Hook: Book One Of The Karmaeleon Trilogy by Stella Knights

Author:Stella Knights [Knights, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Walking into Le Jardin, it is as though I’ve just entered a Parisian bistro. I breathe in the scent of freshly baked pastries, rich sauces, and cigar smoke as I walk towards the hostess.

The music brings me straight into nostalgic thoughts of the last time I was in France, while a smiling hostess greets me. “Hello, Miss. How can I help you?”

“A table for two, please. My friend should be along shortly.”

“Certainly.” She grabs several menus, then adds, “Follow me.” She seats me in a corner where I have a view through the window onto one of the main roads that runs through Ubud.

I take my seat and smooth down the fabric of the bodycon dress I decided to wear. It’s a little out of place here, but maybe Astrid will appreciate the sexiness of it.

“Miss, would you like a cocktail while you wait?”

Perusing the menu, I choose something light and refreshing. “Can I have an Aperol spritz, please?”

She nods. “I’ll get you one right away.” She walks away, giving me a clear view of Astrid walking into the restaurant in a flowing beige crochet skirt and matching tank top.

I wave at her, then stand to give her a welcoming kiss on the cheek.

Her face beams with a smile as we embrace. “You look lovely. So dressed up tonight.”

Is that a good thing or bad? Did I overdo it?

“Yeah, I thought it would be fun to be fancy.”

She sits, and the waitress hands her a menu. “I’m not used to seeing you with makeup.”

Does she not like it?

Touching my cheeks, I wonder if I’ve put on too much. “Is it okay?”

“It’s fine.” She reaches over and squeezes my hand on the table. “I’m just wondering why you want to hide your true beauty under such a mask?”

A lump forms in my throat.

Oh, Jesus. Please tell me I’ve not made a mistake in dressing up. That’s the last thing I want.

I muster a smile and hide my unease. “I just like to wear it sometimes.”

“Well, I like you completely natural.” She flashes me a smile before looking back at the menu. “I’m curious why you think you look better with it?”

That’s a question I’ve never thought about. Where is Astrid going with this?

I inhale and say, “My mom always wore it, as did every other woman in my life. So, I guess it’s normal for me to want to wear it, too.”

“Well, I think you’re stunning without it.” Her words come out curt.

Is that a jab at me wrapped in a pretty bow?

Astrid scans the menu. “Hmm, everything looks so good on here.” She puts the menu down and then looks back at me and smiles. “It’s funny, isn’t it?”

“What’s funny?”

“The other yoga teachers and I were just talking about how women are subconsciously programmed by other women more than they realise. Women are often quick to blame men for our problems when really it might be what our mothers or other women taught us. Social programming at its finest.”

Really?

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