Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Arriving at number five, Naomi gives herself last minute instructions.

It’s just a friendly dinner, nothing more. One spontaneous kiss doesn’t make a romance.

Just as she finishes this piece of self-advice, the door flings open widely, revealing the hostess in a swirling long skirt covered with embroidery and tiny mirrors, worn with a loose-fitting, ruffled peasant blouse. Naomi thinks Reeta looks like a dark, mysterious gypsy in a children’s story. For a moment, she just stares.

Reeta’s hug breaks the spell—a gentle friendly hug that still sends waves of heat through Naomi.

When Reeta lets go, she then turns toward the kitchen. “A glass of wine for you, my lovely guest?”

Naomi then remembers her gift for Reeta. “That would be perfect. In fact, I brought a bottle for you, as a gift—Chardonnay to go with the fish.” Again, Naomi feels the awkwardness of operating outside of her own familiar culture.