Released – Chapter 41

A few weeks ago, Jiro asked me what we should do for his birthday, so I suggested we have a big party in Little Italy. When we enter Oyama’s pick for a restaurant, the space is filled to capacity. The establishment is spacious with a long bar serving beer and liquor surrounded by four-top tables. The entire front is packed with people eating, drinking, and talking.

We arrive in the back room, and a chorus of happy birthdays greet us from all of our family and friends. Even Aunt Kimie and Lomo are here. This is another moment when I know Jiro misses Koichi, and I miss him and Helena.

The sea of people part, and I spot Chad and a small Japanese girl our age talking to Sakai in the back. My past and present lives are colliding in one big room. I pull Jiro with me to talk to Chad and the way he’s smiling at his girlfriend I immediately know they’re in love. All of the time we’ve spent apart this year dissolves away, and it feels like yesterday that I walked into work and handled the changes Emiko Matsuda had brought upon us.

My smile falters a moment when I remember everything that happened that day — alterations to the ship specs, to the housing designs I was assigned, new astral coordinates. Something big and significant changed right then. Why? Did it have something to do with me? Or was it a coincidence I was taken from my job the same day?

After dinner, Jiro and I split up for a while and make our way around the room, talking to everyone, trying every last appetizer left on the table, and drinking a whole ton of wine which is not as bad as I originally thought it was. My palate is expanding due to Oyama. I take extra time to sit and reminisce with Chad and get to know his girlfriend Izumi a little better. They can’t stay late because they both have early shifts the next day.

I’ve definitely had too much to drink when I go to Oyama and give him a huge hug to thank him for making Jiro’s birthday a success.

“It’s your birthday too, Sanaa. Happy twenty-first,” he says, his voice soft-spoken and kind. I’m too close to him, but I don’t care. I’ve always thought of him as being huggable, but he’s on my staff, and I pay his salary, so besides the kiss I gave him for the cake, I have barely touched him. Times change.

“Oyama, I want beer next, I think. Can I go to the bar and get it from the bartender?”

“Sure. Just watch him pour for other people first, and then watch and make sure he pulls your glass from the same stack as everyone else’s glasses.”

“Is that how it works?”

“That’s my procedure. Then I usually taste the drink as well, but tonight, I think you’ll be fine.” He smiles and pats me on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re taking an interest. I know you want to be more independent. I hope I can help.”

I love Oyama. I’m such a lovable drunk. Love, love, love.

The main dining area has quieted, almost everyone left is finishing up or having another drink before heading home. The lights are low, intimate and romantic with candles lit along the length of the dark bar. I perch myself on a chair and am diligently watching the bartender draw my beer from the tap when someone comes and sits right next to me.

I turn to smile because I’m sure it’s Jiro. He’s awfully romantic tonight, his hand always on my waist or hugging me when I least expect it.

It’s not Jiro.

“Good evening, Sanaa. I hear birthday wishes are appropriate tonight.”

Kazuo. He smiles warmly at me, but I’m frozen inside, my instincts blurred by the amount of liquor sloshing around in my system. What should I do? Yell? Scream? I’m paralyzed.

The bartender sets two drinks down in front of us, and Kazuo jerks his chin at them.

“Let’s have a drink together, and then I’ll go.” He picks up his own beer and takes a a sip from the glass. His hair is pulled back — jet black this time, no gray — and his ease is so disarming I pick up my beer and sip. I’m way too drunk to be dealing with Kazuo. Is he going to kill me? I have nothing to defend myself with, and Jiro is in another room.

I swear these things only happen when I’m three sheets to the wind. I’d give up drinking too if I thought I’d be safer, but I don’t think it’d make a difference.

“I’m obviously not alone. Don’t try anything,” I warn him.

“I know.” He smiles and laughs. “Trust me, I’m very observant. But I’m here for a reason, and I’m pretty sure you will not be alone for long.” He drinks again and drains at least half the pint in one go.

“I’ve interrupted your night to tell you Sachi and I are leaving tomorrow.”

“What? Why?”

“It was difficult, but I convinced her to leave now before she completely loses her mind on you. She’s been angry for months. I don’t think you even had any idea.”

I twist my beer in my hand and take another sip. “I’ve never met her before recently. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I know.” His face melts into a sympathetic expression and the back of my neck tingles in response. This is wrong, very wrong. “Anyway, I’m having a change of heart, warmed by your compassion for your friends and family. Enjoy your last few days before you go. We won’t be around.”

He stands up from his chair, smooths out his button down shirt, and unexpectedly leans in to kiss me on the cheek. My whole body snaps back, and I brace myself on the bar as I meet his eyes in a cold stare. How dare he?

But he only smiles and shakes his head.

“Happy birthday, Sanaa. See you in another life, on another world.” He turns and strides straight for the front of the restaurant, his black boots pounding on the floor.

“Wait!” I call after him, stumbling from my chair, but thankfully, not falling over. “What did you mean, I made Sachi angry? Where are you going? And why are you being nice to me?”

He doesn’t answer. The door swings shut behind him, and through the front picture window, his shadow trails off down the street, fading away light years before my fear does.