Sigismundo blushed and smiled as the young woman walked out of the Cafe. Even in civilian clothes, Siggy could tell that she was military to the core from the way she carried herself, and the way she grasped a situation by the short curlies.
He was glad to be "home". His continuing search for the "Rift" had produced no results; and he had resigned himself to the fact that he would never see the lovely French woman he had grown to love in the Universe which existed through the Rift.
When he had left on his search, he had closed up the Cafe, and left the keys with Reginald Waverly. The man was a regular customer in the past, and seemed trustworthy. Imagine his surprise when, on his return to Canaria a few days ago, he had found the Cafe bustling with customers. He had watched in amazement as a small floating orb had orchestrated the staff, and ensured the satisfaction of every last person who entered the Cafe.
Siggy had quickly grown to like and respect this strange new manager of his business, even though he had absolutely nothing to do with choosing her, and had not actually been considering reopening the Cafe when he had returned. "Sophie", as the spinning AI called "herself", obviously had a sense for business; and her past history as the CEO of a Bank, and Manager of a Tea Room on Roppongi, were just icing on the cake.
Siggy considered Sophie a partner, rather than an employee; and had turned most all of the Cafe's operations over to her without a moment's hesitation. He had just dropped into the Cafe out of habit today; and had received that very pleasant hug as his reward.
Perhaps he would recover from the loss of his zaftig French lover after all.
He turned and greated several more of the regular customers with a smile on his face.