The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin Page 0,64

I’m married to Meiko Mitoki.’

‘Forgive me,’ said Ken with practised ease, as if he was used to people claiming they knew him. ‘Of course, and I do know your husband.’

‘We met at the studios. I had a screen test. For your last film. But the producer and I agreed it wasn’t quite the right role for my career. Gabe san, we can go to dinner earlier. As I finished quicker than I thought I’ve changed the reservation.’

Gabe rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Er … well, I need to get tidied up here. And … oh, this is Fiona, remember I told you about her?’

Yumi didn’t bother slinking over to make her acquaintance, Fiona noted. Instead she cast her a sidelong look and gave her a quick bow before moving with tiny steps to take her place next to Gabe, staking her claim.

‘Fiona, this is Yumi. She’s … er … she’s …’

Fiona took pity on him and despite Yumi’s frigid indifference, she said in a friendly voice, ‘Hi, I’ve seen your pictures. They’re very beautiful.’

For a moment, the other woman preened at the compliment and then, as if a thought had struck her, she narrowed her eyes. ‘In Gabe’s studio?’ she snapped, shooting a glare Gabe’s way.

‘In the Photography Museum in Toyko.’

‘Ah, yes.’ Placated, she gave Fiona a benevolent nod, like a queen accepting her due. Then she turned to Gabe, laying a hand on his arm, the pale slim fingers contrasting with his blue chambray shirt and the facets of the fine-cut Tiffany diamond of her engagement ring catching the light and sparkling like stars.

‘I’ve made reservations at Kikunoi. Ken, perhaps you’d like to join us? I’m sure they could squeeze you in.’

‘Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement, but thank you for the invitation.’

Gabe’s mouth tightened and he busied himself with packing his cameras away in the foam-padded boxes. Now that her legs were steadier, Fiona stood up and began to fold the light reflector back into the big nylon bag.

Ken said his goodbyes and Gabe wished him luck with facing his entourage.

‘I hope they forgive you,’ he teased. Ken smiled and bowed, backing out of the room.

‘Well, that went well,’ said Gabe to Fiona. ‘The feature’s appearing in The Sunday Times in about six weeks. We’ll work on the pictures in the studio when we get back tomorrow and you can tell me which ones you’d pick.’

‘I think I know,’ said Fiona, thinking of the shots Gabe had taken when Ken had burst out laughing.

‘We’ll see,’ Gabe teased.

‘Gabe,’ Yumi slid a tiny arm through his. ‘You’re ignoring me.’ She added a coy pout, like a little girl.

‘I’m still working.’ He gently disengaged her hand and bent down to pack away an unused tripod. ‘And I did say I’d let you know about dinner.’

She gave him a beguiling smile as he straightened again, her face tilted up to his. ‘You’ve got to eat and what else are you going to do? Meiko’s away again and I’m all on my own. I’m always on my own.’ Sadness filled her pretty face and even Fiona had to admit she felt sorry for the woman.

‘Well …’ Gabe’s face filled with uncertainty. ‘I …’

‘Don’t mind me,’ Fiona said, seeing that he was torn. ‘I’m quite happy to get room service. They’ve got really good Wi-Fi here; I can do a few bits on my blog and catch up.’

‘I’m sure Kikunoi could … um … stretch to a table for three,’ said Gabe.

Fiona just about managed to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Duh! Why the hell would she want to tag along and invite comparisons between her and Yumi? And why would he want her to when he could have the beautiful Japanese woman all to himself?’

‘You go ahead.’

‘Are you sure? It’s a great restaurant.’

‘The table is for two. It will be very difficult to change the reservation.’ Yumi had completely forgotten that not even ten minutes ago she’d extended an invitation to Ken, which made Fiona bite her lips in amusement.

‘I really don’t mind.’ She quite fancied getting some fresh air and going for a stroll. She might even be really brave and challenge herself to check out a local restaurant.

‘See, she doesn’t mind.’ Yumi shrugged as if there’d never been any other outcome.

Still, thought Fiona, it might have been nice if Gabe had put a bit more effort into at least trying to be polite about it.

Chapter 15

Thoughts of Gabe buzzed around her head and it was a relief to get