28 Blind Dates: After the Costumes (Part 4)

The Wedding Gift

Jalisa and Merlin have finally made it to Mt. Komorebi. This is where they will marry. Merlin managed to find a cute little private honeymoon cottage with a spot in the garden, perfect for a private wedding. Jalisa looks everything over.

Jalisa: It’s beautiful, Merlin! How did you find this place?

Merlin: My client sent me some links to a few rentals in town. I figured this one would be perfect.

Jalisa: It is! I love it.

Suddenly, the lights in the garden light up, and Jalisa and Merlin see that a guy is standing near the door to the cottage, dressed in a chef’s outfit. Jalisa and Merlin step up on the bridge.

Jalisa: Who’s that, Merlin?

Merlin: I have no idea.

Merlin steps closer to the guy.

Merlin: Hi there. May we help you?

The guy gives Merlin a shallow bow before responding.

Chef Seki: My name is Chef Seki. Mr. Ito sent me as a wedding gift to you.

Naoki Ito is Merlin’s newest client, the one that suggested that Mt. Komorebi might be a great place for him and Jalisa to marry.

Merlin: I’m Merlin, and this is my fiancé, Jalisa.  Um, a wedding gift? I’m a bit confused.

Chef Seki: I’m Mr. Ito’s private chef. He wanted to make sure you and your lovely fiancé had only the best food while you are here. I’ve been rated one of the best chefs in Mt. Komorebi, so here I am at your service for the duration of your stay!

Best rated chef sounds amazing to Jalisa.  Merlin never expected such a generous gift from a new client. He’s not quite sure how to respond.

Chef Seki leads them inside.

Chef Seki: This is one of the most popular rentals for couples.

Jalisa: *looks around* It’s beautiful! I love it.

Merlin: It’s a bit small. Will you be staying here with us?

Chef Seki: No, but I’ll be here first thing in the morning and in the evening to make sure you have only the best meals.

Merlin: That actually sounds fantastic.

Chef Seki: Mr. Ito will be pleased to hear that. Can I prepare anything for you tonight?

He turns and starts towards the kitchen.

Merlin: We actually ate on the plane, and we’re a bit jetlagged, so we’ll probably head to bed.

Jalisa agrees with Merlin, but had she known they’d be treated to a World-Class chef, she would have refused food on the flight.

Jalisa steps away from Merlin and Chef Seki to give herself a tour of the place. It’s not much bigger than a hotel suite, but it feels much more charming and genuine. She loves it. She spots a ladder at the far end of the place and climbs up to see what there is to see. At the top, she finds a small loft with a double bed, sofa, and TV. She guesses this is where they will be sleeping.

Merlin says his goodbyes to Chef Seki and follows her up.

Merlin: Interesting…if I had known we’d have to climb a ladder to get to our bed; I don’t know if I would have chosen this place.

Jalisa: It adds to the charm, though. I like it!

Merlin: Well, that’s all that matters then. Ready for bed?

Jalisa: Definitely

Jalisa and Merlin both pictured that the night before their wedding would be a bit more romantic, but they are too exhausted for any romance. They undress and crawl into bed for some much-needed sleep.

BDC: After the Costumes Summaries | read from the beginning