Akiko tried to get back into the swing of things through the rest of the afternoon, but found that things had built up while she’d been distracted, and it took her the whole time to get everything straightened out. It was almost six before she felt she could leave the office, and there was a text message from Naoyuki on her phone.

“I’ve got out of the drinks tonight. Dinner?â€ Akiko checked the time it had been sent; only a few minutes earlier. Relieved, she texted back a positive response, and then left to meet him.

As regular customers of the restaurant they were greeted warmly and shown to their usual table, in a fairly private corner at the back. Naoyuki looked very cheerful.

“Oh, I wish I knew which idiot had decided that drinking yourself into insensibility was an essential part of office work in Japan.â€ He paused.

“Mmmm.â€ Akiko knew that he wasn’t really complaining, just leading up to what he really wanted to say.

“Still, when they’ve just decided to promote you, it’s hard to begrudge them their little pleasures.â€ He was grinning all over his face now.

“A promotion? Really? Congratulations!â€ Akiko was really excited. “What to?â€

“Well, deputy section head, so only one step, and not until next month. Actually, it’s not official yet; the section head has just recommended it to the department head.â€

“Oh.â€ Akiko felt the stirrings of worry; what if it didn’t happen?

“Oh, no, it’s really rare for the department head to overrule the section heads on appointing their own deputies. Not something to worry about, really. I told you the business trip went well.â€

“Yes, you did. And you were right, as usual. Congratulations!â€

“Thanks. Well, have you been back to that shrine?â€

“What?â€ Akiko was shocked that Naoyuki had remembered their conversation.

“Well, I’m going to be a deputy section head soon. I’m already dating an older woman; I don’t want people to think she’s old-fashioned, as well.â€ He was smiling as he said it, but Akiko could tell that he was serious.

“No, I’ve not been back.â€ <em>How could he find out? It was only once more.</em> “And I’ve got no plans to go back again. Well, barring truly torrential rain.â€ <em>And that’s true,</em> she thought. <em>I’m finished with people who think I’m a con artist.</em>

“Probably best to stay away from it even if the rain does fall, you know. There are some strange people hanging around shrines. They put salt in the doorway, and have those little shrines in their houses. It’s really not the right image for this day an age. All superstition, you know.â€

“I only visited. I didn’t say I believed it.â€ Akiko was surprised at how earnest Naoyuki seemed.

“Well, true.â€ He suddenly smiled, seeming to relax. “That’s right. Why would you believe in the kami or any of that rubbish?â€

The image of a giant, shining snake flashed through Akiko’s mind, but she just nodded and smiled.

“Well, then,â€ Naoyuki continued, looking more relaxed, and with a sly look, “once we’ve eaten, why don’t we go back to my place and <em>celebrate</em> some more?â€

Akiko knew she had turned bright pink.