The Dinner Party
263 Words
Their first public test came three days later: a dinner party at Hiroshi Asano's estate.
Ava had spent hours preparing. She'd studied Japanese business etiquette, learned basic phrases, researched Asano's interests (golf, classical music, his grandchildren). She'd chosen a dress that was elegant without being flashy, modest without being frumpy. She'd practiced her smile in the mirror until her cheeks ached.
Noah, of course, wore a tuxedo and looked like he'd been born in it.
"You look..." he started, when she emerged from her room.
"Yes?"
"Appropriate."
"Wow. Don't overwhelm me with compliments."
Noah's lips twitched. "You look beautiful. Is that better?"
Ava's heart did a stupid little flip. "Much. You look... appropriate too."
He almost smiled. Almost.
The Asano estate was a masterpiece of modern architecture and traditional Japanese gardens. Hiroshi Asano himself was a small, dignified man in his seventies with sharp eyes and a sharper mind. He greeted Noah with a bow, then turned to Ava with unexpected warmth.
"Mrs. Blackwood," he said, taking her hand. "I must say, I was surprised to hear of Noah's marriage. He has always been... how do you say... a lone wolf?"
"A grumpy wolf," Ava said, earning a surprised laugh from Asano.
"Yes! Exactly! But you, I think, are sunshine. You melt the ice, yes?"
"I try," Ava said, glancing at Noah, who was watching their interaction with an unreadable expression. "He's not as cold as he seems. Underneath, he's just... careful."
Asano's eyes twinkled. "Careful. Yes. That is a good word. Come, let me show you my garden. My wife loved roses."
- Writer
