She had a booth.  Reserved for her.  Damn.  That was the<em>only</em>explanation for why the place she chose to sit was empty when practically every other sitting space within the four walls was otherwise occupied.  Michelle had kept her eye on the fox-woman, following the glow of her dress as a marker so that she didn't lose sight.  Offering apologies and sliding through crowded persons, she was nearly to the table.  Hopefully this would be the last of the impediments to their second meeting in<em>months</em>.  And here she had thought Akiko might at least call.