The Soul of a Bear by Amelia Wilson

Author:Amelia Wilson [Wilson, Amelia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight: McKayla

I stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the incredible scene before me. I couldn’t even begin to comprehend how stupid I must’ve looked. All I could see - all I could realize - was the amazing sight that engulfed my field of vision. I should’ve known not to be too shocked when I saw the intricately carved, marble archway that led to the ground-level reservation floor of the two-story restaurant.

Nothing could’ve prepared me for the absolute masterpiece that lay spread out, in a visual feast I couldn’t get enough of. The floor was a shimmering mix of black, bright reds, and flecks of oranges - it was as if a dark opal had been melted onto the surface. Soft lighting made the most of the flooring, but as my gaze trailed over the sleek glass protecting it, I made a second, more profound discovery.

There was a real, running stream cutting right through the center of the floor. Large, smooth, polished, light-gray rocks lined either side and the water flowed a bright, fiery reddish-orange. Whether it was because of lights or dye, or both, the water created a current whose branches spread out from the main brook and up into the walls. Water trickled from expertly disguised and hidden tubes, like a rock wall at a sushi place.

“This is way better than a sushi place …” I spoke the first thing that came to mind, and I blinked hard, only to realize what I’d said. Paul’s laughter bounced around me, deep and heavy, and I blushed hard as he squeezed my waist. He must’ve understood where I was coming from and he smirked at me broadly with pride shining out of every pore on his face.

“I’m glad you like it.” Paul didn’t say anything else before a slight commotion from his right caught our attention. I peeked beyond him, from under furrowed brows and watched as several waiters glanced our way, whispering amongst themselves, before a short woman pushed her way through them. Even from so far away and over the live violin music that played, I could read her lips as she told her staff to get back to work.

When she came over to us, she was all smiles, and she grinned at Paul and me, equally, before holding her hand out to him.

“I was wondering when you’d be coming in, again, Paul. I read about your brother on the police’s social media - I thought maybe you’d bring your mom again.” Just like my father, Paul’s brother seemed to loom over him like a shadow he couldn’t get rid of. I glanced at the man next to me as he shook the woman’s hand and licked my lips anxiously, only to be blindsided when she turned to speak directly to me. “It’s wonderful to meet you. I’m Elizabeth, and I own this place. Is this your first time here …?”

“Uh – McKayla … yeah, it is. I actually never thought I’d come here … I’ve seen this place on the news a few times.

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