CITRUS ~ A Long Way From Home / Trust

Chapter 8

<<Speaking English>>

The hotel lobby was bustling with even more people then in the early morning when Mei and Yuzu first arrived. A representative from the hotel greeted them as they were leaving to ask about their accommodations and if they needed anything else. Which still upset Mei, reminding her of the special treatment they're receiving.

Although she was polite in insisting that everything was fine with their suite, Yuzu was on hand to remind her to be nice to everyone because it wasn't the staffs fault for the way she and Mei were being pampered. When Yuzu told her mom about their "special treatment", she told them they "just had to 'grin and bare it'" for the rest of the week.

As they stepped outside the lobby, they saw Tim the driver standing outside a beautiful black town car, waiting to open the door for them with a smile.

As they were leaving the hotel, Yuzu was looking everywhere within the large back seat of the car. Cold water bottles, soft drinks, granola bars, mints, radio, phone chargers, a TV tuned to the local news, air conditioning... Yuzu wanted to grab everything.

<<Wow Tim!>> said Yuzu to the driver as she and Mei rode in the back of the town car. <<This car is just as nice as the limousine. It's really great.>>

<<Thank you ma'am. We take pride in our fleet>> said Tim.

<<Oh, you can just call me Yuzu>> she said.

<<Thank you ma'am, but I'm afraid can't do that>> said Tim.

<<Huh?>> said Yuzu with a curious look.

<<He's not allowed to address us by our first names>> said Mei.

"Allowed? But I wouldn't mind" said Yuzu.

Mei gave Yuzu a serious look.

<<Tim only speaks English>> said Mei in a softer, quieter tone. <<It would be rude to speak Japanese in his presence.>>

<<Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry Tim>> said Yuzu excitedly.

<<That's quite all right ma'am>> said Tim with a smile as he looked at Yuzu in his rear view mirror.

<<Anyways, he's following ethical policy>> said Mei as she directed Yuzu's attention towards Tim. <<It's required for him to show professionalism at all times. By doing so, he's respected in his position and sought after by those who require his services.

<<In other words, whenever they need a professional driver, he's the first person they will think of. Because he's earned it.>>

<<Wow!>> said Yuzu surprised. <<That's awesome. Way to go Tim.>>

Tim turned his head slightly and tipped his hat to Yuzu in the mirror.

Mei looked out the window as the traffic was going by. She thought about all the work she's done so far in preparation for this week. And tonight's reception was the start of it all.

She was planning on meeting at least two dozen people from around the world. Many of them with their own interests and concerns to report to the firm, just as she must do. And like everyone else, she would have her turn to address the other clientele's in two days.

But so far, some things didn't turn out as she expected, and they just arrived this morning. So she was preparing herself for whatever might take place starting tonight. If she was nervous, only Yuzu could tell.