Myra’s Big Mistake – Chapter 7

I didn’t sleep much before my shift, and now I’m paying the price for it. Chopping away at carrots, my lower back aches, and my eyesight swims with fatigue. I reach for my cup of coffee and down three tepid gulps. Hopefully, the caffeine gets me moving soon because the dining room is packed tonight.

With the carrots prepped and handed off to Bryan, I sigh and step back from the counter. Shit. I just realized I’m wearing two different socks and my pants are inside out. That’s a great look, Myra. And I didn’t have time for a shower or makeup either because Ruby’s baking party took up my entire afternoon.

“Myra!” Sheila, one of the waiters, calls out as she races into the kitchen. “Boss wants to see you out in the dining room.”

I gulp down coffee. “Can it wait? We’re backed up, and Bryan can’t spare me.”

“Can’t spare her!” Bryan shouts over a flaming wok.

Sheila grabs a spare apron. “Mrs. Tanaka says it’s important. I’m going to cover you.” She jerks her chin at the vegetables in front of me. “I can handle these.”

I hesitate before I wave her in. “Do you have knife skills?”

Sheila picks up the knife and raises her eyebrows. “We’re about to find out.”

I grimace and step away. “The first aid kit is on the wall.”

I hurry into the office and grumble as I kick off my shoes, take off my pants, and turn them right-side out. Why am I always called out of the kitchen for some crazy-ass thing? I hope I didn’t screw up the last dish I sent out. Oh no. That’s it, right? My mind has been elsewhere, and I screwed up. “You’re such a fucking genius, Myra,” I mumble to myself as I hurry to the dining room.

Halfway across the room, I halt in my tracks, and all the blood in my head disappears. The empress and her husband, Nosuké, his father Noburo, Mrs. Tanaka, and her eldest son occupy a table near the front. Mrs. Tanaka turns and sees me before I can make a run for it. I pick up my feet and walk towards them at her beckoning wave.

My head is an empty echo chamber, my feelings detached from my body. I sent off my regrets to Nosuké an hour before my shift. I’m sure he’s already seen it. Thank the gods I turned my pants right-side out, or I would have burned with embarrassment.

“Myra, come sit. Pull up a chair,” Mrs. Tanaka says, and my body fights for control over its temperature regulation. I’m cold with fear, and then I heat to blinding levels as Nosuké turns to watch me approach.

Oh, fuck. I can feel it now. I am in a lot of trouble. I’ve had this feeling too many times in my life to not recognize it instantly. I am either about to be fired or reamed out or… I don’t know. Something awful, I’m sure. My dad will hear about this, and I’ll also get a mouthful from him.

“I… I’m sorry, Mrs. Tanaka. I can’t sit down. We are swamped in the kitchen. Sorry,” I say again, bowing. I approach her and lean over to her ear. “Is everything okay? Did I mess up a dish? Do you need me to bring something else out?”

“Myra,” she says, grasping my arm, “nothing’s the matter with the food.”

“Then, um, why…?” I start, but she shakes her head.

“You can guess,” she replies.

“Myra, it’s good to see you again.” Empress Itami turns on a smile. I glance around and notice that this table is an island. Empty tables surround it with men and women on guard and facing either the restaurant’s front or the other customers. Of course, these wealthy and influential people have security.

“You as well, Empress Itami.” I bow.

She clears her throat as I right myself.

“Oh, sorry. Uh, Sanaa.”

“That’s better. This is my husband, Jiro.”

He nods to me as he pours saké for his wife. His family has good genes. I’ve seen photos of him throughout the years, and I swear he never ages.

“And my friend, Noburo, and his son, Nosuké…” She pauses as she watches Nosuké smile at me and my cheeks color. “Who you already know.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, trying to keep myself cool.

Noburo sits back from the table and looks me over from head to toe. “This is one of the Kimura girls?” He tilts his head to the side, and I’m waiting for the comment that I’m too homely, too overweight, too plain to be a ‘Kimura girl.’ All the rest of my sisters are stunners. I’m not sure how I ended up being so ordinary.

“Yes, sir.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“I’m sorry to hear you can’t make it to Kisetsu tomorrow,” Nosuké says, picking up his beer. “I was sure you would accept my invitation to dinner. How little I know about you already.”

Noburo raises his eyebrows. “She turned down dinner at Kisetsu?” He turns back to face the table and his meal. “Sounds like a headstrong girl. I wonder if I know of any other women like that.”

Sanaa laughs, throwing her head back. “Girls in little black dresses who storm into your casino and demand your loyalty?”

“That does sound familiar.” Noburo dips his shrimp in sauce and pops it into his mouth.

“I, uhhhh,” I stammer out. Mrs. Tanaka’s hand grasps mine and squeezes, breathing life back into me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think it was a good idea, and I have to work. I…” I swallow and glance at Mrs. Tanaka. “I don’t have any evenings free for at least three weeks. We’re a little short-staffed. I should get back, actually.”

Nosuké throws up his hands, a sympathetic expression on his face. “Just a moment, please.” He clears his throat and pushes up his sleeves while everyone else eats around him. “It’s just dinner,” he assures me. “I thought you might appreciate the meal because of your culinary education, and we could talk with no interruptions. Please reconsider. Did you enjoy the wagashi I sent?”

I close my eyes for a second. Damn it. That’s what was in the pastry box? I threw away the wagashi without even looking at them? The traditional Japanese confections that probably came from the shop outside the casino are as sought after as a table at Kisetsu, costing dozens of credits apiece.

I am such an idiot.

But at least I’m a loyal idiot.

Just remember Ruby’s face, Myra.

“They were beautiful,” I lie. “I didn’t have time to eat any.”

Nosuké’s eyes drill down into my brain.

I want to cry. I don’t do well with this kind of attention. I’ve regretted every moment since Dad became mayor because suddenly everyone wants to look at me, point at me, talk about me, criticize me. I failed several classes in culinary school because I couldn’t perform in front of my teacher and fellow students. I’m a good chef… well, passable at least. But once someone is watching me, it’s like my hands don’t work, and I forget everything I know.

“I have an idea.” Nosuké sits back in his chair. “I have a few line cooks who aren’t getting enough hours at my restaurants. They’re complaining about being bored.” He rolls his eyes as he turns to Mrs. Tanaka. “How about I loan them out to you, Miko? Just for a few days, maybe a week or two, so that Myra and your other staff members can get a break.”

Mrs. Tanaka’s face is unreadable. I wish I knew what was going through her head right now.

“I’ll pay for them, of course.” He brings his hand to his chest, and Mrs. Tanaka nods.

“That’s very generous. I appreciate the help,” she replies. My stomach sinks to my knees. I can see where this is going.

“Great. I’ll have two employees over to relieve your staff tomorrow.” Nosuké turns to me. “I hope this means you will reconsider my invitation.”

I breathe out slowly as I examine him. Most women on this planet would do anything to be noticed by Nosuké. He’s not flashy like some celebrities, but I’ve seen him on the gossip sites and heard that he demands the best of the best. Ruby was nearly shunned by so many, just because she was lucky enough to date him.

Lucky enough? Myra, what is wrong with you?

Well, I mean. Come on. He’s super handsome, and I know I’m not the only one who thinks that. He has unassuming good taste in clothes and food. His thick hair is always combed forward into a wave or a peak, and his dark eyes can capture anyone’s attention. He obviously works out and takes care of himself. Who wouldn’t want to date him? I’m sure men and women would line up for the chance. Ruby talked about how good he was in bed, and it was enough to fuel my own fantasies for months. Just remembering the details makes my whole body heat to blinding levels under his stare.

It’s not a date, though. It’s just a meeting, a way for him to pump me for information so he can sway my father.

You know what? I could say ‘no’ for another few days, weeks, months, and he might still chase me, hoping for the information he needs to get his casinos through the review process. He’s a patient man, and he thinks long-term.

So, if I want to end this annoyance, I need to do something about it. Now.

“Fine. I’ll go,” I blurt out.

Everyone’s head turns to look at me. Could I be any more awkward?

“Fantastic.” Nosuké’s smile is brilliant, and my heart skips a beat. “Seven PM. I’ll see you there.”

Mrs. Tanaka lets out a held breath and smiles, nodding at me. “You can go now.”

I think accepting this invitation made her life easier, too.

I turn on my heel to leave when I hear Noburo say to Nosuké, “Be ready for a big check with that one.”

My feet falter, the statement a knife straight to my gut. My face bursts into flames, processing what he said. I know I’m not some skinny waif like all the women Nosuké has dated. Ruby fit the bill nicely. But come on. I am not that overweight.

Maybe I should lay off the brownies…

“Look who’s talking. It’s not like I have ever had a reasonable dinner tab when I take you out to eat,” Nosuké replies.

I beat a hasty retreat to the sound of Noburo’s hearty guffaws.