Glowing lanterns hung from the wooden pagoda bar in the sushi restaurant while the clean angles of the tables were softened with little touches from Japanese fans, duck-egg-blue crockery, bamboo blinds and a giant print of a Japanese fir forest. There were kitsch touches too – a half-hidden, life-size Kendo warrior among other quirks – that all added to the charm of the thirty-seat restaurant.
Bryony and Lewis kicked off their shoes to take a seat at one of the low-lying zataku tables and were immediately joined by an exuberant Oscar.
He shrugged off a light jumper draped over his shoulders and appraised them both, noting the fact they were holding hands. ‘Well, don’t you look the perfect couple? I so hoped you’d get together properly. It was obvious you were mad about each other while we were in France. All that sexual chemistry bubbling every time you were together. Even Jim noticed it and asked if you were “courting”. Pity he couldn’t join us after the interview.’
A small figure in a bright yellow jumper and matching beret edged closer to Oscar and plopped down next to his feet.
‘Biggie, you look like a small sunflower,’ said Lewis.
Oscar laughed. ‘The outfit’s from a fan. Biggie has gained even more notoriety since his appearances in France. His fans have sent loads of outfits and as for messages from female dogs! It’s bonkers. I can’t keep up with all the interest in him. He’ll be demanding his own television show next. I thought being on What Happens in… would raise my profile not his.’ He laughed good-naturedly.
‘He was well-behaved during the chat show,’ said Bryony.
‘That was because he was completely worn out. I took him to the park earlier and he chased after ducks for an hour until he exhausted himself.’ He seized the menu, glanced at it and said, ‘I recommend everything on the menu but I especially like the miso soup as a starter because it isn’t too filling followed by a mixed sashimi. That was fun, wasn’t it?’ He was referring to the chat show. It had been an intense hour of questions from a genial host and a live audience. Bryony had been asked over and over about Hannah and felt she’d finally done as much as she could. It was now up to the universe. If Hannah was out there she must have heard about Bryony by now.
‘It was really good. Lovely to see Jim looking so happy,’ said Bryony.
‘It really was. Cathy’s already chosen a top hotel for them to stay at by the sea. They’re taking the grandchildren too. Jim’s over the moon about it all.’
The chef interrupted them to serve beer and lead them in a clink and toast in Japanese before declaring, ‘Your soup is arriving,’ as a little train snaked around the bar counter, trucking three bowls of miso behind it. Bryony almost wanted to applaud its entrance.
‘It was huge fun but I suppose it’s back to normality again now, isn’t it? Shame, I’ve really enjoyed all the attention,’ said Oscar.
‘You still get that when you perform.’
‘Oh sure, it’s not quite the same though. That game show was intense. I couldn’t believe how popular it was. Even Mom and Pop watched the YouTube clips. Some of them were hilarious. My favourite one is when Donald and I collided on the bouncy slide. It wasn’t funny at the time but oh my, watching it, it was a different ballgame. We resembled a weird, giant octopus – a mishmash of arms and legs and I had no idea I could shriek quite so loudly.’
‘I’ve not watched any of the episodes,’ said Bryony.
‘You haven’t? You must. They’re gold dust. Honest to goodness. I had no idea we were all so comical.’
‘It’d give us something to do later,’ said Lewis, lifting one eyebrow in her direction.
Oscar missed the flirtatious look and continued talking. ‘Oh, I put that photo I took of you and Biggie up on my Instagram page. It’s such a divine picture. He looks like he’s trying so hard to comfort you in it. I mentioned it was of the lovely Bryony who is searching for her sister, of course. It’s had literally thousands of likes. I know you’re still looking but haven’t you had any news at all about her? Surely somebody out there must have seen her or know of her.’
The chef collected the empty bowls and returned with a sashimi starter. They picked up chopsticks and tucked into the food.
‘No. I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of goodwill messages and people who’ve also got stories of missing family members or loved ones but nothing from her or anyone who knows her. I’d pinned my hopes on her seeing the game show. Now, I’m hoping she was watching the chat show we did earlier. There’s so much about it in the press and online and everywhere. She can’t possibly have missed it.’
‘That’s true. What Happens in… is the hottest show on television and millions of people know about you and Hannah. Maybe she doesn’t want to be found,’ said Oscar with a sad smile.
‘I’m beginning to think that too. I’ll keep trying. I’ve updated my blog Searching for Hannah.’
He popped some food in his mouth, chewed and after swallowing said, ‘I love the name Hannah. My Nan on my Mom’s side is a Hannah too. I once bought her a really neat key ring for Christmas. It was one of those that tell you about the origins of the name. Apparently Hannah means favour or grace which suited Nanna perfectly. And all Hannahs are unique, creative individuals who tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud and impatient. Nanna was definitely a lady who wouldn’t listen to anyone, especially Grandpops and he was a law enforcement officer. Does that description fit your sister too?’
‘Some of it,’ said Bryony. ‘She was definitely stubborn and impatient and certainly unique.’
Oscar smiled. ‘I really hope you find her. I’ll keep my fingers firmly crossed for you.’
The evening passed pleasantly with Oscar telling them stories about the other ballet dancers and ballerinas he’d met and about Lucinda, who was joining him soon. They delighted in a main course of teriyaki roll of salmon in a coil of rice, topped with slender slices of avocado, a sprinkling of crispy onion and Japanese mayonnaise before declaring they could eat no more and settling down with some tea.
Bryony felt like she’d known Oscar all her life. He was enchanting and entertaining in equal measures. He had them in fits of laughter about his dog’s exploits during a photo shoot and made Bryony splutter tea at some of his impressions of overzealous performers.
The bill paid, they decided to call it a night. Oscar shrugged his sweater over his head and smoothed it over his lithe frame. A taxi pulled up outside and the owner signalled to Oscar.
‘Oh, that’s for me. It’s been wonderful to see you both. We must do this again. Maybe in London next time if you like and I’ll bring Lucinda along. She’s dying to meet you.’ He kissed Bryony on both cheeks and gave Lewis a hug.
‘Okay. Bye-bye, lovebirds. See you soon,’ he chirped as he climbed into the taxi, Biggie in his arms.
Once the taxi pulled away, Lewis dropped a kiss on her head. ‘Don’t be too disappointed if nothing comes of the chat show. You really gave it your best shot. Oscar could be right. Perhaps Hannah doesn’t want to be found.’ He put an arm around her and pulled her into his body.
She sighed deeply, relishing the comforting gesture. This part of her life had turned a corner. She’d found somebody she could trust and love. If only Hannah could be found, then life would be perfect.