Day One:
The invitation had been sent out weeks in advance. It was a cordial letter, in white envelope and proper postage and simple handwriting. She was sure that he had received it by now, and that he would no doubt arrive at the scheduled time. She had been eying him for a while, and knowing him he should have picked up on things. But she wouldn't put it past him; it was Ky Kiske, after all.
Jam's restaurant was packed from lunch till closing time. Customers had to reserve spots months in advance to dine here on this particular day, as it was the start of Chinese New Year. Every customer that left was quickly replaced by another party. Every table was filled with hungry patrons.
Except one. In the far back of the dining area, behind heavy double doors, was a room reserved for her most special of guests. The table was grander, the chairs far larger and more comfortable, and the décor more extravagant. CEOs, prime ministers, and directors, those with great power and greater wallets were given their own private room to wine and dine their clients to close deals, deliberate treatise, and negotiate terms. Exclusivity fetched a high price in these days.
And today, it would be reserved for him, one of the most powerful men in the world, and it was time to pull out all the stops. She wore a satin red cheongsam, a traditional choice with a bit more modern flair. It was curtailed to end above the knees and with deep cuts running up the sides to allow full steps. There was a modest diamond cutout below her neck, and for him, only him, she left the topmost button undone. All he needed to do was arrive.
Knock knock
And there he was, right on time. Picking herself up from the kitchen wall, she sauntered over to the entrance, slowly putting one foot in front of the other. As she approached the door, she could see his white off-duty uniform against the blackening night.
With painstaking deliberateness, she unlocked the door and gently pushed it open.
"Good evening, Ms. Kuradoberi." Still as courteous as ever.
She bowed towards him, making sure to take slow, fluid motions. "Good evening to you as well. And Jam is perfectly fine." Rising and turning around, she walked towards the heavy double doors in the same way she came. "Have you eaten yet?"
"Knowing how good your cooking is, Ms. Jam, I am more than happy to wait."
She was sure he could hear her smile, beaming and full of pride. "Come, your seat waits." She would make do with Ms. Jam for now.
If he suspected anything, he said nothing as his footsteps echoed behind her on the carpet. Pushing open the doors, she stepped to the side and pointed towards the lone table. He looked up at her, looking into her brown eyes and she stared back, politely smiling. After a moment, he returned his eyes to the table and walked in.
And thus dinner was served. It was not a grand meal, given the fact that the usual dinner time had already passed. But it was not the standard quality of dinner fare. She had made sure to pull out all the stops she knew, preparing eight individual courses. When Ky had finished one, she would slowly move back to the kitchen, and bring out the next dish. And in between them, the two conversed.
As the last morsel was finished, there was only the silence between them. After bringing the plate to the kitchen to be washed, she walked towards the heavy doors and opened them. Ky naturally stood up and followed her, knowing that the night's event was over. She retraced her earlier steps towards the front entrance, opened the door, and held it for him.
"Thank you for your company tonight, Ky."
"No, thank you, Ms. Jam. The dining was exquisite, as always. I am a little curious, though. What makes this particular occasion so special? I understand that it is the start of Chinese New Year, but never have you served me like this before." She smiled at him.
Reaching over her back, she pulled out a small envelope. While it was still warm, she walked over, lifted the side of his shirt up and tucked it inside, making sure that it was secure in an inside pocket. Putting on her best smile, she looked him in the eyes and gently smiled. "If you wish to know, then I cordially invite you to come again in seven days."