Page 16 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
They lugged baggage toward the lighthouse that was almost lost among Zuzu’s leaves. Her tree was easily as big as the ones Akira had first seen at the Farroost colony. All dark bark and teal leaves, with fragrant purple flowers tucked amidst the greenery.
When they caught up to Portia, who was walking with Hallow, she was explaining, “This section is our guesthouse. As you’ll soon see, there’s a central common area and four bedrooms.”
“You don’t live here?” asked Colt.
“No, no. My room is over the flower shop. And the interns live above the library. But we all gather for meals at Fumiko’s.” She indicated the lighthouse’s tower. “We expect you to join us, if your schedule allows.”
Akira was just going to ask about Fumiko when she came toward them from the direction of the gate, her arms full of packages. “I’ll just … drop these off. Please, make yourselves at home.”
Portia excused herself.
It was just the team.
Colt went through first and stopped short, which caused Hallow to bang into him.
“What’s the deal?” called Sinder.
That got things moving again, and they filed into a room crammed with stuff.
Given their location, Akira wasn’t surprised to pick out fishing gear and life preservers, an inflatable raft, surfboard, and a tangled heap of goggles. But there were also innumerable cardboard boxes, their flaps splayed open to display a haphazard jumble of women’s shoes, badminton rackets, and whirligigs. Flat things were stacked precariously high: communiques, magazines, boxes of jigsaw puzzles, and canvases.
It was like walking into one of those games where you had to find hidden items. Akira was tempted to snap a picture for Suuzu and include a list—sewing machine, perambulator, trombone, barbershop pole, highchair, croquet mallet. He wouldn’t, of course. Suuzu hated those kinds of games. They were so messy, they made him tense.
Akira heard Hallow whisper, “Maker have mercy.”
They slowly fanned out, cautious as if this were a minefield.
Abandoning his suitcase at the door, Akira skirted an easel and a rocking horse to check behind a door that had been painted lavender. It was a bedroom. Technically. “Same in here,” he reported. In truth, it was worse.
Sinder muttered, “It’s a good thing Juuyu’s not with us.”
Exactly what Akira had been thinking. “Let me check the others.”
Four bedrooms in all. And a fifth door that led to some rather rustic amenities. The toilet was tucked into a niche, but the rest wasn’t. “Outdoor shower,” he reported.
“What’s our plan?” murmured Colt.
Before anyone could formulate an answer, Fumiko returned.
Hallow stepped lightly through the chaos to reach her side. “Would you mind if we … rearranged a bit? To make room for our equipment?”
“I suppose,” she said. “If you’re careful.”
“Nothing will be damaged. I promise.” Hallow raised a hand. “Also, I fear we are one room short for our needs. I think, perhaps, we should send Juuyu to a hotel.”
Fumiko hesitated. “There are five of you?”
“Six,” reminded Colt. “One of our team members is coming later. Hallow and I are used to sharing, but … I agree. Juuyu should find other accommodations.”
Sinder quietly pointed out, “He’ll insist on keeping Akira with him.”
Disappointment flashed through Akira. He liked these sisters. Wanted to explore this neighborhood. But he knew that Juuyu wouldn’t be able to relax here.
“I have another room,” Fumiko slowly offered. “The one below mine is empty.”
Akira thought she looked hesitant. “We don’t want to impose.”
Popping out of the last of the bedrooms, Sinder briskly said, “If you can make it work, make it work. Hisoka wouldn’t approve of us splitting up. We’re meant to stay here.”
