Chapter 49

The Commissioner didn't stay very long. Soon after the other Officer left, he also said his goodbyes, claiming to have other engagements that he needed to attend.

Before he left, he turned to Tanaga. "Please, I'd like to take this opportunity to invite the two of you to dinner at my home while you're here. I would be honored. Will you come?" The Commissioner asked warmly, looking at Ashley.

Tanaga felt obligated to accept his invitation. The man had made a special trip as a favor to him, after all. He thought he should return the kindness. "We'd love to. Just let us know when. We're happy to attend." He turned to Ashley as if he wanted approval. "Right, honey?"

Ashley was stunned by his question. She put on the sweetest smile she could manage and cordially replied. "Sure! We'd be happy to come." She said, dutifully seconding Tanaga's response as not to embarrass him in front of the Commissioner.

As soon as the Commissioner was gone, Ashley saw an opportunity.

"Tanaga, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Can I call my family now that we're here? I promised them that I would call them as soon as I arrived in Japan. But I wasn't able to since I left my phone at the airport. If I remember correctly, you still have it." She said honestly.

Tanaga's face turned red when he remembered the cellphone he'd been holding onto. He had meant to give it back to her, but it slipped his mind. Now, he realized he hadn't brought it with them. It was still in his office at home.

"I'm so sorry. I was planning to give it back to you, but for some reason or another, it always slipped my mind. I don't have it here. I left it in my office at home, remind me when we get back, alright?" He said sweetly, knowing he'd made a big mistake.

"Don't worry. You can use my phone if you'd like." He gently offered, with a hidden motive. If she used his phone to call her family, their number would be saved on his phone. Just in case she ever decided to run off, he'd know where to find her.

Ashley smiled, grateful for the offer. The thought occurred to her that her parents might not answer since they wouldn't recognize the number. Quickly thinking of a solution, she decided to text them first so they would be expecting her call. Satisfied with her plan, she happily stretched out her hand and waited for Tanaga to hand her his phone.

He scratched his head and looked at her sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Ashley. The phone is in the room. I didn't think I would need it, so I left it there. Come on, let's go get it."

There was a twinkle in his eye as they headed back to their room. He was thinking to himself, Time to continue our honeymoon…Hahaha!