for a living?"
"Tae is a corporate lawyer," Satoshi answered.
"Yes, I work for one of the largest law firms in Osaka. It's not as glamorous as being a pop singer, but I make a decent living."
Cristal knew a slight when she heard one. What was up with him? "Satoshi is a gifted singer and pianist," Cristal said in her friend's defense. "He's also a talented dancer. And..."
"A troublemaker," Tae finished. "Has he told you how many times he's been arrested?"
"Yes, I know all about that, but it's not like he's murdered anyone. Young men, especially those who are entertainers, tend to be a bit undisciplined because of the rigorous training and sacrifice they make for their craft. Do you have any idea what it's like to be an idol? He can't go anywhere or do things normal people do. I'm surprised we weren't mobbed on the way here. Satoshi and the others have to give up on having normal lives. So if he goes a little wild at times, it's perfectly understandable."
"Well said, young lady," the ambassador said to her. "You certainly seem to know a lot about my son. And you must be the reason we haven't had to bail him out of jail this past year."
Satoshi smirked.
"It's my job to know them," Cristal said. "And they're not very different from any other twenty-year-old men. You don't have to worry about him. He's a fine young man and very responsible. He's the backbone of Aomori."
Satoshi lifted an eyebrow to her.
"In what way?" Tae asked still not convinced that his brother wasn't a criminal.
"Everyone goes to him with their problems. He's a very good listener and very compassionate. And he'd do anything for a friend, even introduce him to a good woman."
"Remind me to tell Masaaki to give you a raise," Satoshi replied as he sipped his tea.
"See," Mrs. Hayashi said. "He is not a thug."
Cristal chuckled. "No, not a thug. He's a dear friend."
Satoshi winked at her and went back to his meal.
Shaundra and Ichiro arrived at his restaurant in Osaka around six, and found the parking lot jammed packed with patrons. Ichiro parked in his personal spot and then came around to help her out of the car.
"I can't wait to introduce you to my family," he said excitedly.
Shaundra sighed. How was she going to make a good first impression pregnant and looking like she had a watermelon stuffed beneath the red-and-white maternity outfit Harper had purchased for her? It had gotten to the point that she could barely balance herself on heels, and her breasts were getting so big they literally spilled over the neckline of her blouse.
Ichiro helped her up the stairs, being very careful not to jostle her. So much attention smothered her but she didn't mention it because his feelings were still too fragile.
Ichiro opened the door and they stepped inside.
Shaundra's eyes widened. The restaurant looked a lot different now than it had when he first showed it to her right after they met. She expected it to be done in traditional Japanese fashion with pillows on the floors, but no, it was very modern with tables and booths and romantic lighting.
Delicious aromas filtered out from the kitchen and from the tabletop hibachis. The babies moved around in her stomach as if anxious to sample each and every dish. Sometimes she wondered if she actually carried babies inside of her. She was always hungry now, even though most of it came back up right after she ate it. Hopefully that would not happen tonight.
A young, pretty Japanese woman came toward them. She had long shoulder-length black hair and she wore a yellow kimono. "Ichiro," she squealed and hugged him.
"Down brat," Ichiro told her. "You act like you've never seen me before."
The young woman chuckled and then peered over at her.
"Shaundra?"
Who else? Shaundra wondered.
"Who else," Ichiro replied as if reading her mind. He took her hand and tugged her forward. "Shaundra, this is my sister Etsuko. Etsuko, this is my wife, Shaundra."
"Konnichiwa," Etsuko said in Japanese.
"Konnichiwa," Shaundra repeated. At least she knew enough of the language to recognize the warm and friendly greeting.
"You are very beautiful," Etsuko said in English. "Welcome to our family." She bowed respectfully.
Shaundra bowed back even though she couldn't bend down as low as the younger woman.
"Come and meet the others," Etsuko said taking Shaundra's hand and leading her further into the restaurant past the other diners. "I have read some of your books. I like the ones you have published here