Finding

Shani Jordan finds the one thing she didn't think she'd ever want.

Chapter 1: Finding (2011)

Shani Jordan decided that this trip was a bad idea the moment her stilettoes touched down on Tokyo soil. From the time Shani was 9 years old her father- a big dark-skinned preacher with a booming voice- would save up every few years for a family vacation to Japan. The vacations never lasted long; no more than 3 or 4 days. Long enough to instill an appreciation for the culture, but not long enough to do anything helpful, like learn the language.

The vacation just after Shani's 21st birthday was when she told her father that she was "too old" for family vacations. Heartbroken but determined, her father saved as usual until, two years in, a heart attack took the elder Jordan, leaving Shani without a father and with the guilt of knowing she had broken his heart by refusing to go on the family vacation.

All of this led her to being lost in the Haneda International Airport, dressed in a short-fitted business suit and desperately trying to locate the limo which would take her to her suite at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba.

At her father's funeral, Shani vowed to keep his tradition alive, a promise which turned out to be easier said than done. She had done pretty well for herself in the five years after her father's death, finishing college with a business degree, scoring a government job. Even so, saving up for this trip took nearly 4 years. Shani nearly talked herself out of the trip a number of times, including right after her mother declined Shani's offer to join her.

"It's still too painful," her mother said, new tears of mourning threatening to spill.

Finally, in her ride, and halfway to the hotel, Shani kicked off her heels and took down her tight bun, allowing dark kinky coils to fall free. Dressing as a business person in Business Class was something that her father taught her at an early age which had proven to serve her well.

"They will treat you with respect if you dress like someone who demands respect," he would tell her as he tied his tie every morning.

The Executive Suite was nice, the floor to ceiling window offering a great view overlooking the Tokyo Bay. Shani couldn't wait to return to this room after some much-needed retail therapy, with a cup of hot chocolate, watching the lights of the Rainbow Bridge as cars crossed.

Shopping was always Shani's favorite part of the Jordan family vacation. It's where she bonded with her father the most, as they picked through gadgets and technology that were unique to the country. Donning more casual attire, Shani found herself in front of a brightly lit store, the pinks and yellows of the flashing lights speaking to her. Entering the shop, it wasn't long before Shani was standing in front of a wall display of video games.

She decided to purchase a gift for her nephew. While trying to decide between two nostalgic looking video games, Shani didn't notice the young man walking over to her, didn't notice him leaning over her shoulder. It wasn't until the uniquely English-speaking voice, void of any Japanese accent, that she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"What?!" Shani stated defensively.

"I'm sorry," the man apologized backing up only slightly, his golden curls bouncing freely as he did. "I was just saying, kids today don't appreciate the gaming classics."

Brown eyes met blue as Shani sized up the fellow gaijin; one of the very few Japanese words she'd picked up.

Outsider, foreigner, stranger, but those words didn't seem to fit the man currently invading her personal space. Despite his European features- blond curly hair and deep blue eyes, framed by a chiseled face with about two days of stubble- he seemed comfortable, like he belonged. Towering above Shani by nearly a foot, the stranger was a wall of muscle covered in a striped sweater. Shani knew she'd spent too much time staring at him when she saw the smirk grace his pouty lips.

He was dangerous.

"Um, what would you suggest?" Shani asked, suddenly feeling exposed in the low-cut cashmere sweater she wore.

"Oh, that's easy," he said reaching over her, his arm brushing against Shani. "Street Fighter II. It's the best of the series," he stated as he handed the game over.

Before Shani could respond, a very handsome Japanese man came running towards them, his hair falling over his eyes as he called out, "Kenny! I've been looking all over for you."

'Kenny' turned towards the young man. Shani noticed how his eyes softened when he finally addressed him.

"Kota. I was just helping this beautiful damsel in gaming distress."

Shani opened her mouth to object, but at that moment Kenny turned back to her, stating, with a comically dramatic deep bow,"M'lady, it has been a pleasure to serve you, but I must now take my leave." With that he turned and followed his friend out of the store.

"These people are crazy," Shani said to herself, before taking the game Kenny had chosen to the register.