Chapter One-hundred Forty-Seven: Jordi's Feelings

Chapter 147

Jordi’s Feelings

Jordi was in the break room that evening at The Megalos Tower, having a cigarette. He wore his black suit with his black zip-up boots. Vasilos entered the break room. He sat at the table, lost in thought. He wore a white suit with a lavender button-down shirt, the buttons undone at the collar, and white loafers.

Vasilos: “Jordi, my man! Notice anything?”

He smiled.

Jordi: “You’re here to shit on my day.”

He said dryly. Vasilos’ right eye twitched.

Vasilos: “Close but no cigar! Not like you can afford those.”

He laughed. Jordi laughed bitterly.

Jordi: “Vasilos, I drive a Ferrari now. Thanks to working this grating job, I can afford the luxuries of life with little thanks from others.”

He spread his arms.

Vasilos waved his hand.

Vasilos: “Sure, whatever, but you didn’t notice what I was getting at. Well, I don’t expect you to notice much of anything.”

He chuckled.

Jordi: “I wish you’d notice your footstink.”

He muttered in a shade above a whisper.

Vasilos smiled and tapped the glass of the vending machine. Jordi raised his head to it.

Jordi: “What am I looking at? It’s the vending machine. Do you know what that is?”

He asked archly. Vasilos laughed.

Vasilos: “Look closer, braniac! It’s full!”

Jordi gaped at him.

Jordi: “So what?”

Vasilos: “Now you can eat and not have to rummage through the trash like a raccoon!”

He laughed. Jordi laughed sarcastically and gave a golf clap.

Jordi: “Oh, WOW, Vasilos, were you waiting THIS long to make that crack?! I feel special that I occupy your thoughts so much!”

He said dryly.

Jordi: “I bet Andrew never got the privilege of this!”

He grinned. Vasilos’ smile faded.

Vasilos: “Look, asswipe, I’m doing you a favor! I don’t deserve the third degree!”

He shot his forefinger at him and snapped. Jordi’s smile remained intact.

Vasilos: “And if you do me a favor, I might throw in a tank or two for your grandfather. Maybe some diapers so he doesn’t sit in his dirty diaper all day.”

He smirked. Jordi laughed.

Jordi: “How thoughtful of you.”

He said dryly.

Jordi: “If you were this considerate of Andrew, maybe he wouldn’t have left you at the altar.”

He tilted his head.

Vasilos sneered at him. He slammed his hands on the table where Jordi sat.

Vasilos: “Listen, you fuckin’ prick! I am doing you a favor, and you’re going to listen! I want you to get Tristan to me! He doesn’t deserve my loser cousin!”

He ordered. Jordi gaped at him.

Jordi: “...I don’t work for you, and I don’t think kidnapping Tristan will get him to warm up to you.”

He shrugged.

Vasilos: “Ah, right, you work for Minerva to get Jaxon for her, and you never have! Not that I blame you because he is hot, too.”

He grinned and wrung his hands.

Minerva entered the break room. She wore a blue one-button blazer over a black bustier, a blue pencil skirt, black nylons, and heels. Alfie followed behind her wearing a brown American-cut suit.

Minerva: “Hello, Jordi, taking a break. You take so many of those, and I don’t have Jiro by my side.”

She folded her arms over her bosom.

Jordi: “My apologies, ma’am.”

He muttered. Minerva tilted her head and rested it against her forefinger. Jordi tried to avoid eye contact. He knew that look too well. She’s going to ask me to meet her in her office, he thought with dread.

He then heard a man with an Indian accent call Minerva’s name. An elderly East Indian man with a strong jawline entered the room. Thick square eyeglasses hung on his prominent nose and over his thoughtful, deep violet eyes. His white, short hair was styled somewhat wildly and matched his moustache. He wore a teal button-up shirt, khaki shorts, thick, rosy brown knee socks, and brown loafers. Minerva and Alfie smiled at the 63-year-old Dr. Govinda Anand.

Minera: “Why, Govinda! What a pleasure to see you! How was your vacation?”

She asked him.

Alfie: “Hi, Govinda.”

He waved at him.

Govinda: “It was nice to get away from it all! I heard about Armando. I am so very sorry for your loss.”

Minerva waved her hand.

Minerva: “Don’t worry about that. I moved on to better.”

She smirked. Jordi drew a long breath. Tell me about it, he thought dryly.

Vasilos: “Well, look at who crawled out from the crypt!”

He said wryly and fielded his hand toward Govinda.

Govinda: “Ah, nice to see you’re still here, Vasilos! Your father told me about Andrew.”

He smirked. Vasilos’ grin faded.

Vasilos: “Listen, you old fuck, I was going to leave Andrew and you know it!”

He rasped.

Govinda: “Of course, this is why you’re reacting this way!”

He said archly.

Govinda beamed at Jordi.

Govinda: “Hello, Jordi, nice to see you.”

Jordi smiled back and nodded.

Jordi: “Same to you, Dr. Anand.”

He said cordially.

Govinda: “Please, Jordi, it’s Govinda, no need to be formal.”

He smiled and cleared his throat.

Govinda: “So, Jordi, a jazz lounge opened in the tower. It’s called Nightshade. Would you care to have a drink with me?”

He asked genially. Jordi’s eyebrows raised.

Jordi: “Sure, why not?”

He smiled.

Minerva: “I was about to see him in my office.”

She turned to him.

Govinda: “I want to borrow him, Minerva. Will that be a problem?”

He turned to her. Minerva raised an eyebrow.

Minerva: “I suppose not…”

Govinda clasped his hands together.

Govinda: “Splendid. Come along, Jordi.”

He beckoned him to come.

Jordi crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and rose to join Govinda. Govinda placed his hand at the small of Jordi’s back as he led him away. Minerva surveyed them as they walked down the corridor.

~

The two men entered Nightshade, which was a luxurious and richly decorated jazz lounge with a stunning panoramic view of Pink Top City.

The overall atmosphere was one of opulence, sophistication, and warmth. The dim lighting, primarily from recessed lights in the ceiling, wall sconces, and small table lamps, created an intimate and inviting glow. Smooth jazz music played in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

To the left, a spacious and plush seating arrangement featured deeply tufted, leather banquettes and chairs in rich red. These were arranged around small, round tables—a patterned, ornate rug in deep red and gold anchored the area.

To the right, a long, well-stocked bar took center stage. It featured a polished dark countertop and dark wood paneling, matching the general decor. Behind the bar were extensive shelves filled with a vast array of liquor bottles, lit from behind to showcase their contents. Several bar stools with rich red seats and metal bases were lined up along the bar.

The lounge featured dark wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, lending a classic, perhaps Art Deco aesthetic. Large, arched windows dominated the left side, offering an expansive view of Pink Top City. There were also decorative elements, such as plants and small lamps, on the bar counter.

Govinda pulled out a chair for Jordi. Jordi smiled slightly and sat down across from Govinda. Jordi examined the place while Govinda examined him. Jordi looked at the drinks menu.

Govinda: “Do you have something in mind, or shall I pick for you?”

He chuckled.

Jordi: “Surprise me.”

He smiled.

Govinda signaled the bartender, who wore a red double-breasted waistcoat, a white shirt with puffy sleeves, a black bowtie, black trousers, and black derby shoes.

Govinda: “A purple prince for the gentleman here, and I’ll have a scotch neat.”

The bartender nodded and smiled.

In a shaker, the bartender combined two ounces of blackberry vodka, one ounce each of crème de violette, chilled butterfly pea flower tea, lavender syrup, a half ounce of lemon juice, and vanilla liqueur, and shook it well.

He then strained the drink into a crystal goblet and added a small piece of dry ice to the bottom of the goblet for a smoky, mystical effect. He carefully sprinkled edible glitter and sequins over the cocktail. Finally, he topped it off with a splash of champagne.

He poured scotch whiskey into an old-fashioned glass and brought it over to the two men. Govinda paid and tipped him. Jordi looked at the beautiful drink with delight. Govinda smiled and raised his glass. Jordi picked up his goblet, and they touched glasses.

Jordi: “Purple prince, huh?”

He asked as he sipped his drink and raised his eyebrows.

Jordi: “This is nice!”

He chirped. Govinda smiled tightly and put his hand on Jordi’s. Jordi paused when he did that, and his cheeks flushed red.

Govinda: “How have you been, Jordi? How has your grandfather been doing?”

He caressed his hand. Jordi swallowed hard.

Jordi: “I’m managing. My grandfather is going to be released from the hospital today.”

He said softly.

Govinda: “That’s good! It gave you and Hannah a break when he was gone, right?”

Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Ah, Hannah quit, but another caretaker is coming in tomorrow.”

Govinda grasped his hand. Jordi paused and took another drink.

Govinda: “Would you have this dance with me?”

Jordi shifted his eyes and blushed. He nodded a bit.

Jordi: “Sure!”

He stammered and rose. Govinda guided him to the dance floor, placed his hand at the small of his back, and took his other hand as they swayed together.

Outside the lounge, Craig was pouting and sulking around after he had to leave his loft to get a deep cleaning. He wore his usual ensemble of a denim vest, torn jeans, a Nuklear Intoxikation shirt, and work boots. He thought nothing of the club until he saw Jordi dancing with some old guy.

Craig: “Well, well, what do we have here?”

He licked his lips like a lion peering through the bushes at their prey.

Craig: “...Who the fuck is that old cunt?!”

He huffed and marched towards them. He tapped on Govinda’s shoulder.

Craig: “Oi! Back off, geezer, I want him!”

He commanded. Govinda turned around to face him.

Govinda: “Who are you?”

Jordi: “He’s a nuisance who works for Stefano.”

He groaned.

Jordi: “What do you want, Craig? I heard people filed complaints at the pool club because of your foot smell.”

He rolled his eyes. Craig glared at him.

Craig: “NO, they didn’t! Don’t listen to them!”

He countered.

Craig: “Say, how ‘bout we ditch the geezer and go up to my room?”

He pointed upward in that direction. Jordi gaped at him.

Jordi: “Isn’t your loft being deep-cleaned?”

He rolled his eyes.

Craig: “That’s right!”

He smiled dumbly.

Jordi: “No. I don’t want to go with you.”

He huffed.

Craig: “Wh-What? But why not?!”

He whined. Jordi bared his teeth.

Jordi: “ ‘cause you irritate me and your feet stink! I can smell them through your boots!”

He hissed through clenched teeth.

Craig: “My feet don’t fuckin’ stink!”

He huffed, removing his boots to “prove” his point. Jordi drew back and gagged. Govinda laughed.

Govinda: “So this is what they meant.”

Jordi grabbed Craig’s shoulders and shocked him. Craig tensed up and flailed around like a fish.

Craig: “YARRGGHH!”

He yelped and crashed to the ground, twitching. He watched Jordi leave with Govinda’s hand at the small of his back.

Craig: “N-Nooo.”

He whimpered as he watched them leave.

~

Govinda led Jordi out of the club and down the corridor. Govinda gazed at him. Jordi shifted his eyes and blushed.

Govinda: “Who will be taking your grandfather home?”

Jordi swallowed hard.

Jordi: “I made arrangements with Ian Knight, who is a nurse at the hospital. I didn’t know when I would be off work. You know what Minerva is like.”

He said as his voice trailed off.

Govinda: “I’d like to do this again… uninterrupted.”

He chuckled. Jordi looked away.

Jordi: “Sure.”

He said softly.

Govinda rubbed his back.

Govinda: “If you like.., I’d like you to come back to my place for a nightcap.”

Jordi looked away and reddened. I don’t have feelings for him, but I am lonely, he thought. Should I? He wondered. Jordi smiled and drew a long breath.

Jordi: “Maybe some other time. I want to be with my grandfather and make sure he’s settled. Also, I have to speak with his new caretaker.”

Govinda smiled tightly, took his hands, and kissed them. Jordi reddened.

Govinda: “Then I will ask you another time.”

Jordi: “Of course.”

He walked away and smiled happily. Jordi watched him go and pulled his sleeve back to glance at his watch.

Vasilos: “Is that your back-up plan in case Minerva fires you?”

He smirked as he leaned against the post. Jordi turned to him and rolled his eyes.

Jordi: “You’re watching us?”

He asked sharply. Vasilos smirked and shrugged.

Vasilos: “It’s so pathetic to see you so desperate that you were this close…”

He demonstrated an inch with his forefinger and thumb.

Vasilos: “To fucking someone almost as old as your grandfather.”

Jordi furrowed his eyebrows.

Jordi: “Get fucked, Vasilos!”

He snapped. Vasilos laughed and raised his hands.

Vasilos: “Oooooh, someone’s touchy!”

Jordi: “Just as you are when Andrew left you at the altar!”

He fired back. Vasilos furrowed his eyebrows.

Vasilos: “Well, I never brushed with fucking an old man! Grandpa issues, Jordi?”

Jordi bared his teeth as electricity coursed through him.

Vasilos: “Go on and shock me, Jordi boy! You’ll be fired and in the cells here, and who will care for Gramps?!”

He laughed. Jordi huffed and puffed, seething at him.

Jordi: “Whatever! I hope Andrew’s new man takes better care of him than you did!”

He snapped and stormed off. Vasilos growled at him and chased him.

Vasilos: “Jordi, you fucking asshole! You better get Tristan for me!”

He bellowed. Jordi flipped him off.

Jordi: “I don’t take orders from you, but if you use foot deodorizer, I might put in a good word for him!”

He fired back. Vasilos growled and stomped his foot.

Vasilos: “GODDAMN YOU! MY FEET DON’T STINK!”

He screamed. Jordi rolled his eyes and pushed the button for the elevator. He got in and pressed the ground button.

Vasilos: “JORDI, GET BACK HERE!”

He screamed as the doors closed and the elevator began to lower. Jordi rested his back against the city. What is wrong with me?! What was I about to do?! He thought as he buried his hands into his face.

~

After Abraham was settled back into his home, he was at the dining room table shoving fries, onion rings, and hamburgers in his face from Voyage Burger. Jordi sat on the backyard patio. He had his suit jacket off, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his tie loosened and sheer socks on his feet. He cupped his mouth at what Vasilos said and what he was about to do. He knew his grandfather shouldn’t be eating Voyage Burger, but he didn’t care to debate it or argue. He was done.

He then thought of Gina and how much she had hurt him, and how he missed Hannah, wishing he had never met Gina in Los Campos. He stared up at the two moons, tears in his eyes, and quietly wept.

~

The following day, Jordi met with Abraham’s newest caretaker, whom the Belloni family arranged for them. Jordi wore a white western shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and blue jeans. Sitting across from Abraham and Jordi was a tall, solid transgender woman with a wide face and a broad chin. Tiny round red-framed glasses hung over her straight nose, and her gray hair was curly. She wore a pink dress with a butterfly collar, a white apron over it, and pink slip-on shoes. She resembled a stereotypical grandmother. Jordi looked over her resume while Abraham glared at her.

Jordi: “So, Henrietta Gray? Why do you want to care for my grandfather?”

He asked her. She folded her hands, and her violet eyes sparkled with delight.

Henrietta: “I always wanted to make his days better with lots of giggling, songs, and cookies!”

She replied in a high-pitched voice that was almost bordering on squeaky.

Abraham: “Get her out of here. I don’t like her.”

He grumbled. Jordi rubbed his eyes. It’s too early for this shit, he thought.

Henrietta: “Oh, sir, you will LOVE having me in your life! I know how to make people laugh, live, and love, especially laugh!”

She giggled.

Abraham: “Well, I have no reason to laugh, lady! I’m dying, and my life is horrible! I have no reason to get up! What, to look at him?!”

He sneered at Jordi. Jordi drew a long breath and rubbed his temples.

Henritetta: “Yes, sir! He’s very handsome!”

Her eyes sparkled when she looked at Jordi. Jordi smiled a bit.

Jordi: “Thank you, ma’am.”

Abraham: “Get the Hell out of my house, lady! I don’t want to put up with another Hannah! The way that dumb broad looked at HIM! It’s HIS fault I almost died!”

He waved his cane at Jordi. Jordi looked at him, his face flickered with hurt.

Henrietta: “Well, you didn’t die! And I can turn that frown upside down!”

She giggled.

Abraham: “Get me Voyage Burger and get out! That’s how you cheer me up!”

He sneered. Jordi looked away. Why do I even bother? I may leave this place and run off, he thought.

Jordi rose from the table to go out to the patio, when he was suddenly grabbed by his legs and fell to the floor. His eyes widened when he saw Henrietta grabbing his legs.

Henrietta: “You can call me Henrietta, but I prefer ‘Grandma Cootchie-Coo!’ ”

Jordi turned to her as his heart thundered in his chest. She grinned and waved a feather around. Jordi turned ashen.

Jordi: “N-No!”

He waved his hand and erupted into laughter when she stroked the feather against his bare feet.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!”

He laughed loudly and pressed his hands against his temples. She stroked the feather all over his soft soles. Jordi howled with laughter.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHAHAAA!!”

He threw his head back laughing as tears welled in his eyes. Abraham gaped at the scene and clapped loudly.

Abraham: “WAHAHAHA! What a scene, lady! Now this is funny! Seeing him like this!”

He laughed. Henrietta’s eyes glittered.

Henrietta: “Oh, sir, I knew you would love me!”

She giggled as she resumed tickling Jordi’s soles.

Jordi: “NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOONOOOOOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOO!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!”

He laughed and whined. Abraham grinned and clapped.

Abraham: “Lady, you’re hired!”

~

Jordi sat on his front porch having a cigarette. Sometimes I really would love nothing more than to get out of here, he thought. Maybe I should have taken Govinda up on his offer, but it didn’t have to escalate to sex, he thought. He then sighed and inhaled a long drag. Who am I kidding? He wanted sex and I wanted someone to talk to who doesn’t make me feel like shit, he thought. He then thought of Gina. Do I have feelings for her? Does it matter? She hurt me and she’s done with me anyway, he thought glumly.

A taxi pulled up to the curb. Gina stepped out of the cab. She wore a strapless, purple dress with a large black belt featuring a gold clasp wrapped around her waist, paired with black, strappy sandals. She had several gold bangles on her wrists and black triangle earrings on her ears. She had a longing expression on her face as she gazed at Jordi. She and Jordi locked their gazes on each other.

Gina: “Jordi?”

She said softly. The cab drove away, and Jordi looked away with hurt in his eyes. Gina stepped forward to him.

Jordi: “What do you need?”

He asked as he looked away from her.

Gina: “I’m sorry, Jordi!”

She cried. He turned his head to look at her as she embraced herself.

Gina: “I’m sorry I was mean to you, and I’m sorry I wanted to break up with you! I was hurt because I thought you didn’t want to protect me, which meant you didn’t love me, but I know it’s because you have to work for Minerva, and she’s a mean old hag! I just don’t want to lose you, Jordi!”

She bawled.

Gina: “I just saw someone watching me and I was scared! I just want to be by your side!”

She sobbed.

Jordi knit his eyebrows and went to her, wrapping his arms around her.

Jordi: “I forgive you…”

He said softly. Gina buried her head in his chest, inhaling his cologne and feeling his warmth, loving being held in his arms. She raised her head, and they gazed into each other’s eyes. She stood on her tippy toes and the two kissed deeply.

~

Jordi and Gina were in her bedroom. Jordi wore his dark purple silk pajamas, and she wore her purple silk nightgown with a lace trim. They crawled into her bed, and she clung to his chest while he held her close. He examined the room and wondered if there was any truth to her claim that she was being watched.

She unbuttoned his shirt. Jordi looked down at her and reddened. She ran her hands all over his torso and chest. Jordi’s breathing hitched. He threw his head back. She kissed his chest. Jordi bit his lips, and his jaw tightened when her soft lips pressed against his skin.

She traced his torso and tickled it. Jordi let out a peal of laughs.

Jordi: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Gina smiled up at him and held him close. He wrapped his arms around her and gazed down at her lovingly.

She slid down. Jordi inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly. She fluttered her nails all over his long, olive tan soles. Jordi burst out laughing.

Jordi: “OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOHOHOHO! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

He laughed loudly and clutched the sheets. She dragged her nails over the balls of his feet and in between his toes. He shrieked with laughter.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA GINAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!”

He laughed loudly as tears filled Byzantine eyes.

She then tickled the backs of his knees. Jordi laughed loudly and squirmed.

Jordi: “GINAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!”

Tears dripped down his cheeks, and he gasped for air in between laughing. Gina stopped tickling him. Jordi panted and tried to catch his breath, and noticed a short, stout, dark figure by the window. Jordi gasped and held Gina protectively. He looked closer and cupped his mouth.

Gina: “Jordi?!”

She looked up at him. The figure teleported out of the room.

Gina: “Are you okay, Jordi?”

Jordi rubbed her back and smiled down at her.

Jordi: “Of course.”

He held her to his chest and stared at the window, narrowing his eyes.

~

Ichiro was in his office in his home, smoking a cigarillo. He wore a dark red pressed shirt, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a loosened black tie, black trousers, and black socks. He wrote down in a notebook in Japanese, “Plans to kill Robin and Percy,” and wrote down “turn someone Jiro is close to into a richonoid to kill them, they must be human and not an Etheressum.” He then wrote down, “Next, turn someone Tristan is close to into a richonoid to kill them. I break Jiro and Tristan and kill those two assholes. I win.” The phone rang. Ichiro picked it up.

Ichiro: “Moshi-moshi?”

He answered robotically and inhaled a drag. Hiroto sobbed on the other end. Ichiro rolled his eyes.

Ichiro: “Otousan! Genki?”

He said in a saccharine tone that was fake.

Hiroto: “Ichiro, I know you’re lying about having a wife and children.”

Ichiro’s heart stopped, and he froze.

Ichiro: “Hahahahaha… Father, what on Reona are you speaking of?”

He asked nervously.

Hiroto: “I forgive you, Ichiro.”

Ichiro’s right eye twitched. How did that idiot figure it out? Did Jiro tell him?! He wondered. So many thoughts raced through his mind.

Hiroto: “Ichiro, I received a call from Nobuyuki Nakamura.”

He said grimly. Ichiro froze.

Hiroto: “Somehow he obtained… sensitive footage of me in the embassy.”

He added. And what is this footage? You fucking that braindead idiot? Ichiro wondered.

Ichiro: “All right.”

Hiroto: “He says he will expose it to the world if you or Jiro refuse to marry Noriko.”

Ichiro’s face contorted with rage. This is the EXACT reason I fabricated a wife and children, so you wouldn’t force me to marry that Viking retard, he thought angrily.

Ichiro: “Well, father, you didn’t get that… video of me being… tickled… with Jiro removed.”

He said through clenched teeth.

Hiroto: “Please, Ichiro! Please! I need you to agree to wed Noriko! Jiro is unreasonable, but I could always count on you to help me!”

He sobbed.

Ichiro gritted his teeth and angrily drummed his fingers on the desk.

Ichiro: “Father…, you have another son. This time, Jiro will be helping you.”

He said firmly.

Hiroto: “Ichiro, please! I am begging you!”

Ichiro: “Mata ne, otousan.”

He slammed the receiver in its cradle.

Ichiro: “Maybe you should keep it in your pants, father. No, Jiro can save you this time. I have bigger plans to set in motion.”

He resumed writing in his notebook.

Someone knocked on the door’s entryway. He turned around to glance at Ruby.

Ichiro: “Yes?”

Ruby: “Dinner is almost ready. I made you pork and peppers… without the peppers.”

Ichiro nodded.

Ichiro: “Thanks.”

She was about to leave, but turned around.

Ruby: “Ichiro?”

Ichiro: “Yes?”

Ruby: “So… are you single now?”

She asked shyly. Ichiro quirked an eyebrow and gaped at her skeptically.

Ichiro: “Well, yes, I am now.”

She gazed at him for a moment, her smile tightening.

Ruby: “I will get your dinner ready.”

She said breathlessly and left. Ichiro gaped at her and turned around to resume working on his notes.