A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN
Once back in Savannah, Emmy calls Naturescapes to arrange to pick up Saucey. Carla, the part-time clerk, informs her that Anli has taken the day off to care for the boarders. She gives Emmy Anli's address.
When Emmy arrives at Anli's cottage, she can't help but notice the Oriental influences that adorn the bungalow. The beauty is breathtaking. She and Anli discuss the trip to Tennessee over tea and biscuits. Anli notices that Emmy appears to be more at ease with herself. Emmy senses Anli's desire to know more about her past. At one point in their conversation, Anli tells how her mother had moved from California in hopes of severing all ties to the past.
Before Emmy leaves with Saucey, she and Anli plan to meet for more conversation later in the evening. "There's a new bar opening in town. I believe it's called The Gilded Door. Why don't we check it out?" Anli asks.
Emmy hadn't set foot in a bar since her college days at East Tennessee State University. She had just been too busy. "Sure. That sounds great to me" Emmy replies. She is determined not to work so much any more.
When Emmy and Anli walk into The Gilded Door, a beautiful young woman welcomes them. They are quick to realize she is the owner. There are two seats empty at the bar, so Emmy and Anli quickly seat themselves and look around. The building is packed to capacity. Emmy nearly falls off her barstool as she looks around. Most of the characters look as though they have been around the block a time or two. Most of the women are scantily dressed and some are so obvious about being picked up by men. Emmy thought she had dressed outrageously in her short red dress. She realizes just how conservative her outfit is. She feels uncomfortable and out of place. Anli excuses herself and heads for the restroom. Emmy is alone.
"What'll it be?" the bartender asks politely.
Emmy almost jumps out of her skin. "Uhhhh. Let's see. I'll have a margarita."
"You don't look like you've been out in a while." The bartender observes her shyness, as he wonders where in the world this young lady has come from. "She's obviously out of her normal environment," he thinks to himself.
Emmy smiles politely as she looks into his mysterious eyes, but doesn't respond. After a few minutes, he returns with her drink.
Anli returns. Emmy has been thinking about Anli's desire to travel to China. She recalls that next week she has a business flight scheduled to Beijing. "How about joining me on a trip to Beijing?" Emmy asks Anli.
"What?" Anli retorts in disbelief.
Emmy asks again, louder this time, "How about going to Beijing with me next week? I need to take a Lear Jet over to some rich dude who bought it for his son. Savannah Aviation is good about letting extras ride on board for this kind of flight. You've really helped me learn to relax and wind down. You can consider it a small gift in return for all you've done for me. I really appreciate your friendship and we can spend a week over there traveling around after we drop the plane off. Come on, what do you think?"
Anli can't believe her ears. "Oh, what a wonderful idea! Yes, I would love to go to Beijing!"
She and Anli spend the rest of the evening making plans. As they leave the bar, Emmy laughs as she tells Anli, "Guess I'll have to find someone else to board Saucey while we're gone."
