What?! I whip myself around to face him. Standing there before me is none other than Hideki Matose. I just… gape. The waitress is coming, clip-clopping, up to the counter. She’s holding out a handful of Polaroids.
“Here you go, Hideki. Those pictures you wanted,” warm and smiley, this one. A little too friendly. She’s clip-clopping over to another table now. Hideki looks at me.
“My cousin,” he smiled. “Thought I’d come visit.” I’m still gaping.
“You’re wondering, aren’t you? How I know you’re a fan?” All I can do is nod.
“I saw you sitting outside the “Y” not too long ago. I believe I also saw you at last year’s Chicago convention. You looked so disappointed.”
Gaping…
“Well,” he sets down some money next to his empty cup, “I’ll be going now. Be careful of roaming insects. Unless you like the taste.”
I close my mouth as I watch him head for the door. Maybe it hasn’t been Bad Luck. Maybe it’s all been leading to a culmination.
“Hideki-Sensei!” I almost choke on the words as he turns around. “Maybe… if you’re not busy, we can go out for tea sometime. I know a great place not far from here.”
He smiled.
Bad luck doesn’t own me now. I’m in charge of my own fate.