The Daydreamer Detective Opens a Tea Shop by S. J. Pajonas

Author:S. J. Pajonas [Pajonas, S. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Onigiri Press

Chapter Twenty

I bolted from Yasahiro’s place like a woman on fire. Running from the reporters since I don’t own a car, I kept going until they were all gone. I could’ve called Kumi to come pick me up, but she was working. Besides, being pregnant and married to a police officer did not make her the best person to be a getaway driver, anyway.

I withdrew money from my bank’s ATM, made it to the edge of town in less than an hour, and dropped off the cash at Akai’s house.

“Are you sure you want to dive into Amanda’s life?” Akai asked as I left the envelope of cash on her desk and scratched Buttercup’s head. “You might not like what I uncover.”

“Doesn’t matter now. I have to look,” I said, zipping up my coat. “Yasahiro-san needs to be cleared.”

“What if he’s not?” she asked at my turned back. I was already heading outside. “What if I find stuff you don’t want to know?”

I shook my head as I reached for the door. “Still doesn’t matter.”

“If you break up, will you go out with me?” She asked as I closed the door. I had to laugh because she was so brash.

“I’m straight!” I yelled and left. She didn’t respond, or I didn’t hear a response either way.

I took the crosstown bus to Mom’s side of town, passing Sawayaka brimming with people and reporters. The bus slowed down just enough for me to see Ana inside, handling groups of customers and keeping reporters outside who were trying to sneak in. Her hair was frizzy and tied back, and she frowned more than smiled.

On the walk home from the bus stop, I thought of all the things I’d miss if Yasahiro moved away. First, I’d miss him. I’d miss eating with him, talking to him, sleeping with him, just sitting on the couch with him. I’d lose my tea shop. I’d lose my painting studio too. There wasn’t enough room to paint at the farmhouse and the new barn wouldn’t have a loft. I would probably lose some of my elderly clients too since I accessed them via Yasahiro’s apartment.

I glanced over at Akiko’s house as I came upon her driveway. She’d drive home tomorrow, Monday, and be back to doing her rounds again on Tuesday.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted her, “Hope you’re having a great time at the conference! Things around home have gotten strange and complicated. Check the news.”

While I had the phone in my hand, I dialed up Goro as I walked up the driveway.

“Hey, Mei-chan,” he answered, the sound of papers shuffling in the background. “You and Yasa-kun break up?”

I tripped on a rock in the driveway and came close to throwing my phone on the ground and kicking it.

“Yes. No. Yes.”

He groaned. “I was joking.”

“No, you weren’t. I’m sure you knew as well as I did that he would try to break up with me. To ‘spare me the shame.’” I mocked the air quotes I put around Yasahiro’s excuse.

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