Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 29

Lily looked forward to the brisk winter snow awaiting her in Plumgrove.

Nevertheless, Malewai was an exotic world, vastly different from her little farm. She'd never been here, aside from a few hours with Mr. Cunningham before the ascent, and she was curious to explore before going home.

A dark wall of clouds blanketed the horizon, over the churning gray and blue of the sea. Tropical rain had recently washed through, soaking the pedestal-raised buildings and rambling streets. The air was dense and wet, yet warm, and clung to her like a second skin.

She strolled along the main pier, admiring the colorful, eye-catching wares displayed for the tourists amid the local market. There were sheer, flowing wraps and tinkling jewelry for pretty ladies, fruits of unimaginable sizes and shades, as well as cheap replica variations of name brand products proudly offered. A bird with sapphire wings squawked funny phrases, amusing a group of children. The chatter of bartering voices, sellers closing shop for the evening, and the distant whine of an Indolasian folk song teased her ears.

A vendor in a conical hat creaked by, his cart laden with spices, perfumes, and odd, beaded jewelry. She was attracted to a necklace with painted ridges of pink and violet, beaming from an ornate carving of a deity at the center.

"This is Fawu La," the old man said, with a yellowed but friendly grin. "She is the goddess of music and love, a most auspicious choice. She'll bring you good luck."

He wrapped the pendant into a gauzy purple bag, and she paid him with a gentle tap against his hand.

Her stomach rumbled, and she realized she hadn't eaten since her break on the lift. "Pardon me, sir," she asked. "Can you recommend a good restaurant here?"

The vendor nodded, pointing to a winding lane along the waterfront. "Lou Wen is the local favorite. Follow this road, and you'll find his establishment."

The alluring smell of fried food wafted along the soft breeze. She hurried down the street. Swaying palm trees whispered, and neon blinked in hazy reflections upon the wet cobblestones. She turned a corner, and met the unmistakable face of her destination. A cheerful sign with bold letters announced the name, 'Lou Wen's Noodle House'.

The front of the restaurant was open, facing the thoroughfare. Several people sat at the bamboo tables and chairs on the patio, beneath the deepening red and violet of the sunset. A service counter lined with stools for customers in a hurry appealed to her.

She chose a seat at the front. A string of blinking white party lights decorated the woven mats and palm fronds overhanging the kitchen. The lilting notes of an Indolasian pop song buzzed from the speaker of a dingy radio.

A broad-shouldered man sat at the opposite end of the service counter, over a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables. He was on a call, speaking to his wristcom as he stirred the food with his chopsticks. His voice was familiar, drawing her attention, though his face was obscured behind chin-length dark hair.

She felt a soft, insistent bump against her leg, and looked down.

Feline blue eyes stared up at her, squinting to friendly slits. The chromed joints of the cat's exoskeleton shimmered with the muted glow of the lights.

She reached down, and petted Mr. Vincent's soft fur.

He purred, rubbing against her fingers, and strolled saucily away with his tail raised. Then he jumped into the lap of the man at the counter.

There was no mistaking Mr. Marlow.

Lily stood, suddenly feeling nervous. He was her boss, after all. She was torn between leaving, before he saw her, and saying hello. After a brief deliberation, she chose the latter.