Page 155 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
There was a thoughtful pause before Ash asked, “What doesthat young lady have to do with us?”
“She goes places, does things.” When that failed toenlighten, Tami went on. “She makes appearances all over the world, meetingdiplomats and giving speeches. She hosts conferences, rallies supporters, andsits in on official meetings with the Amaranthine Council.”
Ash hummed. “Kind of a go-getter, I suppose.”
“All while courting Eloquence, who pretty much only leavesthe Starmark compound if there’s a kiss scheduled.”
“The press only knows as much as they see. And what they’reallowed to see isn’t necessarily all there is to know.”
Which was true. But it wasn’t really her point. “You’reKimiko.”
“Not even close.” His smile was the knowing sort, a goodsign that he understood.
“I have Biddie, and that means sticking close to home. Idoubt I can leave the county without distressing her. Which means you have tobe Kimiko.”
“I’m really much better at being myself.”
Tami let his kisses calm her before trying to reason throughher concerns. “You might be asked to travel, to give speeches, to be ontelevision, to do photo shoots and interviews and … and all the things thatKimiko has to do.”
“That’s true.”
“Aren’t you nervous? Or bothered? Or … regretting that Iever suggested this whole thing?”
“No, no, and never.” He toyed with her hair. “I’ve beenwondering if I should bring this up. In many ways, it doesn’t matter, but if itwould set your mind at ease … Tamiko, I’m really very old.”
To Tami, Ash looked like a man in his early thirties. So didKip, for that matter. But so did Argent Mettlebright. She’d never actually seenany Amaranthine whose appearance surpassed a vigorous forty-something.
“Age doesn’t matter. It won’t ever matter, now that I’mtree-kin.”
“Yeah, which means you’ll understand in time.” He sighed andsaid, “I have a slightly different perspective. People will come, and they’llgo. Some of them will use paper towels to clog sinks, and some of them willslip paperclips into my pockets. Either way, I’ll learn their names, I’lllisten to their words, I’ll tell the truth, and I’ll hold them to a highstandard of courtesy.” Ash’s feathers rustled and settled. “My manners willbecome their manners.”
“You make it sound like all we have to do is be nice.”
Ash said, “That’s about right.”
“But what about all the bullies and brats?”
“Leave them to our go-between. And leave Flootie andHarrison to Kip.” His fingers gently sifted through her hair. “By the time he’sdone, the two of them will be arm-wrestling for the privilege of walking youdown the aisle. No holds barred. No hard feelings.”
Because tonight they were tackling the next item on ArgentMettlebright’s formidable checklist—choose your allies wisely.
Ash nodded toward the bright lights spilling from Archer’scommunity center. “Ready to go inside?”
“No holds barred. No hard feelings.” She kissed his cheekand said, “Let’s play some bingo.”
“G-11.”
Inside, most folks were too focused on their bingo cards topay any mind to a couple of late comers, but Flootie had been watching. Shewaved one arm wildly, pointing at the stage with the other. Kip was up front,already in position for a round of Rivven trivia.
Bingo balls tumbled in their wire cage, and one droppedthrough the chute. “N-23,” called the head of the PTA. She scanned the roomover her reading glasses. “N-23.”
Ash muttered, “He’s always wanted to play. Harrison musthave been taking volunteers.”
“Unfair advantage, don’t you think?”
“B-07.”
“Bingo!” shrieked a woman near the concession stands. Herfriends all pointed, in case anyone missed her windmilling arms.
