ora

igh-rise lobby and on

SUVs screeched to a halt in front of me. Four men

s tone leaving no room for argument.

ase. Without a word, I climbed

ing deep into the heavily guarded,

nsion. I dragged my suitcase up the stone steps

cating scent of aged sandalwood

long mahogany table, sipping tea wi

center of the room for ten agonizing minut

bone-china teacups, their eyes raking

She picked up a gold-embossed menu and thre

or barked, her voice sharp as glass. "It is vulgar. It lacks class. But

face twisting with malice. "You reek

u on the floor. I didn't

ked Eleanor de

ne insulte à la gastronomie,(This dish paired with whit

accent a flawless, arist

d. Two of them nearl

re par l'excès,(Unprecedented value, unforgettable experience, unforgettable experience in culture

g. I had just told them their menu was a desperate, new

She didn't speak a word of French, but I knew s

this family finds me so useless,

r hands on the tab

matriarch and walked str

k a deep breath of the crisp su

ke me straight to N

us stares of my coworkers, and marched d

signation letter onto

ctive immedia

a, you can't just leave. We are short

ted, my voice hard and unyielding.

tare, the director swallowed

tic ID badge and dr

weight of the last seven years finally l

e is secure. Kayden

smile touc

ain: Table's book