Chapter 21: Twilight Express

Sleep was out of the question that night. After the movers arrived, Melina walked to her favorite café carrying her overnight bag. She tried to stretch out breakfast but only ended up drinking too much coffee. Several times she almost dialed Shinichi’s number, but decided she wanted to show him the letter in person.

She took a taxi to the train station, settled into a coffee shop, ordered a decaf, ate a small lunch.

Finally the square train cars of the Twilight Express pulled into Sapporo.

As she settled into the salon car, the conductor approached her. “Miss, why aren’t you in your suite? There’s no need to you to come here for a drink.”

She found her ticket and showed it to the conductor. He compared it to his notes.

“Come with me, please.”

He led her to the most luxurious suite on the train and stopped. “This is yours, miss.” He took her ticket, handed her another.

She opened the door slowly, half-suspecting to walk in on a stranger.

There was no stranger. Shinichi rose as she entered, dressed in his best suit. He bowed. “Will you join me?”

He had spared no expense. There were bouquets of roses and freesias and orchids, champagne on ice. A dusty pink satin gown trimmed with black lace lay on the bed.

She sat down, overwhelmed by the show and by the suite itself. Then she went to Shinichi, sat in his lap and kissed him. She felt his cock begin to harden beneath her as she pushed her tongue into his mouth. She squirmed, rubbing her crotch against him, teasing him.

Suddenly she pulled away from him and stood up.

“Shinichi. How did you know I took the job?”

“Simple. You’re here, aren’t you?”

She paused, more questions creeping into her mind like ugly little insects. He knew Hitoshi was thinking of making the offer. Are the two of them keeping some sort of secret?

Then she closed her eyes. No more questions, she said to herself. It doesn’t matter. Instead, she reached for her overnight bag.

“Would you like to play cards?”