Chapter 11 has been uploaded. Kal learns there is more to Aunt Anastasia than meets the eye.
Clutch bag in hand, I stood. “I’m going to the ladies’ room, Aunt Anastasia.”
An older couple were showing off their skill in a foxtrot as I walked round the dance floor. Using the mirror in the ladies’ room, I checked and freshened my lipstick and make-up and dabbed on some fragrance from the small bottle. The jewellery sent shards of light at me from the mirror. I spent a minute smiling at the sparkle of the diamonds as I turned my head, surprised at how much I was enjoying myself.
On the way back to our table, I could see Aunt Anastasia talking to a man who had his back to me. He turned to survey the dance floor and my heart leapt into my mouth: Mr Franks.
In surprise, I stopped and moved behind a group of people standing at a nearby table. I took a deep breath, seeking my calm centre.
What is Mr Franks doing here? What is his relationship with Aunt Anastasia? Had she told him about me? What did this mean for Mutti and me?
From my hiding place, I watched them talk. I couldn’t hear them, but I saw Aunt Anastasia’s cheeks flare into fiery points.
Mr Franks is annoying her. What is going on?
After about a minute, Aunt Anastasia waved her hand dismissively. Mr Franks stance straightened and he looked down at her, saying something. Aunt Anastasia remained closed lipped and he turned and walked away, luckily away from me.
My good mood had curdled and I received some odd looks from the people at the nearby table; I mustered what I hoped was an enigmatic smile to cover my anxiety and walked on to our table. The flares on Aunt Anastasia’s cheeks and her pursed lips told me she was still upset.
“Are you all right, Aunt Anastasia?”
Her eyes narrowed, staring at some distasteful horizon. “That man is uncouth, uncultured and untrustworthy.” The Russian rolled off her tongue softly but with the severity of a judge sentencing a murderer.
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