sousuke’s parents owned a small restaurant he had frequented as a college student that had the best green curry he had ever eaten hands down. The bartender took this second job to help pay his father’s medical bills after falling ill a couple of years ago. Makoto always made sure to leave a big tip when he stopped by. Which, in the last four months, had been more frequent since he received the wedding announcement.
His phone buzzed.
???
Rin was so damn impatient.
Sousuke set the new glass down in front of him. Tilting his head, he noted the frown on Makoto’s face as he looked at his phone. “Everything alright, Mr. Tachibana?”
“Ah, yes.” Makoto smiled up at this devastatingly handsome young man. “Thank you.” Sousuke paused like he wanted to say something but thought better of it. Nodding, he walked away to restock the bar for the evening service.
Makoto studied him. Swirling his drink, he brought the glass to his lips. Hmm. Maybe. Picking up his phone he texted Rin. RVSP +1.
“Sousuke, I have a question for you.” Just then his phone buzzed, message flashing. Finally found someone to take pity on you. Haha. Dick. He honestly doesn’t know why he remained friends with either of them.
“Sure.” The bartender placed his note pad on the counter. Strong tan arms leaned on the bar. “What can I get for you?”
Oh, so many things. Such a shame. “Well, you don’t have to say yes, but hear me out.” He took a sip and set his glass down, threading his fingers together on top of the bar. “How would you like to make some extra money?”
Sousuke raised a brow. “I’m listening.”
Makoto present’s his invitation to Sousuke. “I need a plus one to a wedding.”
“That’s it?”
“There’s more.”
“I’m not gay, Mr. Tachibana.” Sousuke stated but didn’t move, clearly still interested in hearing what he had to say.
“I know, Sousuke. I’ve seen the young women you leave with. A damn shame, but I digress.” The bartender smirked at him. That smile should be illegal. “So, what I need is for you to be arm candy. That’s all.”
“Hold that thought.” Sousuke tended to a couple of patrons and filled a few table orders before coming back. He took Makoto’s glass and began making him another drink. “I know you said that was your last one, but I’m intrigued. This one is on me.” He slid the tumbler over to one of his favorite customers. “You just want arm candy? I don’t mean to pry, but how are you still single? I can admit that you are a good-looking guy and I’ve seen what you leave here with too. Why don’t you ask one of your ‘friends’ to go with you?”
Makoto plucked the cherry out of his drink and pulled the stem out through his teeth as he chewed. “I don’t do relationships well.”
“Well shit, no one’s an expert at them.” Sousuke leaned closer. “So, what’s the real reason you don’t take one of your flings and your trying to get a straight guy to go to a wedding with you.”
Makoto also leaned in a flirty smile graced his full lips. “Because you are exactly my type and it would drive the grooms crazy.”
Sousuke smiled conspiratorially. “Jilted lover?”
“Childhood friend turned lover. He couldn’t do a long-distance relationship so we remained friends.” Makoto sat back and finished his drink. Sousuke moved to make him another. “Don’t you dare.” He placed a glass of water down instead. “He’s marrying one of our mutual childhood friends.”
“So why wouldn’t he like me?”
“You are intimidating, charming, young, made of muscles,” Makoto grinned, “and straight. It will get under his skin.”
Sousuke chuckled at Makoto’s pettiness. “So, being straight will upset him that bad?” He gets it about his other attributes, he was used to that.
“No, it will just drive him nuts that I brought a straight guy as my ‘date’.”
“When’s the wedding?” Sousuke stepped away to help an attractive older woman, turning up the charm as he spoke with her. He watched the woman make eyes at him and follow him as he moved around. Relatable.
“It’s in a month and I’ll need you for an entire week. Before that though, we will have to spend a little more time together outside of this setting. Otherwise, I might as well hire an escort.”
“Why don’t you? There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“If you don’t say yes, then I might have to resort to that.”
Sousuke laughed. “Okay, so what’s in it for me if I do this? I don’t know if I can actually afford to miss an entire week of work.”
Makoto’s expression turned serious. “So, let me make something clear before you agree to this. I don’t expect anything from you sexually, only your company. I understand your situation and why you work two jobs. I know this one is important, and you don’t want to lose it. I also know your family is working hard to keep up with your father’s medical bills. How much do you think you need to cover them?”
The medical bills were piling up faster than they could pay them off. It was getting to the point that they might be forced to sell the restaurant. “Mr. Tachibana, I can’t ask that of you.”
“You are not asking, I am.”
“It’s—it’s a lot. I feel like I would be taking advantage of you.”
“Sousuke, I have a lot of money and no one to spend it on. Let me help your family out. You are doing me a favor.” Makoto wrote down a 5-digit number on a napkin and slid it across the bar. “Is this enough?”
Sousuke looked at the figure. His eyes went wide, and his knees buckled. He caught himself before he fell. “Are you kidding me?!” He whispered loudly.
“You need more?”
“No, Mr. Tachibana. I—I can’t accept this, it’s, fuck, it’s more than enough.”
“Consider it a business transaction. I will write a contract up if need be.” Makoto picked up his phone and began to scroll through it. “Better yet, do you have an account I can transfer funds into?”
“Holy shit, this is not happening.” Sousuke ran his hand through his hair. “I do, but—I haven’t even agreed to anything yet.”
“So, I’m going to sweeten the pot for you. I will pay your father’s medical bills, all of them, existing and future. You spend three days out of every week with me leading up to the wedding. I will, in turn, provide your wardrobe, you’ll get to find out some fun and embarrassing facts about me and spend a week in Greece, all expenses paid. All you have to do on this trip is look pretty standing next to me while pissing off my ex.” Makoto took a sip of his water wrinkling his nose. He really wanted that other drink now.
Sousuke was floored. “What’s the catch?”
“There is no catch, I’ll prove it. Give me your account information.” Makoto held out his hand.
Sousuke dug in his back pocket and presented a slip of paper from his wallet. Still in shock.
“Don’t ever willingly give your anyone your banking information.” Makoto chastised. “Had I been wanting to scam you; your account would have been empty by now.”
“Good luck. You wouldn’t have gotten much.” Sousuke had to leave to attend other customers when he returned, Makoto handed him the slip back.
“Check your balance.”
Sousuke’s head shot up and he paled. “Mr. Tachibana—”
“I would have given it to you regardless, but probably anonymously. You are an extremely hard worker. I can only imagine being a bartender was not your dream. Consider it a charitable donation.” Makoto drank half his water. “I will take that drink now.”
Sousuke quickly got him his order and Makoto handed him his credit card. Still flabbergasted but trying to keep a damper on it since he was still on the clock. “So, who’s wedding am I crashing and when? I’ll need to request the time off.” This would help his family tremendously and if Mr. Tachibana was serious, then he wasn’t about to fuck it up.
Makoto grinned and turned the invitation so Sousuke could see it. The bartender ripped off the receipt and laid it on the counter with a pen and Makoto’s card. “Haruka Nanase is your Haru-chan? And he’s marrying Rin Matsuoka?”
“Yes, and yes.” Makoto hummed. This drink was a little stronger. “You know them?”
“Yeah, Olympic silver and gold medalists’ swimmers. I had a full ride scholarship before having to drop out to take care of the family business. Shit, you could have led with this and I would have said yes. Nanase’s blaze attitude towards living the dream always pissed me off. Even more so now that I’ve given up mine. I’m in. Whatever you need. No gay shit though.” Sousuke’s youth shown through his professionalism in that shining moment of jealousy.
Makoto giggled. Clearly having more than enough alcohol making him a little cheekier. “Sweetness, if anyone initiates any gay shit, I promise it will be you.” He stood and set his keys on the counter. “Call me an Uber, Sousuke, and bring me my car when your shift is over. It’s your fault I am this inebriated and I need my car for a meeting tomorrow morning.”
“Alright, Mr. Tachibana, you have a deal.” He held his hand out for Makoto.
The other man took his hand in a gentle yet firm handshake. “If we are going to do this, you must call me Makoto. When you start the car, the GPS feature will pop up on the display, just hit the ‘home’ button.”
“I get off at eight.”
“Good, that will give me some time to sober up.”
~~~
“Holy shit.” Sousuke muttered as he located Makoto’s car. He had to use the panic button to find Makoto’s car after his shift. He stood next to a 2019 Audi RS5 Sportsback. Glacial white with black leather interior. He opened the door and pressed the automatic start button. The sleek design was custom, the blue interior lighting was nice. He whistled taking it in and trying to figure out how to work everything. Sousuke started when the steering wheel and seat adjusted to his height automatically. “Ok, that was fucking cool.” Buckling up, he looked for the gear shift. ‘Oh, neat.’ He turned the knob in the center console and tapped the screen. GPS popping up, tapping the ‘home’ address, he was set. It was a pleasant albite nerve wracking drive. One, he was sitting behind the wheel of a $85,000 car, before all the customizations. Second, what the hell was he really getting into?
What did he really know about Mr. Tach—Makoto? He knew he had money. Couldn’t be more than five years older than him. Was single. Liked cats, has three, he thinks. Doesn’t talk about his family. Odd. Has Olympic swimmers as friends. Whatever he does for a living makes him extremely melancholy at times, even if he tries to cover it with a smile. He’s nice, too nice. Generous as fuck. Sousuke is still in shock but can’t wait to tell his folks. He has really fucking nice taste in cars. Dude is a shark when it comes to picking up other men. Sexual preferences aside, it was impressive to say the least. Speaking of which, how exactly was he supposed to act at this wedding? Well, he had a month to prepare.
Sousuke’s mouth dropped as he pulled up to the house. “Oh, wow.” It was big, set back away from the road. There were trees scattered around the property. Sousuke could hear the ocean as he stepped out of the car.
An overlook maybe? He rang the doorbell and was still looking around when the door opened.
Makoto greeted him with his trade mark grin. Sousuke didn’t think he had ever seen him so casual. He had traded his contacts for thin wire framed glasses and wore a white V-neck t-shirt and dark grey lounge pants. “You made it. Come on in.”
“Uh, thanks.” His eyes wandered everywhere as Sousuke pulled off his shoes.
Makoto noted his curiosity. “Would you like a tour?”
“Sure.”
“There’s not as many rooms as you think, but they are all pretty big.” There were two bedrooms in addition to the master bedroom. An office, where it seemed like Makoto spent most of his time. The kitchen was immense, with stainless steel appliances and marble counters. A gym, dinning area and a moderate living room. The home was beautiful, however, it felt very sterile. The only two living spaces that gave any hint to who Makoto was were his study and his bedroom. The bedroom was warm and vibrant. There was a set of double doors open letting the ocean breeze waft through the room. Plush carpet, soft leather armchair, big screen tv, the bed looked expensive as hell. There was a huge walk in closet. The bathroom was absolutely ridiculous. Big jacuzzi style tub, separate spa shower. Good God. A built-in fireplace and a large floor to ceiling window.
“You live alone?” Sousuke marveled.
“Yes. My housekeeper and gardener live in a house on the backside of the property.”
“This is a lot of house.”
“Yes, it is.” Makoto changed the subject. “Would you like to freshen up? I’m sure I have something that fits you.” He brought Sousuke a towel and some clothes. A blue shirt, black joggers and a fresh pair of boxer briefs. “You hungry?”
“I’m always hungry.”
Makoto smiled. “I’ll make you something and we can go over the finer details of this arrangement.”
Sousuke came into the kitchen as Makoto set a plate of food on the bar. “I think I’m in love with your shower.” He lamented as he sat on one of the stools.
Chuckling, Makoto set a glass of water on the counter. “Me too. And you haven’t even experienced all the settings.” He tapped the wine glass in his hand. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Do you have any beer?”
“IPA?”
“Perfect.” Makoto popped the cap and set in next to his plate. Sousuke deflated as he dug into his food.
“You’re not going to eat?”
“I ate earlier.” Makoto watched as Sousuke scarfed down his food, a small smile pulled his lips. “There’s more if you want it.”
“This is really good. Why hasn’t someone wifed you yet?”
That got a genuine laugh from Makoto. “I don’t entertain much. And I certainly don’t cook for people.”
“You have to show me how to make this. My mom would love it.”
Sousuke missed the sad smile that crossed his face as Makoto turned to get another helping. “Teach me how to make that amazing green curry at your restaurant and it’s a deal.”
“Done, just don’t tell anyone I’m giving away a family recipe.” Sousuke took a pull from his beer. “You had a picture hanging in your office, that your family?” He didn’t miss the pained expression this time. “It’s ok, you don’t have to tell me. You can actually tell me to fuck off if I get too personal.”
Makoto waved away his concern. “Sad backstory time, you ready?” He set down his glass.
“Mr. Tachibana, I’m sorry—”
“Don’t be. And it’s Makoto. It’s going to be extremely weird if you call me that at the wedding. You’ll be here learning more about me over the next month, I expect this to be personal.” Sousuke set his fork down and Makoto encouraged him to keep eating. “I lost my family in a car accident when I was fourteen.” He took a deep breath. “We were t-boned by a drunk driver. The impact killed my little sister instantly, ejecting my little brother from the car. The vehicle pushed us into oncoming traffic where both of my parents were killed.” He shifted his attention to Sousuke’s abandoned water, willing his hand to be steady as he brought the drink to his lips draining half the glass. Makoto hated retelling the story but it was something that needed to be done. Hoping that it would get easier over time, it never did. So, he tried to get through it as quickly as possible.
“I survived because I was sitting between my siblings.” Makoto was quiet for a moment lost in reflection. Taking another profound breath, he continued. “I was trapped in the backseat, my right leg crushed by the front passenger seat. I broke my nose and right cheek bone when my face hit the back of the seat. I still have scars from lacerations of flying debris and lost most of my hearing in my right ear.” He pushed his hair back to reveal the hearing aid wire curled over the top of his ear.
Sousuke’s expression must have read of horror and pity. “You lost your entire family?” He hadn’t realized he spoke it out loud. “Shit, I’m sorry man.”
“I don’t remember it. I was in a coma for four months. I’m sure there are details the doctors and my nana omitted. That was nineteen years ago, I don’t need to know them. The details don’t change anything.” Makoto opted for the wine again.
Nineteen years ago? You’re thirty-three?”
“How old did you think I was?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“Probably due to all the reconstructive surgeries I’ve had. There are two titanium rods in my leg along with several screws and pins. Plus, a tiny metal plate right here.” Makoto brushed his fingers across his cheek. “I always set off the metal detector at the airport.” He gave a halfcocked smile.
“Jesus.” Sousuke muttered.
“I don’t do cold weather well.”
“Is that why you disappeared last winter?” Makoto nodded. Sousuke studied his face. If it was for any other reason Makoto have might blush, but this was purely clinical. Sousuke shook his head. “Who ever set your nose did an amazing job. You can’t even tell it was broken.”
Makoto laughed, eager to change the subject. “You like my nose?”
“Yeah.” Sousuke spoke around a mouthful of food. “It’s nice.”
“I’m glad you approve. Took a lot of money to fix it.” He smiled behind his glass.
Sousuke also wanted to steer the conversation away from Makoto’s tragedy. “I noticed you had a degree hanging on the wall. What’s it in?”
“I have a doctorate in Child Psychology.”
“So, it’s Dr. Tachibana?”
“It’s just a title. Mister will do. I was very broken after my loss. I wanted to help children who also have to deal with traumatic events.”
Makoto took Sousuke’s plate and handed him another beer. “That actually explains why you come in looking like a kicked puppy sometimes.”
“You are pretty observant.”
Sousuke shrugs, not one hundred percent sure that wasn’t sarcasm. “I notice things sometimes.”
Makoto stepped around counter towards the back door. Assuming Sousuke would follow, which he did. The French doors were open while nylon curtains swayed with the breeze.
Sousuke watched Makoto as he walked. He was strong and confident, also humble and kind. Extremely intelligent to already have his doctorate. Plus, and he wasn’t quite sure why he was realizing this, but Tachibana had a really fat ass. What in the world was a guy doing with an ass like that? He knew he had been caught staring when he heard Makoto clear his throat. Sousuke looked up to see Makoto smirking at him over his shoulder. “No homo, right?”
Embarrassed at being noticed, he shrugged. “Ok look, you have a nice ass. There, I said it.”
“I wasn’t fishing for a compliment.” Makoto moved the curtains aside and went outside. “I know I have a nice ass.” Sousuke stepped out into the night air after him. “You do too. And that is all homo. If you were gay, I would have been all over you. But,” He pointed one of the fingers around his wine glass at him, “I respect boundaries.”
They sat in luxurious lounge chairs by the endless pool. “Speaking of boundaries, let’s go over a few.”
Sousuke settled in. The twinkling fairy lights that were strung around the area gave enough light to make out his surroundings. It was serene, kind of romantic. But they were here to talk business.
“I intend to buy you a whole new wardrobe for this trip, not that there is anything wrong with your current attire. I like to spoil those who I am fond of and I need you to be as stunning as possible. Whatever you pick is yours to keep.” Makoto took a sip of his wine savoring the flavor on his tongue. “Do you dance?”
“Nothing that’s wedding appropriate.”
“Then I will teach you two that we will do at the reception. It’s not that hard. I want you to be who you are, but fair warning, Rin and Haru like to push buttons so just be prepared. I’ll tell you all about them, so you don’t get blindsided. You can stay in one of the guest rooms while you are here if you decide to stay the night. Whatever you need, just let me know. Do you have a passport?”
“No, never needed to leave the country.”
“I’ll take care of that.”
“Mr. Tach—Makoto, do you have mob money? Government connections? How are you going to get a passport in less than a month?”
Makoto giggled. “I do not have mob money. My parents were very well off to begin with. They also had hefty life insurance policies. And yes, I have a few connections. My friend Rei works at the state department. He’ll push it through, legally.”
They sat in silence for a moment. Sousuke still didn’t really understand what he had agreed to. His parents would probably be mad at him for whoring himself out. But he wasn’t sleeping with the man and his dad’s medical bills were going to get paid. So, they really couldn’t complain.
“Sousuke,” He turned to meet Makoto’s concerned gaze. “If you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. The money is still yours to keep.”
He shook his head. “I’m good. Just wondering if this was real or not. We’ve been struggling to pay even a fraction of dad’s bills. They just don’t ever stop coming, you know? And then you just give me $50,000 like it was nothing. $50,000 to go to a wedding with you. No expectations. Do you know how crazy that sounds?” Sousuke huffed. “You’re either extremely nice or out of your mind. Or a serial killer. Please don’t tell me you’re a serial killer?”
Makoto threw his head back and laughed. It felt good. “No, you goofball. I am not a serial killer. I just have way more money than I know what to do with.”
“Well, you’re definitely nuts.”
“Mm, perhaps. Psychologist are the worst for taking care of their own mental health.”
The smile stayed on Makoto’s face as he looked out across the pool. “If you will let me, I would like to take care of you while you are here. If it’s too much, just say so and I will stop.”
“Are you trying to be my sugar daddy?” Sousuke smirked as he caught the other man off guard causing him to sputter into his drink. “I’m not going to call you daddy, and I’m still not going to fuck you?”
“Oh, but you’d let me fuck you? Interesting.” Their easy banter was playful and relaxed, much like it was at the bar.
“You wish.”
“Mmm, maybe. But seriously, if you are uncomfortable with anything I do, please let me know. I do get flirty and sometimes handsy when I drink, Makoto’s eyes twinkled as he smiled, “but you already knew that.”
Sousuke chuckled lightly. “I will, no worries.”
“What was your major before you quit college? You said you had full ride, for swimming I assume.”
“Yeah. Would have been nice to make the Olympic stage. Maybe show your friends up. I would have liked to compete against Matsuoka. Butterfly was my stroke. I attended for sports medicine. Was in my junior year when I had to drop out.” Sousuke sighed. “It is what it is, I guess. My family is more important.”
“You have such a good heart.” Makoto smiled warmly and stood. “Would you go back if given the chance?”
Sousuke shrugged. “Maybe. Depends if I’m still needed in the restaurant and if my dad gets better.”
Stretching, Makoto decided to call it a night. “I have to leave here by nine tomorrow morning. I’ll drop you at your car. Just be ready by then. You can pick any of the guest rooms. Each has a bathroom that is stocked with toiletries. You can stay out here if you like, but I am turning in.”
“Nah, I’ll come in. Had a long day.” Sousuke ruffled his hair as he scratched his head. Cute. So young. What a baby. “Which one has the softest bed?”
“The first one.”
“Then that’s the one I’m staying in.”
Makoto locked up and Sousuke took their drinks to the kitchen. They met back up in the hallway. “You really live here all by yourself? This is a whole lot of house.”
“My parent had started construction on this house before they passed. It was almost complete. My nana had it finished. We never got the chance to live here as a family, but I still feel like this was our home.” Makoto smiled softly as he looked around.
“My God, you are killing me.”
Makoto gave Sousuke a puzzled look as they started up the stairs. “How so?”
“You are so grounded for some one who has lost so much. When we found out my dad had cancer, it was the end of the world.” Sousuke got a lump in his throat just thinking about it.
Makoto squeezed his shoulder as they reached the top. A sad smile on his face. “It’s taken many, many years of therapy to get me to a good place. And I still relapse occasionally.” He directed Sousuke to follow him to his room. “Survivors guilt is the worst.” Makoto gathered some night clothes and a change for tomorrow. He gazed back to see the other man staring somberly at the ground. “Sousuke?”
The younger male shook his head. “I really don’t know what we would do without my dad. He is our everything, our foundation. We were devastated—” Sousuke closed his mouth, lips thinning to a straight line and shook his head again willing the tears not to come.
Makoto didn’t do hugs anymore, but he had the overwhelming urge to do just that. Setting his bundle down, he carefully stepped over to Sousuke and gingerly pulled him into a tight embrace. He was stiff until he felt Sousuke reciprocate and cling to the back of his shirt. His hand at the back of Sousuke’s head urged the taller man to rest on his shoulder. “Don’t what if. He’s still here.” Makoto spoke softly.
“I know.” Sousuke swallowed hard.
“Have you talked to anyone about this?” Sousuke shook his head, not quite trusting himself to not break down. “Well, if you need to talk, I am here. It’s ok to be afraid and sad and angry. And it’s ok to cry.”
Sousuke stepped away and pinched his eyes to keep the tears from welling up even further. Dropping his hand, he turned a grateful smile on Makoto. “Thanks. Dr. Tachibana.” Makoto huffed and smiled. “But I think I’ll sleep it off.”
“You know where I am if you change your mind.” Makoto retrieved the clothes and hand them over. “Sorry if that made you uncomfortable.”
“You’re good. I appreciate it. See you in the morning.” Sousuke tried to lighten the heavy atmosphere. “Try not to dream about me too much now that you’ve felt me up.”
“Damn, and I was just about to go jerk off in the shower.” Makoto smirked and walked him to the door. “Goodnight, Sousuke. Get some rest.”
“See you in the morning.”
~~
Sousuke stretched and sank back into the bed. Man, he had never slept so well. He opened his teal eyes staring up at the ceiling and panicked. “Shit!” He looked over at his phone 10:07. “Fuck!” Flailing, he jumped up and ran out of the room. “Makoto?” He knocked at his bedroom door. Cracking it when he got no answer. Two lazy cats lounged on his bed not bothering to look up. He wandered down the hall to his office. Hmm. No Makoto. Making his way downstairs he called for him again. Coming to a halt at the kitchen when he noticed a middle-aged Spanish woman wiping down the counters. “Oh, uh. Hello.”
“Good morning, Mr. Sousuke. Mr. Tachibana had an emergency early this morning. He said to let you sleep in. If you need to take his car, the keys are by the front door.” She studied him for a moment and nodded. Well glad he had her approval. “Would you like something to eat?”
“I can get it. I don’t want to bother you.” Sousuke was not use to anyone waiting on him.
She wasn’t having it. “Sit down Mr. Sousuke. I will cook for you. Mr. Makoto never gives me enough work to do. What would you like?”
“Whatever you are making. I’m not picky.” Sousuke felt awkward just sitting there. He ran his fingers through his bedhead trying in vain to smooth it down. “Do you want some help?”
“No. You sit. Coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
“So polite.” She set the steaming cup in front of him. “You are very young.”
“You always grill people Makoto brings home?”
“He doesn’t bring home many and they never stay the night.” She moved around the kitchen fluidly as he observed her silently. She had a stern but pleasant face. Probably about 5’3”-5’4”. Couldn’t be over forty. Long hair bunned up onto of her head. She reminded him of his older sister. Opinionated but didn’t have a lot to say. His sister, on the other hand, always had plenty to say.
“What’s your name?”
“Marcella Luciana, but you can call me Ana.” She bustled about. “How hungry are you?”
“I could eat.”
She scrutinized him. “You eat a lot.” He shrugged. “Good. I will feed you.”
“How long have you been working for Makoto?” Shit, she wasn’t kidding. That is a ton of food.
“I have been with him for eleven years. He is a good man. Takes care of me and my husband more than we take care of him. “She brought over two plates and set them down. It was Spanish breakfast, something he had never eaten before and it looked amazing. Ana stared down at him. “He is like a son to us.”
“I’m picking up the underlying threat, Ana.”
“You are a smart man, Mr. Sousuke.” She refilled his cup. “Will you be staying around?”
“Well,” He hummed in appreciation at the flavors hitting his tongue. “Ana, this is so good.” Sousuke wiped his mouth. “Yes and no. I’m supposed to accompany Makoto to a wedding.”
“Mr. Rin and Mr. Haru.” She nodded and scooped more food onto his plate. “He doesn’t want to go. He does not like boats.”
“The wedding is on a boat?”
“Si.” She didn’t elaborate.
“Makoto is a customer of mine from the bar I work at. I agreed to go with him, but we don’t know each other that well. So, here I am.”
“Oh, so you are the bartender with the pretty eyes.” She smirked as she began cleaning the dishes.
“He talks about me?”
“He may have mentioned you a couple of times.” Ana stared at him for a moment. Waiting for her to break eye contact first, she nodded again. “Your eyes are like warm waters. Que bonito. Do you smile?”
Sousuke tried to reign in the smile threating to spread across his face. Definitely wasn’t used to getting the third degree. “On occasion.”
“You have humor. Nice. You will make Mr. Makoto laugh. He needs it.” She took his plate when he was done and wiped the counter. “He always smiles, but sometimes it doesn’t reach his eyes.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“Are you with him?”
“Am I dating him? No. we are just friends.”
She hummed, deciding not to pry anymore. “Your clothes are in the closet in your room. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Sousuke. I hope to see you again very soon.”
“Likewise. Thank you for breakfast, Ana. It was delicious.”
The house keeper nodded and made her leave. He decided it was time for him to do the same. He needed to let his parents know about Makoto’s generous “donation”.