“Lunch, Akiko?â€ Satomi asked. “We’re going to Earl today.â€

Akiko smiled, as she desperately calculated how to afford lunch there, especially as Naoyuki was away. Before she could answer, however, her cellphone started ringing, and she glanced at who it was.

“Oh, this is my mother. I’d better take it; lunch tomorrow?â€ She was already opening the phone, and Satomi just smiled and waved as she left.

“Hi Mum. What is it?â€

“Is that any way to speak to your mother? Aren’t you pleased to hear from me.â€

“I’m at work, Mum.â€

“But it’s your lunch break, right? You told me this was your lunch break.â€

“Yes, it is. Sorry, I just thought you must have something particular to talk about if you were calling me during the day.â€

“Oh, I don’t want to call in the evening. I might disturb you while you’re with Mr Fujita.â€

“Yes, OK,â€ sighed Akiko, defeated. “So, just a chat, then?â€

“I just want to know how you are. I’m your mother, and I worry. Work going well?â€

“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t it?â€

“Not ill?â€

<em>Apart from hallucinating a snake, I’m fine, </em>Akiko thought, but she only said the last part.

“I’m fine, Mum. How are you and Dad?â€

“We’re as well as can be expected.â€

“And Shoji?â€

“He’s doing really well; he’s been given responsibility for another client, all by himself. We expect that he’ll be promoted soon.â€

“He deserves it.â€ Her brother had always been the hard worker in the family.

“So, how are things with that nice Mr Fujita?â€

“Mum…â€ Her mother asked about him every time, and refused to use his given name. “Fine.â€

“When will he be coming to see us?â€

“You could invite him, you know.â€

“Oh, that wouldn’t be proper. He should come first, to ask.â€

“Mother, are you talking about us getting married again?â€

“You’re not getting any younger, Akiko. You’re already twenty six, and it’s time for you to be getting married and starting a family. Why wouldn’t you want to marry him?â€

“It’s not that…â€

“Of course not. He graduated from Tokyo University and he’s working at Mitsui; that’s almost as good as working for the government. Maybe even better these days; the civil service isn’t what it used to be, what with all these scandals. And he’s good looking.â€ Her mother chuckled as she said that, and Akiko blushed.

“Mum, please.â€

“Well, he is. Anyway, are you saying that he’s not going to marry you? You’re too old to be having casual boyfriends now, you know.â€

“No, Mum, I’m not saying that. I’m just saying that we haven’t really talked about it yet.â€

“Hmph. Maybe you should start dropping hints. Leave copies of Zexy lying around, for example.â€

“Oh yes, that would be really subtle. ‘I just happen to be reading this magazine all about weddings, Naoyuki.’â€

“It was just a suggestion.â€ Her mother sounded a bit offended, and Akiko quickly apologised.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t think that would work.â€

“Well, you know him best. I’m sure you can think of a good plan. Anyway, I’m off out for lunch as well, so I’d best let you go. Speak to you again soon.â€

“Yes, Mum. Bye.â€

Akiko remained seated at her desk for a few moments after hanging up the phone. She hoped Naoyuki was planning to marry her; her mother was right about the time she didn’t have. Glancing at the clock, she sprang up. <em>Talking of time I don’t have…</em> She snatched up her bag and ran out to grab some sandwiches.