Chapter 53: It’s Really Kate, Honest – Riko V.1 – May

We had all settled into our usual routine quickly. I know I did. Settled into it — that does not mean I was content. Compared to the past few weeks of working on plans for the reception, it’s amazing how my attitude has changed. My attitude on what I thought I could accomplish. I honestly believe I can reach any goal I set. That is a big change from when I first arrived at the consulate.

That was last month, right after getting back. The day to day living can be just as challenging. Actually “entertaining” might be a better word. Actually that word is Daphne. What happened when I returned home on Thursday — actually that is another realization that hit me the same day. I thought of the apartment with Kate and Daphne as home now. Anyway, back to Thursday.

Kate and I arrived in the lobby about the same time. I was at the elevator and the doors were about to close when I saw her walk in. I held the door as she greeted the security men and walked over. She seemed in a fine mood. She told me representatives from the Japanese government had scheduled a meeting with the firm. Earlier in the week a South Korean government delegation and a company had met her and some partners. Things were starting to really pick up. I knew how she loved her job. As she told me about how well the one meeting went, I could see she was practically vibrating with happiness.

Which made the surprise when we entered the apartment even better, for Kate. Once we were inside, Daphne called out hello from the kitchen. Looking in her direction I saw an older couple, in their seventies, sitting at the island drinking coffee. Kate almost exploded with happiness. She rushed over and embraced both of them in a tight hug. I watched as the couple actually looked surprised, but they immediately put on huge smiles and returned the hug.

Daphne had almost as big a smile on her face watching the three. Daphne, seeing my confusion, introduced me to the couple. They were Kate’s grandparents, Sam and Mary. Daphne added after the introduction, looking at Kate, “Seeing some people forgot their manners.”

Kate immediately told Daphne, “Shush you.”

“I’ll shush after you go change. Then you can go on the balcony and visit while I finish cooking dinner.”

Kate, still smiling, told Daphne, “Yes, we will get out of your precious kitchen.”

“Sam and Mary are fine, you’re the one that causes trouble,” replied Daphne.

Kate’s grandparents still seemed a little stunned for some reason. Kate, ignoring Daphne, told her grandparents she’d be right back. They could wait on the balcony away from the pint-sized potentate. Pointing a finger at Daphne, but adding as she went to change, whatever you’re cooking smells great.

I excused myself to change. Then froze when I wondered what Kate’s grandparents would think about me going into the same bedroom as Kate to change. Daphne saw my hesitation and said, “I put your laundry in your bedroom,” waving casually at the middle bedroom door. I gave her a “Thanks” and headed to change.

Once I entered the room, I didn’t see any clothes. Looking in the closet I found some casual clothes. Wondering what else she brought into the room, I looked in the dresser. There were some underwear and socks. Most of the drawers were empty, but one on the bottom. I wasn’t snooping. Opening that one drawer I saw devices, many devices. Devices I knew were primarily for female pleasure. A little surprised, I called to Daphne, asking if she could give me a hand. Once she was in the room I pointed at the open drawer.

Daphne, looking at the open drawer from just in the doorway, simply said, “Those are Kate’s. I’m sure she won’t mind if you want to borrow...” I cut her off with a wide-eyed and loud whispered, “I don’t want to borrow those.” Just then Mary’s voice came from near the doorway. I kicked the drawer shut. Mary was saying she and Sam were going out to the balcony. Daphne gave me a little shrug and left. I thought to myself, Kate’s my ass.

I dressed as if I were going outside the apartment. My wardrobe for inside the apartment had become very casual. Some days I was like Daphne, only wearing panties and a t-shirt. Kate usually stuck to sweatpants and a respectable top. She said someone needed to be dressed in case there was a knock at the door. That wasn’t likely. After moving here I learned security had the floor locked out. The elevator would not stop on the floor unless they authorized it. I knew it was because of the incidents that happened when Kate and Daphne first moved in. The restriction made me feel very safe and was one of the reasons I felt comfortable dressing in almost nothing.