invisiblecompany

Title: Party Planner
Started: 28 December 2009
Completed: 10 January 2010
Summary: All good plans are never quite as intended.
Notes: The prequel to Melody's on Church, the working title for nano2005, set about five years from the end of this story. This short story was written for the radlist author challenge "Surprise Party". Thanks to Debra and Cam for comments; and to Rad for the opportunity to contribute to this community.

*****

"I'm really sorry about this."

"It's not a problem, Ms Endo. If you would bear with me one second, I'll see if we have another slot in our reservation book."

Melody Endo took a seat at the bar but could not stop her fingers from tapping on the counter. It was hard to keep her composure while a dozen panicky thoughts and urgent to-do items swirled inside her head. She knew that the restaurant was well within its rights to say no. At least she gave more than the required 24 hours' notice; otherwise her deposit would have gone down the drain, along with all her plans. The only saving grace was that this particular manager, Samantha as her name tag indicated, was not as rude as the other manager Melody talked to earlier.

She watched as Samantha clicked, peered closely at the computer screen then clicked some more. Of course the reservation book wasn't an actual book. No one but the mahogany-and-red-velvet brigade used those heavy leather-bound tomes anymore. Sensai Absolutement was to stuffy, traditional steakhouses as day was to night. The first time Melody visited, she did not know what to make of the French-Japanese-Southern fusion cuisine. It was as if the proprietors were trying to make up their minds about which population group to target, not an easy task in the diverse Franklin neighborhood, and ended up creating a menu that was too diverse. The food was good though, if she stuck with items she recognized.

It was all moot anyway. Melody had almost run out of choices. She had not counted on the scheduling conflicts, dietary requests, and constant changes to the number of people attending. She had to cancel two restaurants already; neither was able to accommodate the multiple changes.

And now, judging from Samantha's frown, she might have to conjure up a miracle.

"Is there a problem?" she asked anxiously. "Well of course there's a problem. I come in, wanting this and that, during your busiest season. I'm surprised you don't throw me out the door. This is a nightmare," she continued to mutter under her breath, more annoyed with her own agitation than with Samantha.

Samantha looked up from her screen, made eye contact and instantly Melody felt a reassuring calmness wash over her like a burst of warm air. In all her life, only her mother was able to do that, stilling her hyperactivity and nervousness with just one glance. It was then that Melody noticed how cool and collected Samantha looked, as if dealing with a semi-hysterical customer was an hourly occurrence for her. Perhaps it was.

Samantha gave Melody a reserved smile. "Luckily for us, and yeah less lucky for you, it is our busiest season. We'd be out of business if we didn't have bookings for Christmas. But I think we can do it, if you don't mind squeezing a little. Let's see, Ms Endo, I didn't catch how many in your group are confirmed?"

"Thirteen," Melody answered.

"Ah, that's fine then. You're on here as a sixteen top but I only have a table for twelve for Saturday, I wonder why--" Samantha went back to clicking, a small grin spreading on her face as she seemed to achieve success in altering Melody's reservation.

"Oh, um, I had sixteen originally. Two families canceled, then my mom added others," Melody explained.

Samantha punched the 'return' key triumphantly. "Super. You're all set. Party of thirteen, next Saturday at 7pm."

Melody wanted to jump up and hug her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't thank you enough. I didn't know what I would have done if you didn't have a table for Saturday. I was seriously thinking of McDonald's." She shuddered, then broke out in nervous laughter.

Samantha joined in with a nod and a smile. "I've been to parties at McDonald's. They're fun if you're four and all you want is fries and balloons. I take it your party isn't for a four year old?"

"No, it's a surprise party for my dad. He's retiring after 37 years at Nissan," Melody started to relax, Samantha's smile was really catching. "Not that you'd have any difficulty in guessing which company if I told you he was retiring from the only company he's worked at all his life. Some stereotypes are true," she said.

Samantha mirrored Melody's pose as she propped herself up on an adjacent bar stool. "I hadn't given it any thought."

Melody realized that she had been oversensitive. Almost two-thirds of Nissan's US workforce was in Tennessee, with 1,000 staff in the Franklin headquarters alone. Many of the management staff were Japanese, and most people of Asian appearance in Franklin worked at, or were associated with, Nissan. The community kept to itself for the most part, although the younger generation were more Americanized and occasionally felt caught between the two different cultures. She put her skittishness down to stress about the party.

"Thanks for your help," she said, to change the subject. "I hope I don't need to change again. If I do, then you have permission to escort me into the nearest McDonald's."

Samantha laughed. "I'll remember that. We'll try to accommodate any change of plans. It's not unusual, although..."

"--not five changes in a week, I know," Melody interrupted. "Honestly, I hope this is it. My mom had better make sure my dad doesn't set up dinner with another group of people next Saturday." At Samantha's curious look, she felt compelled to explain. "This dinner is with our family and closest family friends. Everyone is all excited, then his golf buddies decided to hold a gathering for him. We couldn't exactly tell him that no, he can't go because we have a surprise planned."

"Not much of a surprise," Samantha agreed.

"Exactly," Melody nodded. She turned her head toward the sound of other restaurant workers coming in to start their shift. "I've taken up enough of your time. Thanks again."

Samantha reached into her jacket pocket and handed Melody a name card. "Ask for me if you need anything. You never know."

Melody glanced at the card. Samantha Crozier had certainly left an impression. Though Melody prayed that this was the last time she would be at the restaurant before Saturday, part of her hoped that if she needed help, Samantha would be there. She made a mental note to leave a large tip.

*****

All weekend Melody was a bundle of nerves. Just seeing her mom's number on caller display was enough to prompt an anxiety attack. She had to force herself to leave her house to run errands. Even inside the house she could not sit still for any length of time.

When an unfamiliar yet familiar voice called her name at the college cafeteria Monday at lunchtime, she nearly jumped out of her skin. Her fork hit the floor with a loud clang as she jerked her hand in surprise.

"Jesus Christ!"

"Whoa, what did I do?" Samantha had a look of horror at Melody's outburst. She took a step back and was about to bolt.

"Wait! I'm sorry. Don't go," Melody pleaded. Fortunately the cafeteria was full of noisy students; she quickly looked around and was relieved that no one seemed to be paying attention to her making a spectacle of herself.

Samantha gave her a long look, Melody could see the emotions playing in her eyes - uncertainty, curiosity, and tenderness. Gray, with a hint of green, she absently noted. Presently Samantha took a seat and arranged her salad, brownie and soda neatly in front of her and regarded Melody expectantly. "So, let's do this again. Hello Ms Endo, fancy seeing you here."

Melody felt her nerves again and took a deep breath to still them. "Well, if we are to start over, you have to call me by my name."

"I'd love to; but I don't know it. The computer only has your initial. I've been racking my brain trying to find a name that matches. You don't look like a Margaret, or Moira, or even Melissa, which seems quite typical for a...you know," Samantha waved her hand awkwardly, silently begging Melody to understand.

Melody's nerves did a tiny flip. Why have you been thinking about my name, she itched to ask. But she did understand Samantha's unspoken question. The tiny flip turned into a pirouette. "It's Melody. And yes, fancy seeing you here. What are you doing here?"

"I'm taking a couple of courses here this semester. Eventually they'll all count toward my degree at the culinary institute," Samantha explained.

It was clearly Melody's turn. "I'm a TA in the Chemistry department. Eventually I'll get my masters or PhD, well, here."

They traded silly grins of people who just shared something personal, even though the topic was inconsequential. They talked more, and exchanged more details. Lunchtime went by faster than Melody expected when she sat down by herself at the top of the hour.

They ran into each other Tuesday at the library. Wednesday twice, at the cafeteria again and again at the end of the day in the parking lot. If the meetings weren't so random, they could have been intentional, even verging on sinister. Melody was too distracted to give it much thought. A part of her was purposefully not thinking in order to enjoy Samantha's company when she could. Samantha was easy-going and unflappable and seemed to have an uncanny ability to absorb Melody's excess nervous energy.

She was looking forward to dinner on Saturday. A lot.

*****

Melody had been pacing up and down the sidewalk for 20 minutes, not having the courage to take the final step. It was so simple; walk up to the door and push the vertical button at the side that said 'door open' in English and Japanese. The door would then whoosh open automatically. She had been there enough times to know how it worked.

She couldn't do it. She looked at the door, willing it to give her guidance on what to do, but it stood there firmly closed, unmoved by her plight.

She turned and paced up the street for the fiftieth time.

"Just come in for crying out loud, Melody. It's not the end of the world." She jumped at Samantha's voice yelling out at her just as a round of honking broke out in the traffic.

Melody stopped and turned around. She stood rooted to the ground, twenty paces from the front door of the restaurant. Just looking at Samantha, so fetching in her work attire of white shirt and dark trousers. She was never like this; so flustered, so petrified, so captivated.

"It's completely and utterly the end of the world," she shouted back.

"What is it? You need to change the reservation? Let's see what we have. If it means me talking to the chef or you making a deal with your mom, we'll make it happen." Samantha was clearly unfazed.

"It's not that," Melody started.

"Can you come inside and talk to me about it! I'm freezing here." Melody realized that Samantha was only in a thin shirt. Her eyes strayed unbidden to Samantha's breasts, and she averted her gaze immediately. The shock of finding herself gawking was enough to push her out of her immobile state.

The restaurant was empty, she had made sure of that, coming as the lunch shift departed and before the dinner crew arrived. Today was Samantha's day to deal with inventory and billing and rosters. She knew this because Samantha had explained her schedule when they spoke last; yesterday after bumping into each other at the parking lot, they had coffee at a nearby Starbucks.

Samantha immediately went to the computer to bring up the reservation list. Melody took her time, taking off her coat and scarf, folding them then placing them on a chair. Her movements were at half speed; she needed the deliberation to attempt to bring her errant heartbeat and thoughts to some semblance of order. When she could finally delay it no more, she turned toward Samantha, who was waiting with stoic anticipation.

Melody opened and closed her mouth a few times, not able to get the proper words out.

Samantha, she shouldn't have been surprised, came to her rescue. "So, change in date, number of people or menu?" The simple business-like question was delivered gently, with no judgment.

"Two more people. Actually just one for dinner. The other is a baby," Melody said in one breath.

Samantha raised one eyebrow. "We can fit them in easy, you didn't have to come all the way in person to tell us that. Though, appreciated," she paused, eyeing Melody's continuing discomfort. She moved out from behind the computer, taking a position just inches from Melody, resting her elbow against the bar counter. "That isn't the end of the world thing that's bothering you."

"No, it's a flimsy excuse to see you," Melody was surprised at how steady her voice was. She was shaking like a leaf inside, but she was strangely still on the outside, like a wound up spring about to uncoil.

Samantha turned so serious, her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed. She was so quiet that Melody's stomach sank. She had gotten it all wrong and now it would be awkward. Stupid, stupid.

Just as she was about to backtrack and make light of the intentions behind her remark, Samantha swiveled over and kissed her. Lightly at first, then deeper as their bodies sighed and clicked into place.

"I've been thinking about you all day. If you hadn't come here I was gonna sneak out and accidentally run into you in the Chemistry department," Samantha muttered against Melody's lips.

"You have no business in the Chemistry department, I would have been suspicious," Melody said. She was feeling a tingling sensation in all the places in contact with Samantha.

"Then I'd have to deploy plan B."

"What's plan B?"

"Something like this."

And Samantha kissed her again. Melody never wanted to stop; she was heady from the intoxicating taste and sensation of a new lover. She kissed Samantha back, hard. It was so easy, so intimate, so simple, to kiss. She would jump and shout for joy, but it meant moving away from this heaven.

"You're dangerous," she said once they reluctantly paused for a breather.

"Me? I think I'm the one in danger here. I still need to work tonight," Samantha replied.

Melody rested her head against Samantha's shoulder, at just the right position to nibble on her neck. She sighed contently. "What time do you finish?"

Samantha groaned. "Hmm, you feel good. I'll be very late. The restaurant closes around midnight, but then I have to prep the kitchen staff for the weekend and email our suppliers with our Christmas orders. Days like these, I'm lucky if I get home by 2am."

"I want to see you, but I'll be boneless at that hour," Melody grumbled.

"I don't have class tomorrow, I'll come by? Looks like I'll make it to the Chemistry department after all."

"I'll show you round, there are lots of private little nooks and crannies." Melody touched Samantha's lips against hers, to indicate why she wanted privacy.

"Spend tomorrow night with me?" Samantha asked softly, returning the light kiss.

They met less than a week ago, spent less than three hours in each other's company; they hadn't even gone on a date. But Melody knew inherently that the invitation was not a casual one. She didn't know if it was deep-seated sixth sense, pheromones or some mythical chokkan, but something told her that This.Was.It.

Saying yes was so easy. "My schedule's fairly light tomorrow," Melody's smile radiated from her heart as she ran through her assignment list, and realized she could swap with other people to free up most of her day. "I can spend all day and night with you. How much time do we have now?" she asked.

Samantha didn't even glance at her watch. "Enough."

The kissing continued unabated until the first of the restaurant staff arrived. Even then it took them several minutes to disentangle and longer to say goodbye.

Melody could not wait for tomorrow.

*****

Melody could barely get the words out, she was hoarse from talking and lack of sleep.

"Wait, say that again," Samantha's voice sounded so calm.

"My dad's in the hospital," Melody managed to croak out.

Samantha's gasp could be heard even over the static. "What happened? Where are you now?"

"He slipped on the ice and broke his leg last night. It's not life-threatening, but he's in a cast. Of course he's in a cast," Melody recounted. "I'm at the hospital. He complained of a headache so they're talking him up for a CAT scan."

"You've been at the hospital all night?"

"Yeah."

"Do you want me to come?"

Melody hesitated. She did want Samantha nearby, she felt her shoulders relax from the sensory memory of Samantha's arms around her, was it less than 24 hours ago? However, it was not a good time to be springing a girlfriend onto her parents. She had not discussed her sexuality with them, avoiding the issue by not bringing anyone home or talking about who she was dating. Her American friends could never understand; she tried to explain that no, it wasn't taboo, and her parents would never disown her. The subject itself simply...not talked about.

Ultimately she took the practical decision. "There's too much going on. Why don't I call you later? May be after we get him settled."

"Sounds like a plan."

"I have to talk to Mom about the dinner. Mrs. Daiichi and her sons came in from Boston especially for this, I hate to have to face her," Melody sighed. "I can't think about it right now."

"Don't worry about it. I happen to know the restaurant manager very well, I'm sure she'll work something out with a beautiful customer like you."

"That sounds distinctively like favoritism, Samantha Crozier."

"Uh huh. And?"

Melody laughed, the first time since she got the urgent call from her mother. "Thank you. For making me laugh. I don't want to hang up, but I have to. Mom is waving at me."

"Okay. But you know you can call me anytime. And if you need me, I'm only 20 minutes away from the hospital."

I can fall in love with you right here, right now.

*****

As it turned out, it was good news. Her father did not have concussion, and would be able to go home after an overnight stay.

Melody called Samantha for her address. Samantha must have been waiting for her; the front door sprang open as soon as she walked up. Soft hands pulled her inside and firm lips were upon hers before she could say hello. She didn't care; she was reacting to Samantha's proximity with the same ferociousness. It was as if they had been apart for weeks, not mere hours.

"God, I missed you," she was panting, the madness of the last twelve hours was quelled by Samantha's restrained seduction; and yet another form of euphoria was slowly building. An urge. A yearning.

"You're shivering. I need you to come inside now." Samantha broke their kiss gently, took her hand, and led her inside.

It took Melody a few moments to react. "If I had my wits with me, I'd tease you with a crack about double meanings." Witty repartees needed perfect timing, and she was sure hers fell so spectacularly flat that Samantha wouldn't get it.

They were now in the living room, and Samantha sat her down on the sofa. Melody didn't realize how tired she was, and sank into the welcoming cushions with a gratifying sigh.

"I meant exactly what you thought I said," Samantha took a seat next to Melody, close enough to convey intimacy, yet not quite full-bodied contact. She did not let go of their joined hands.

Melody was surprised and a little turned on that Samantha seemed to be able to read her mind. "So why are we in the living room?" She was tired, and the deep cushions were lulling her into a contented lethargy, but flirting required no effort.

Samantha's eyes sparkled with warmth and affection. "Because you've been up all night. And if I took you to bed, I know I'm not gonna let you leave."

"I'm not sure I'd want to leave either," Melody confessed. She draped Samantha's arm around her and burrowed her way to rest against Samantha's shoulder. "Mmm, if this is how it feels to sleep with you, I'm never leaving."

"Any other day, I think we can lose a bit of self-control. But I'm thinking today you'll want to go back to the hospital to check on your father," Samantha pointed out.

Melody straightened. She hadn't forgotten about her dad, it was just too good to be with Samantha that she had temporarily pushed it to the back of her mind. "My god, why hasn't anyone snapped you up already? No, don't answer that, you're out of the market from this moment on." She looked up to meet Samantha's tender gaze. "Alright?"

"Okay." Samantha's response was immediate and sure.

Their lips met, and they lingered for several very delectable moments.

"I don't have to go yet," Melody said as they took a break. "But I do want to talk to you about the dinner. I have to cancel it of course."

"No you don't, I have an idea."

"You do?"

Samantha told her. And Melody was more than happy to reward the brilliance with plenty of kisses.

*****

"I can't thank you enough," Melody's mom said as she gave Samantha a generous, warm embrace.

Melody wanted to engrave this moment permanently into her brain. Samantha was blushing so sweetly that she ached to kiss that blush. As it was, she knew that holding hands in front of her mother was probably as much as she dared at this time.

When Melody's father came home from the hospital, he was greeted by a big shout of "Surprise!" from his closest family and friends. Melody and her mom had spent the night decorating and preparing their guests for the change in venue and occasion. Food and drinks were brought in by Samantha from the restaurant.

Both Melody's parents were in joyful tears, Melody's father could not wipe the grin off his face. Even Mrs. Daiichi, enjoying a cup of tea surrounded by her sons, nodded her approval.

"Mom, when Dad is better, can we invite Samantha back for your tonkatsu?" Melody turned to Samantha, "Mom makes the best pork chop curry, I don't know what she puts in it. You might want to steal it for the restaurant."

"Melody, I only make katsu kare for special occasions." Her mom looked surprised at the request, but seemed amenable.

Melody gripped Samantha's hand tighter and pulled their bodies closer. "Samantha is special, she is going to become very special in my life."

Her mom looked back and forth between the two, and Melody held her breath until a small glimmer of understanding spread across her mother's features. "I see," her mother said slowly. Then she smiled, a little more broadly. "You need to speak to your father about this. Samantha," she turned to Samantha, "my house is your house. Please come to dinner often. I will make not only katsu kare, but bamboo rice and vegetable gyoza. Maybe you can help me with my fried chicken recipe? Seventeen years in the South, and I still don't get it right."

Melody and Samantha gulped at the same time. "Yes, of course," they replied in unison.

Mrs. Endo excused herself, and Melody dragged Samantha to her old bedroom.

"Did you just out yourself in front of your mother?" Samantha asked incredulously, between heated kisses. Melody pounced on her as soon as the door was closed.

"Eventually I would have told them. There just hadn't been the right girl, you know."

"Will it be a problem? I mean, with your dad?"

Melody laughed. "No. If Mom is fine, then Dad will go along. All that 'you have to speak with your father' is fluff, to make you squirm."

"Well, I did."

"And I'm gonna make you squirm even more tonight."

"Me. You too."

"I'm gonna fall in love with you now, alright?"

"Okay."

*****

The End