Dinner and a Song
Chapter 1: Just looking
It was just another sunny summer day in Tokyo, Japan, Tomoyo woke up in her little messy apartment in downtown Tokyo, it was small but it was home. Tomoyo Daidoji was her name, age 21, and had a few dead end jobs and was looking for luck and fortune like everyone other girl or person in Japan. Tomoyo sat up and got out of her bed and walked to her small bathroom and took a hot shower. Tomoyo was born in small town along the country side and dreamt of big city life and making her Mother (her father died when she was seven) proud. Tomoyo was a simple girl, some people found her politeness useless and her spunkiness attractive.
Tomoyo got dressed in her silk skirt she made and a white wrap shirt. Tomoyo walked out her apartment and rushed to out the building to the crowded city street. Tomoyo walked with her head up and smiling and greeting the people good morning. Some greeted her back politely others just looked away. Tomoyo's job was at a modest little bar and grill joint she was a waitress and a entertainer, she loved doing both except for the perverted rich men who would hit on her. Tomoyo opened the door and smiled seeing her boss frowning on the phone. His name was Nobu-san, a stressed man but loved money.
Nobu-san hung up the phone and smiled to Tomoyo. "Tomoyo, were going to be packed tonight, I just got a call from this guy who's opening a new restaurant down the street is coming here, and the man's friend is super rich!" He smiled. Tomoyo raised an eyebrow. "Another rich bastard, aw C'mon I don't feel like breaking noses." Tomoyo groaned. "Don't worry this guy is cool. His a married man to the writer Sakura Kinomoto." He said. "The Syaoran Li of the Li empire?" Tomoyo was baffled. He nodded. "Wow, I hope I can sing without breaking a note." She smiled. "There bring there friend who's rich too, this place is going to be packed!" He said proudly.
"Now, I have to clean the place and get it ready, all my workers are late." He shouted. "Um . . . I'm here." Tomoyo said putting up her hand. "Whatever you're a country girl, your always on time." He said walking away to the back of the bar. Tomoyo sighed and went back stage. Her backup singer Rika was there playing the guitar. "Hey Tomoyo." She smiled with her short brown hair blowing in the cool fan.
Tomoyo smiled and looked at the song sheet. "Oh this is what we'll be singing tonight?" She asked. Rika nodded. "Like it, I've been working on it all week." She said. Tomoyo nodded and hummed the tone and laughed. "Did you hear about the celebrity show tonight?" Tomoyo asked. Rika nodded. "I saw it on the internet, It was actually a rumor." She smiled. Rika loved gossip and rich people. "Well, we better get ready, the others should be here soon." She said and Tomoyo nodded and joined her in learning the song.
Half way across the city the young man was getting out of his meeting and sighing for his restaurant that was opening in three days, His name is Eriol Hiiragizawa, he was a famous cook and as you know he was opening his first restaurant. He was born and raised in Tokyo he knew everything about the city. He was orphaned so he did everything for mostly himself. Not that he was selfish of course. Eriol's fixed his tie he was heading to a weekly message he got so he didn't look so stressed out. He was single and had a bunch of bad relationships which put him into thinking he knew everything about women.
Eriol went to the counter telling the woman at the desk that he was a appointment and he gave her his cheeky smile making her blush. Eriol always felt empowered when he could do that. As he went to the relaxing room and took off his shirt his phone rang as he sat on the messaging mat. "Hello." He grunted as the woman pressed on his bare back with baby oil. "Eriol, I hope you cancelled your appointment." Syaoran Li said on the other line. Eriol sighed. "Look, I was a little tight in my back okay, I'll get ready don't worry, damn." He said annoyed. Eriol moaned as his muscles were being relaxed. "Eriol, I can't believe you sometimes, you really piss me off sometimes with this." Syaoran growled.
Eriol laughed and sighed. "Look, I just need to relax and besides your taking me out, so treat me like a guest." Eriol heard Syaoran say something he didn't understand and then he laughed. "Eriol, hi this is Sakura." Sakura Kinomoto said on the other line. "Ok, you beat up Syaoran agin?" Eriol said closing his eyes. "So, his my husband and anyway, you should have cancelled you appointment we wanted to go shopping." She whined. "You mean you wanted to." Syaoran said. "Don't make me come over there." Sakura said. Syaoran laughed. "Oh, I'd love to see what you'd do." He teased. "Please save it for those who don't want to hear it." Eriol said. "Whatever, well meet you there tonight and be on time." Sakura said and hung up.
Eriol groaned. "A little around the neck will you." He sighed. Eriol was there getting his relaxing treatment for most of the afternoon and then he went for coffee by time sun down he then went back to his large neat loft apartment to get ready. Just like any tricked out loft he had a bar and turn tables and a big screen t.v. and a luxury bathroom and a bed big enough to sleep four people and more. Eriol wasn't the simplest of guys, He liked what he liked and almost got everything he wanted. Eriol stepped out the shower and went to his room. He had lite candles and pottery and picture of friends and people he met. Eriol walked into his walk in closet that was about the size of a small dinning room.
He picked out his black suit and tie, he loved dark colors. Eriol cell went off and he answered it as he tuck in his black button down shirt in his pants. "I'll be ready in a minute Syaoran." Eriol said putting his phone on speaker. "Well were downstair with the Limo, so be snappy." Sakura said. Eriol laughed putting on the suit jackets. "I'm coming." Eriol sighed and hung up the phone and walked out his room and then his apartment and headed toward the elevator.
When Eriol arrived there were camera crews everywhere taking pictures of Syaoran and Sakura smiling holding hand. Eriol put in his glasses and sighed and walked through the crowd. "Lets go." He said to the and they all rushed out with the camera's following them. Eriol, Sakura, and Syaoran got into the car and drove off. "Man, I hate all those lights." Syaoran blinked seeing color blotches. Sakura smiled. "Well, at least Eriol wasn't late, we can make our reservations." She said. Sakura was wearing a simply sparkle red dress and high heels and Syaoran was wearing a black suit with a green tie and a white shirt. "Yeah, you'll love this place, I went here on a meeting and they have entertainment it's really cool, and the food it great and it's two blocks from your place." Syaoran said. Eriol nodded seeming interested.
"I've got three more days before it opens and I don't have everything finished, I don't have my silk flowers or my knifes, what kind of shit it that, not having your cutting knifes and half my cooks can hardly cook the menu, I'm stressed, I think I might take up drinking stronger sake." He sighed.
Meanwhile at Tomoyo was putting on her wig and warming up her voice. "It's packed out there." Rika said taking off her waitress clothes and putting on her stage clothes. "Our celebrity's guest here yet?" Tomoyo asked as she short the pink short wig and smiled putting on lip gloss. "No, not yet Nobu-san is freaking out really bad, I'll got check really fast." Rika said and left the dressing room. Tomoyo put on her red kimono and put on her microphone. It wasn't more the two minutes when Rika came back in the room running. "There here!" She squealed with Tomoyo as they jumped around in the happy circle. "Okay, okay, we have to impress them." Tomoyo said seriously but then she laughed. "I'll be ready in five minutes." She said. Rika nodded and began getting herself together.
Eriol, Syaoran and Sakura took there seats in the middle of the room and looked through there menu's. "This place is packed but it's quiet." Eriol whispered leaning forward and then looking back to the menu. "Mmm, Chicken and rice with cheese and string beans." Syaoran said. Eriol cleared the throat "Well, the performance is about to start. She's a great singer. One of the best I've heard, her name is Miss Daidoji." Syaoran said Eriol nodded. The waitress came and smiled to them. "I'm Chiharu, I'll be taking you order." She smiled. "I'll have order 12." Syaoran said. "I'll have order 2 with the fruit salad." Sakura smiled. "I'll have some of your strongest wine and order 6." Eriol said handing her the menu. "Thank you, you'll order's will be ready soon, please enjoy the entertainment." Chiharu said smiling.
The lights dimmed and the restaurant was quiet and they applauded. Eriol looked toward the stage seeing a two girls walking to the stage. As the music began to play softly and the people applauded agin.
you
think i'd leave your side baby
you know me better than that
you
think i'd leave you down when you're down on your knees
i
wouldn't do that
i'll tell you you're right when you want
and
if only you could see into me
ha ah ah ah ah ah
Eriol's mouth lightly dropped open seeing the beauty in the pink wig. "Syaoran is that her real hair color?" Eriol whispered. Syaoran shrugged.
oh
when you're cold
i'll be there
hold you tight to me
The song washed over everyone putting them a daze. Eriol's cheeks felt hot and his heart was racing as he listened to the young women singing.
when
you're on the outside baby and you cant get in and
if you want to cry you think i'd leave your side baby oh when you're cold oh when you're cold
i will show you
you're so much better than you know
when you're lost and you're
alone and you cant get back again
i will find you darling and i
will bring you home
i am here to dry your eyes
and in no time
you'll be fine
you
know me better than that
you think id leave you down when you're
down on your knees
i wouldn't do that
i'll tell you you're
right when you want
and if only you could see into me
ha ah
ah ah ah ah
i'll be there
hold
you tight to me
when you're low
i'll be there
by your
side baby
i'll be there
hold you
tight to me
oh when you're low
i'll be there
by your side
baby
As the song ended Eriol and everyone applauded. Tomoyo smiled and saw the guest and took a bow with Rika. It was still dark and Tomoyo walked back to the microphone and smiled. "Thank you." She said politely. "This next song it called Just Looking, my best friend Rika wrote and I hope you like it." She said. Tomoyo sat down on a stool and Rika sat next to her with a microphone and played her guitar.
This is my life story, I was just looking for someone to love
but I guess it was a mistake.
I remember it like it was yesterday, the pain's still in my heart.
He was kind and so gentle yeah, but I knew something was wrong.
We were together for a while, I could depend on him and him on me,
I believed that his would last but I guess it was just a fantasy
I as just looking for mr. Right but it turn out he was Mr. wrong I should have
he left me without a word and I'll have of him are memories, but I was just
looking, I remember his touch that made me feel safe I remember every night
we spent together but I remember the say he left because of the pain . . .
My heart will never mend a first love never leaves, I just pray for happiness someday. . . .
Tomoyo paused as Rika played her guitar and everyone applauded and smiled and Syaoran and Sakura held hands.
So I'll just remember and I'll keep looking 'cause someday he'll come by soon . . . .
Eriol and a few other people stood and applauded and Tomoyo and Rika bowed and excepted flowers. There food was served and they sat down and ate. "She's amazing." Eriol said in shock. Syaoran nodded. Sakura sighed. "She has such a way with the crowd." Eriol's eyes widen and he gasped. "That's it, I need her." Eriol said. Syaoran looked to Eriol confused. "Yes, I can use her for my opening night, she can sing for me." Eriol grinned. "Oh." Sakura smiled. "That's perfect."
"I know. Syaoran I want to speak with the manager." Eriol said. Syaoran nodded and waved his hand. Nobu-san was right behind the bar counter and came rushing toward there table. "Yes, Mr. Hiiragizawa?" He said politely. "I'd like to meet your performer for a short business opposition. Eriol said he picked up his chopsticks and began eating. "I'll tell her right away." Nobu-san smiled. Eriol nodded and lifted his glass. "Of course after I finish dinner." He said. Nobu-san blushed embarrassed at himself for just standing there like a fat idiot. "Yes sir." He said and walked away.
Tomoyo and Rika drank some water backstage and laughed. "Oh, that was a great performance." Rika smiled. "You think, I loved that song." She said. Rika smiled and nodded. "I know, I do song okay." She secretly bloated. Nobu-san opened the door and smiled. "Our guest wants to meet you." Nobu-san smiled. Tomoyo looked confused. "For what?" She asked. "Something about business, Miss Daidoji." He smiled wider. "Why only Tomoyo, I sing too." Rika protested. "Yeah, why not Rika?" Tomoyo joined in. "Because you're a better singer?" He said unsure. Tomoyo and Rika looked at each other and picked up there pillows from the small couch beside then and threw him as he shut the door.
"Why only me. I'm not that good a song writer, he must think I wrote the song, don't worry Rika, I'll turn down whatever 'business' thing his talking about." Tomoyo said seriously Rika slightly smiled.
Later that night Eriol finished dinner and Nobu-san guided him backstage were Tomoyo and Rika relaxing getting ready for there late shift. Nobu-san knocked on the door and opened it. Tomoyo was still in her pink wig and Rika was reading a book. "Girls, I would like you to meet Master Chief Eriol Hiiragizawa, his opening a new restaurant down the street." He introduced. Tomoyo turned her head looking to the handsome man with his hands behind his back. Tomoyo slightly blushed but stood and bowed with Rika. "It's an pleasure to have you here, Mr. Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo said. "No please the pleasure is all mine, my friend said that you had an amazing singing voice." Eriol said in a business like tone.
"Thank you, my friend Rika actually wrote the song." She said. Rika smiled politely. "I would guess, you don't look like the writing type." He commented. "Well, thank you for noticing." Tomoyo said. Eriol nodded and turned to Nobu-san who was just standing there with a greedy grin on his face. "Oh, Mr. Nobu, do you mind if I speak with them along." He said and Nobu-san nodded stupidly and walked out the room shutting the door. Eriol sat down in a small chair and folded his arms. "I hope you don't mine me asking, I'll be opening a restaurant in three day and I don't have a performer so I was wondering if you, Miss Daidoji, would consider being my performer?" He said.
Tomoyo couldn't get over the fact that this man, this handsome man was a cook. "Well, that's interesting, could you give me a minute." Tomoyo said standing up and taking Rika's hand and leading her to the bathroom. "What is your problem?" Rika whispered sharply. "He's offering me as job, I can't take it." Tomoyo said back. "Well, I lied you should take it, his hot." Rika said. Tomoyo blushed. "Okay look, Rika. We sing together I can't just leave you, I started working here when I came to the city, this is kinda like home for me." She said. Rika pulled Tomoyo into a hug. "Don't worry, this is your chose." She said lightly. "Are you sure, your like a sister to me." Tomoyo said. Rika nodded. "Come on, you got this." She smiled. Tomoyo nodded and they both came out the bathroom seeing Eriol still sitting where he was sitting.
"Well, Mr. Hiiragizawa, I'll 'consider' your offer but I need time to think on it." She said. Eriol nodded and stood and took something out of his jacket pocket. "When you change your mind, here's my cell number." He said and gave her the small paper and gave a small cheeky smile. "Have a nice evening." Tomoyo said. Eriol nodded and left the room. Rika squealed and took Tomoyo's hand. "You have to take that job, I can sing here and you can sing there, it's not problem." Rika said. Tomoyo looked down at the small piece of paper in her hand with his number and sighed. "Tomorrow, I'll call him and except it okay." She said. Rika smiled to Tomoyo and nodded. "Good."
That night Eriol lied cold and silent in his bed thinking of the beautiful fruity haired woman that sang those beautiful songs, once or twice he caught himself singing the song to himself. He knew if he could just get her to sing at him opening night everything would run smoothly.
Tomoyo in the meantime was sleeping dreaming of stage preforming and being able to send her mother some money that was enough to get them both something they really wanted. So she had to decide. Take Mr. Hiiragizawa's offer or spend the rest of her life in the city just barely getting by? Of course she would have taken an easy button but she chose without a doubt. Tomoyo looked to her little alarm clock to her left seeing it was four in the morning. Tomoyo sat up and yawned and turned on her small lamp and picked up her cell phone and dialed Eriol's number.
Eriol groaned and looked at the clock, four- seventeen. 'No.' He thought putting his pillow over his head. Even if he wasn't sleep he still was tired. "You've reach the Eriol answering machine, please remember to leave your name, number, and state of business and I'll get back to you." BEEP!
On the other line Tomoyo sighed and waited for a moment. "Mr. Hiiragizawa, good early morning, sorry for calling this early, this is Tomoyo Daidoji from last night, I wanted to go over your offer today over lunch, I'd like to meet you at the park at 12:10, agin sorry for calling so early like this, you must have your pillow over your head, but anyway I hope to meet you there, bye." Tomoyo hung up and sighed and laid back in the bed feeling that she got that out of her mind and went to sleep. Eriol looked to the caller ID and smiled knowing that he had her number.
"See ya at the park." He grinned from under his pillow.