Devour, p.19
Devour, page 19
Dinner at Dévorer was a well-orchestrated dance between management, servers, and cooks. The customers never saw the pressure or the hustle and only experienced the precision and elegance. With a room packed to capacity, the graduating class got their fill of the finest meal they had ever enjoyed. Michael was at his zenith, preparing a handsome menu worthy of royalty and spending a great deal of time with Kathryn, Natalie, and several of her close friends throughout the evening, while Jasmine was working her magic among the customers, making their every whim her primary concern.
44
Blast Off
The next morning, Natalie woke up with a headache from too much champagne. Reaching for her iPhone to see what time it was, she listened to see if anyone else was up yet. Silence. She was concerned because she needed to be at the airport in ninety minutes. Pulling her feet from under the covers, she placed them on the floor, fumbling around for her fuzzy Uggs, and instead found a pair of driving shoes.
Upon further inspection, she spotted a Mini Cooper logo stitched into the tongues. Grabbing them, she walked from her room, down the hall, and found Michael and Kathryn sitting at the dining room table, sipping coffee.
“Morning, Peanut,” Kathryn said, matter-of-factly.
“Hey, Angel,” Michael smiled.
Holding up the shoes, she asked, “Guys, what are these?”
“Oh, just a little something for your trip. So you’ll have something comfortable to wear on the flight,” Kathryn smiled as Michael went to the counter, poured Natalie a cup of coffee, and joined her in the middle of the room.
“Not quite a car, but nice shoes, huh? Your mother’s idea.”
With a confused expression, she said, “Yeah?”
Taking a seat, Michael said, “Would you be a love and grab the paper from the driveway? Thanks,” then turned to Kathryn. “So, just to finish that story. There we were up to our necks in garlic mashed potatoes when Kiko came in and asked where’d all the butter go?”
Kathryn was giggling when Natalie said, “Sure. And thank you for the shoes, you two. They’re hella cool.”
“Of course, Baby,” Kathryn nodded, then turned back to Michael, as Natalie headed out the front door.
As soon as she was out of sight, they set down their cups and rushed to the window.
“Holy shit!” Natalie screamed from the front sidewalk.
Running out the door, they found Natalie gawking at a brand new, bright red Mini Cooper Convertible.
She turned around crying. “Guys, this is craaaaaazy. I mean,” she sniffed, “Just freakin’ nuts. I thought the trip was my graduation gift!”
They both hugged her, then followed as she circled the car.
“So we went a little crazy,” Michael said. “You’ve worked super hard and deserve both.”
Wiping away tears, she walked around shaking her head. “This is just unbelievable, guys. Thank you. Thank you.”
“I’m so glad you’re happy, Baby,” Kathryn said, beaming with pride. “Like your Dad said, you deserve it.”
Wiping away tears, she said, “If you guys don’t stop this, my mascara will run—”
“If you wore any,”Michael laughed.
“If it’s okay with you, I would love to drive it,” Kathryn said. “Even if it’s just around the neighborhood.”
“Of course!”
“Better yet,” Michael said, “Why don’t I load the car, then you drive us to the airport. That way, you can drive us there, and your mom can drive home.”
Kathryn and Natalie bumped fists and shouted, “Boom!”
Less than 40 minutes later, they were dropping her at Departures where she would meet Rachel and several others somewhere between ticketing and the gate. In the remaining minutes, they hugged like it was the last time they would see one another. Trying to be brave, Natalie sprinkled the time with jokes, then turned to leave. Stopping at the door with tear-filled eyes, she blew kisses to her parents and disappeared.
Returning home from the airport, Kathryn removed the scarf from her head and stood back to admire the car. “That’s a cute little car, and she’s going to have so much fun with it.”
“No kidding. And the look on her face was worth the price of admission.” He watched to see how she was managing and added, “And just remember, she’s only gone for two months.”
Putting his arm around her, Michael kissed her cheek.
“You’re right. As always,” she said, playfully punching him in the ribs. “Seeing her off, then turning to wave goodbye—it was exciting and heartbreaking all at the same time.”
“Yeah,” Michael said, holding back tears. “Certainly a moment I won’t forget.”
Once inside their house, Kathryn poured a glass of wine and sat by the window. Michael took out a beer and joined her. They sat in silence for a good bit of time, watching the world and relaxing—knowing their little girl was on her way to an adventure of a lifetime.
Later that night, some time halfway through a movie, Michael awoke to sounds of what he thought was Kathryn crying. He could not tell where she was at first, but following the sound, he found her in the shower where she was sitting on the floor, sobbing.
“Babe, what’s wrong?”
She looked up with swollen eyes.
He opened the glass door. “Are you all right?”
It was as though she were looking through him. Turning off the water, he grabbed a towel and helped her stand—wrapping her in the process.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Changing into a long, thick robe, she picked up an empty wine glass and said, “I’m fine. Just sad,” then walked toward the kitchen.
Following behind, he asked, “About Natalie? Being gone so long?”
She said nothing until she poured another glass and took a sip. “Yes. And no.”
Michael’s mind began assembling the pieces. All the energy of what had been going on behind the scenes for both of them was slowly rising to the surface. He knew the moment would eventually come. Now was as good a time as any and made the most sense.
“I get it,” he began. But before he could continue, she held up a finger and took a sip.
“Let me start. Okay?”
Nodding, he leaned against the counter as she took a seat at the breakfast nook. “There’s no easy way to say this, and one place is as good as the next—as it pertains to when things began to change.”
He cocked his head.
“And for the record, I had no intentions of stepping out on you. As corny and cliche as it sounds—it just happened. It began in New York, I think about two trips ago. For that Hugo Boss shoot.” She frowned. “Or maybe it was for Tom Ford, I don’t recall exactly. I was working long hours, back-to-back days, and was exhausted, so perhaps my defenses were down. Maybe. Or, who knows, maybe I was just glad to be back in the energy of New York. All the hustle and bullshit. Anyway, we were doing a spread out in the Hamptons—a new line of woman’s couture. Amazing stuff. Anyhow, they had buyers from Italy, and well, they were all just lovely people. We had great food, fantastic wine…” she sighed.
His gaze and smile remained steady.
After another sip, she said, “Here’s another cliche; one thing led to another, and—”
“Kathryn?”
“Yeah?”
“Me, too. Only it wasn’t but inside this last week. And the first time the idea even crossed my mind. And while it was only a kiss, that was when I knew…a door had opened.” Silent, he stared at his hands.
“Michael?”
He looked up.
“Anyone I know?”
He nodded.
“Jasmine?”
A frown was followed by a look of recognition. “Yeah,” he smiled. “When did she tell you?”
“Jasmine? She didn’t—”
“No, I’m sure she didn’t. I mean, Natalie.”
She couldn’t hide the tell. “She wasn’t telling on you. I just guessed.”
He nodded but did not look away this time.
“Here’s the obvious question any woman would ask,” she sighed. “Are you in love with her?”
Michael knew the next moment would be a defining one, and for lack of a better term—knowing their history and what he had just learned—it was a point of no return. Given their time together and their simultaneous distractions of the heart, he thought it best to lay everything out. And just rip off the bandage.
“I think I am,” he smiled. “And the only reason I say think is because it’s all new—even though we’ve known one another for a number of years now. But,” he hesitated, “We’ve both been completely professional, especially about our business relationship. Which is all that it has been. In fact, she’s dating—has been dating—several people for the past few months and telling me about the entire process,” he chuckled, “Which is kinda weird.”
She shook her head and smiled. “Not really. That means you’re really good friends first.” Averting his gaze, she watched the wine swirl in her glass. “Just like us.”
With a lump caught in his throat, he considered for a brief moment that somehow they could make it work—then just as quickly knew it was time to move on.
“Very true, hon. Just like us.”
As if on cue, they set their beverages down and approached one another, sharing a long embrace.
An hour later, they separated—falling back on their respective pillows. After a protracted sigh, Michael whispered, “That’s one way to break up.”
She could not decide whether to laugh or cry, so together they laughed.
“It’s just like us,” she said, breathless, “To somehow take it all in stride. Isn’t it?”
“Well, we began as friends, quickly became lovers, grew into something fantastic, and—”
“Are ending as friends,” she said, taking his hand.
In the silence, they absorbed all they had become, all they had created, and took an inventory of all they would lose.
Kathryn whispered, “You will always be my first true love, Michael.”
He smiled so big his face hurt. “And you, mine.”
“We’re a hot mess,” Kathryn said after a long silence.
They laughed again, but this time, it was from the bottom of their hearts.
When they stopped, she said, “I’m hungry. Know anyone who could whip me up a little something?”
“I know just the guy.”
45
Final Boarding
The next morning, little was said about the sobering discussion the night before. In fact, there seemed to be a lightness in the air Michael had not expected. He somehow felt liberated. While he would certainly miss his companion of two decades for the next couple of months, all in all he was excited to see what lay ahead. Kathryn appeared lighter as well. She awoke with a smile and a bounce in her step Michael had not seen in a while.
They enjoyed a five-star breakfast peppered with excited conversation. Kathryn was animated when she discussed the possibility of visiting a foreign country she had only dreamed of seeing. Michael shared how nice it would be to have a night off. Together, they seemed to move forward with the same effortlessness they had always shared. Given she was facing an international flight, they decided it better to get to the airport earlier rather than later and headed out.
He bought a ticket just so he could go all the way to her gate, and they had arrived early enough to enjoy a light cocktail before she boarded. Agreeing to keep in touch on a regular basis, they gently encouraged one another to be safe and smart in all departments of life and love. At one moment, it felt like a big goodbye, while at another—more like a see you later.
Hearing her flight called, they approached the gate hand in hand. The moment felt bittersweet. Kathryn gave Michael a long, warm embrace followed by a sweet and familiar kiss. He encouraged her to seize the new chapter of acting with reckless abandon while she encouraged him to chase his dreams of a second restaurant with equal enthusiasm. She did not encourage him to embrace his new relationship completely—not because she did not want the best for him—because her heart would not allow it yet.
With final boarding announced, she made her way to the plane, and at the last minute, she turned back to Michael and blew him a kiss. Smiling, he returned one. In that moment, he had the strangest feeling he might not see her again—for a very long time.
Kathryn’s flight from SFO to her final destination of Hong Kong, China departed at 12:15 p.m. After an eleven-hour flight, and thanks to the time difference, she should arrive in Tokyo, Japan at 3:25 p.m. where she would face a three-plus hour layover before departing for Hong Kong at 6:45 p.m. The additional five-hour flight meant she would arrive at approximately 10:30 p.m.
With that particular layover, however, she faced changing planes and was instructed to gather her bags before making plans for dinner prior to the next flight. She had been traveling Business Class while the person in the handsome suit and dark glasses—watching her from a distance—traveled First Class.
The time it would take for all to deplane meant he had an upper hand by exiting first, giving him the extra time needed to put his next plan into motion.
46
Heart Attack
Dr. James Nash, a Thoracic Surgeon based in San Francisco, always enjoyed traveling First Class. It provided more leg room, better drinks, and a hot meal—or two, as was the case. It was always worth the extra money, and since he was traveling with a specially marked hand-held cooler marked Vital Organs—his impending emergency labeled as such on his ticket—it allowed him to get ahead of the game when he approached Baggage Claim. He saw his contact, Mr. Ito, holding a sign for Doctor J. Nash. With an emergency case and carry-on in hand, he veered off to a nearby restroom. Inside, he grabbed the last stall and locked the door.
Minutes later, he appeared as Jim Nash, Film Producer. Complete with a fake tan and long hair pulled into a ponytail, he was sporting a single diamond earring in one ear, multiple bracelets on both wrists, and a fashionable outfit that included a hip hoodie, trendy jeans and well-worn motorcycle boots. The emergency case was now enveloped in a worn duffle bag, and the lanyard around his neck had his name prominently displayed, along with a logo of the world famous Hollywood sign and a film company logo.
He approached Mr. Ito from the car service Tokyo Executive Limousine, a prestigious service with an impeccable reputation known for discretion. Mr. Ito and Dalton had spoken on the phone earlier in the week. Saying nothing, they bowed, then Mr. Ito took his bags, handed him an iPad, and carried the bags to the car.
Within seconds, Dalton saw Kathryn arrive in Baggage Claim. As soon as Mr. Ito returned, the two men made their way toward her. Mr. Ito was now holding the iPad that read: Welcome Kathryn Rogan, Kobe Films. Dalton would later explain his company was one of several assisting in financing the film.
Intercepting a phone call outside Kathryn’s home one afternoon—as she soaked in a bath while flirting with her new boyfriend—Dalton had been able to retrieve both her phone number as well as that of her suitor. So when he sent her a text message from a burner phone—sharing a shadow email—he had acquired hers in return. That became his method for exchanging all of his pertinent information at the same time gathering all of hers—further crafting a web of deceit.
They patiently waited while her bags arrived. The moment of recognition when she saw her name was just the affirmation Dalton needed. His confidence was further bolstered as she appeared smiling and relaxed.
“Welcome to Tokyo, Kathryn. I’m Jim Nash. Friends call me Jimmy.”
“Hi, Jim. Or, Jimmy,” she chuckled. “Nice to meet you.”
“Excellent. Please allow Mr. Ito to take your bags. And if you’re wondering, instead of going to the lounge here—which is okay if you like mediocre food, cramped seating, and a country that believes it’s still okay to smoke indoors—”
“Sounds delightful,” she smirked.
“Exactly,” he laughed dramatically as they made their way out of the building toward the waiting limo. “My company Kobe Films,” he continued, lifting his lanyard of credentials, “Is hosting a small cocktail party just across the bay in a hip warehouse. It’s through the tunnel and less than ten minutes away. After that party, some will return here to a different terminal, while our stars will be taking a private jet to Hong Kong.”
Wide-eyed, she smiled. “Cool.”
He let her absorb that, then leaned close. “And if we play our cards right, we’ll be on that plane. I have it on good authority there’s a couple extra seats, and it just so happens I know the star’s handler,” he winked.
“How exciting. Do you think there’s any way I could, you know, freshen up before the cocktail party?” As he hesitated, she interrupted herself. “Or not. No biggie either way. It was just a long flight and—”
“Absolutely. I get it. Let me see what I can do.”
As Mr. Ito opened the limo door, Dalton dramatically extended his arm, waving for her to enter.
“Why thank you, Mr. Nash.”
“Think nothing of it, Ms. Rogan.”
En route to the party, Dalton asked how she enjoyed her flight from San Francisco. He shared how much he liked her hometown but rarely had the time to visit with his full, busy life in Hollywood. As they both enjoyed a glass of champagne, Kathryn talked about how excited she was to be appearing in her first major film with big stars.
They were just about to enter the tunnel that would take them to the other side of the bay when he reached in his pocket and pushed a button. In a matter of seconds, his phone would ring, at which time he would answer it—listening for a recording to begin playing.
