was surprised to see this lighter side of him.
‘Mount Fuji is a must,’ said Setsuko, neatly popping a piece of sushi dipped in the fiery wasabi into her mouth. ‘It is iconic and most people recognise it.’
‘But boring,’ protested Mayu looking towards Gabe to back her up.
He held his hands up in surrender. ‘Your mum is right. It’s a symbol of the country.’
She rolled her eyes at him.
Fuji was a definite but Fiona wanted something a little closer to home. She turned to Setsuko. ‘I’d like to take some pictures of the teashop and you serving in there, if I may.’
Setsuko smiled both, pleased and modest. ‘I’d be most honoured.’
‘And I’d very much like to see a tea ceremony.’ Fiona turned to Haruka, not sure if it was appropriate to take photos during such a ceremony. There seemed to be a lot of importance placed on the ceremony and she didn’t want to cause offence.
‘One day this week,’ said Haruka. ‘I have a few small groups coming. You may join us the day after tomorrow if you would like. I have a group booked in for the afternoon.’
‘Thank you.’ Fiona felt that she’d been accorded a huge honour and from the solemn expression on Setsuko’s face, it would appear she had. Even Mayu looked quite impressed.
‘If you go to Fuji,’ said Kaito, ‘you will need accommodation. When would you like to go?’ He encompassed Gabe in his calm bow.
‘I have a day’s work in Kyoto tomorrow. A previous commitment.’ Gabe nodded at Kaito as if reminding him. ‘I’m taking pictures of Ken Akito. But after that I’m free,’ said Gabe easily, turning to Fiona.
There was a stunned silence around the table as the family all stared at Gabe before Mayu launched into enthusiastic Japanese and Fiona picked out a couple of ‘cools’ which, along with the bounce in her seat and beseeching expression, suggested that this Ken person was a very big deal.
‘Sorry, pipsqueak. No can do. This is work. And definitely no autographs; it’s not professional.’
Mayu tried again with a new bid, putting a hand on Gabe’s arm and even in Japanese, Fiona could discern the wheedling tone. Gabe shook his head and grinned at her. ‘Sorry, kid.’
Mayu pouted and Setsuko smiled, explaining to Fiona, ‘Ken is a very popular film star. Mayu is a big fan and she wants to go with Gabe. Says she’ll be his assistant. Or she’ll do anything.’
Gabe grinned. ‘What, clean my studio for the next year?’
At Mayu’s eager response, Setsuko and her husband exchanged knowing smiles. ‘She doesn’t like chores,’ whispered Setsuko to Fiona as Mayu continued to beg and plead with Gabe.
Haruka shook her head, her dark eyes sharp, flicking from Mayu to Setsuko to Gabe before she suddenly said, ‘Fiona could be your assistant.’
The words silenced the whole table and everyone turned to look at her, even Gabe.
‘Oh, no. I couldn’t do that. I’m sure Gabe can’t take anyone with him. I’ll be quite happy here. I can … well, I can find things to do.’
‘Actually, why not?’ said Gabe, his forehead furrowed as if giving the idea serious consideration. ‘It would be a good opportunity to see me at work. Proper mentoring.’ The latter was said with a quick smile and without rancour. ‘It’s an overnight trip but we’ll be back in time for = Haruka’s tea ceremony.’
‘Don’t be silly. The publicity people aren’t going to want a hanger-on,’ said Fiona, a blush staining her face. Observing Gabe at work would be fascinating and suddenly she wanted it more than anything else. To see how he approached his work. Just watching Gabe was … inspiring. Those long, strong fingers handling his camera. For some reason, her pulse began to skitter about like a colt on ice at the very thought of it. ‘You can’t take me with you.’
Gabe grinned, his face lighting up with sudden devilish charm. ‘I’m Gabe Burnett, babe.’ He raised both eyebrows and his eyes glinted with arrogant merriment. ‘They want me. I’m the best at what I do. My terms.’
Haruka’s head shot up like the lioness of a pride and her eyes narrowed as they rested with disapproval on Gabe.
To Fiona’s astonishment, Gabe ducked his head and bowed as if in apology. It seemed that he really cared what Haruka thought. The revelation made Fiona study him with new eyes. She’d seen a much softer and more carefree side to him during dinner, as if he’d dropped his usual cynical barriers and allowed himself to be