* Hi guys, I am back. Thank you for all the lovely reviews. I love the Nobu fans! Lately I have been too busy job hunting and making out last min. law school applications to write much but here is a chappie!
Few people realize how deeply a geisha's make-up can hide her emotions.
Sadness. Anger. Betrayal.
Fear.
All these things most customers will never see. It is all hidden behind an oblique pasty veneer.
What could I tell Nobu of this night?
What could I say that would not arose any anger or lingering suspicion in him? At first thought, all seemed hopeless. Nobu-san was like a smoldering fire, ready to incite at any given notice. It seemed impossible to avoid his ire. But then I gathered my calm. I found resolve and my emotions hardened. I had no other choice. The situation must play out, regardless of my tears.
My saving grace would be the mask that I wore. My pasty white make-up. After I hastily recovered it by making a quick trip upstairs, I knew that outwardly nothing would seem amiss. I had smoothed down the white smears on my cheeks and retouched the Kohl to my eyes and eyebrows. I was surprised at the steady hand I possessed as I reapplied my make-up.
My training had prepared me for situations like these. Although I had foolishly given way to tears, I had stilled them by being in control of my emotions. I set down my make-up brush with unnecessary force.
My make-up being repaired, I knew I had to go back to the party.
My Kimono rustled as I walked down the stairs and through the hallway. My feet made padded little steps on the carpeted floor. Smoothing my robes down with my finger tips, I took a breath and opened the door.
Bowing to the floor, I apologized for my lateness and made my way back to the table. The party was in full swing. The two geisha that the Chairman's secretary hired were playing a drinking game with some of the guests. Mameha was holding court with a handsome business man. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Except Nobu.
Pumpkin was sitting not too far off from him. She appeared to be talking enthusiastically to two young business associates and the Chairman. Her eyes flashed dangerously bright in a way that reminded me of Hatsumomo. Even though Hatsumomo was not here, I could feel her presence. The hairs on the back of my neck rose.
I made my way to Nobu-san.
Nobu sat holding his glass of whiskey, wearing a grim scowl of his face. I nodded cordially to him.
"Would Nobu-san like a fresh drink?"I asked.
"No," he said abruptly, slamming down the glass. From over his shoulder, Mameha gave me a concerned look.
I folded my hands in my lap and gave Nobu my most demure expression.
"Perhaps some tea?"
"I require nothing from you," he growled. He got up abruptly and went to the sliding door. He passed the Chairman and talked to him briefly. The Chairman's eyes flicked towards me and then towards Mameha. He nodded and Nobu passed him by and exited the room.
When the door clicked shut, I went over to Mameha. She pulled a fan from her obi and patted the area next to her. After offering a smile at the person sitting across from her, I took a seat and leaned over to hear what Mameha had to say.
She whispered, "While you were gone, Pumpkin managed to say how greatly Tanaka seemed to admire you."
"Indeed," I murmured. Pumpkin laughed shrilly.
"Nobu seemed greatly upset," she said in a low undertone. Her fan fluttered anxiously.
"I fear I will have to do much to repair this," I said, trying my best to hide my troubled face. Mameha glanced discreetly around the room to make sure no one was listening.
"Remember, Sayuri, Nobu is fond of you. If he weren't, he would have had you in tears before he left. I do not know what happened, or what Nobu-san thinks..."
"He will think I am a whore," I answered listlessly. I stared at Pumpkin, wondering how my childhood friend had become my worst enemy.
"You must smooth this over," Mameha said.
"Nothing happened," I told her. Mameha's lips tightened.
"You must smooth this over, all that matters is what he comes to think. Facts are facts, but Nobu-san's facts are a world apart. Take care of this problem and smooth it over," Mameha repeated. I nodded my dereference to my older sister and then we returned our attention the party. In retrospect, I cannot remember a more tiresome party.
My thoughts were all in a flurry of fear. I had to work hard to mask my anxiety at facing Nobu-san. My smile trembled several times throughout the night and my attention wavered. Mameha did her best to help, flitting here and there like an excited butterfly.
The Chairman made excuses for Nobu, saying he was ill. I was thankful that he explained Nobu's absence. It made it more credible.
At last when the party came to a close, a maid came up to me with several envelopes full of cash gifts for the geisha that had attended. It was my job to distribute them at the end of the night. I stood at the door and bowed to each of the geisha while presenting them with their envelopes.
When it came time to give Pumpkin her envelope, I bowed and smiled cordially. Our eyes met, and a cold smile formed on my lips.
"Such an honor that you came," I said.
"Only the best for Sayuri and her Danna," she responded.
She took the envelope out of my hands and swept out the door and away into the night. I heard her laugh in the darkness.
Her perfume, a dark, musky scent, lingered in her wake.
Mameha came up to me to receive her envelope.
"Goodnight, Sayuri," she said. Leaning towards me, she whispered," Remember, Sayuri, in most respects Nobu-san is like any other man."
I told my older sister goodnight and bowed to the departing guests.
After the last car departed, I turned towards the house. I gave the maids lingering instructions as to the cleaning up of the room. I watched them carry out the used glasses and brush off the tatami mats.
When it was clear that there was nothing left for me to do, I mounted the stairs and made my way up to the room that Nobu and I shared.
I did not expect him to be asleep. My hand hesitated at the door. All the fear that I had been suppressing this night came rushing back.
I considered my options and knew that I had none.
Forward was my only direction.
I grasped the door nob and made my way into the room.
Nobu was sitting in a chair in the corner. He was nursing a glass of something.
A maid came up behind me and asked me if I needed help undressing. I almost jumped.
I glanced at Nobu . He did and said nothing. Taking my cue, I followed the maid into an outer dressing room.
Bekku had laid out a sleeping gown and robe for me to wear. The maid took off my kimono and obi and carried them to my dresser's room to be properly folded and stored.
I asked her to bring my jewelry case. While she was gone, I found a basin and a wet cloth and I began to take off my make-up.
