Читать книгу PRINCESS OF THE EAST - Вида Лагодина - Страница 4

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Alina lent me one of her fashionable, expensive floor-length evening gowns (I’m afraid to imagine how much it costs), which was a little small for me, so all my (though not very) forms were covered. Despite the fact that it was closed, I felt as if I was wearing an open swimsuit.

– Honey, this color is very suitable for you. You need to buy more things in blue tones. – Mom looked at me and grunted approvingly.

– Who bought this? – She opened her eyes wide, and looked at me with an innocent look. It was evident that mom carefully selects the words.

– Please, just don’t swear. Your sister and I hired a personal stylist. In fact, he helps us buy these stylish outfits.

I took a deep breath, swallowing a stream of new questions, which I am sure no one answered.

– Come on. – She took my hand and led me to the side of the restaurant, which simply shouted with all its appearance that it was very expensive.

Without further ado, we were led to a table from which we really saw a beautiful bay that had already begun to absorb the sun into its abyss.

– I ordered the best dishes! – Father proudly notified us.

– Are you sure we can afford it? – I asked, sinking into a luxurious chair upholstered in white velvet, and began to look around.

– Of course it’s expensive! – He answered lightly.

The restaurant was not very many people. A waiter immediately approached us and brought a plate of fruit.

– This is a gift from the establishment, – he specified in Russian, – we wish you a wonderful evening.

– Thank you, – my father politely nodded to the young man and fell into a businesslike manner in a chair. Just like a baron.

I looked around, amazed at the luxurious atmosphere. Never aspired to wealth, fame or greatness. I have always believed that rich people are vicious, overly powerful, do not recognize the framework and limitations. I do not understand how all this had fallen on my family. At that moment, the waiter came up and put a plate in front of me. At that moment I felt that he had knocked over a glass of water on me.

– Ah! – I blinked perplexedly and looked at my wet dress, which instantly absorbed all the water.

There was a fuss at the table, and the waiter looked at us anxiously, never ceasing to apologize. My mother ran up and handed me a napkin.

– Sorry, I do not understand how this happened. The glass slid from the tray and…

– It’s okay, – I tried to smile, taking a short look at him, wiped the water from my dress and got to my feet – it’s just water. I’ll be back soon. – I turned to my family. – Where is the toilet? – I tried to distract the pale waiter from guilt.

– Please, – he pointed toward the bar, – I will accompany you.

I nodded and turned my attention back to the family.

– Please have dinner without me. Nothing bad happened.

I smiled at the waiter, making it clear that I was ready to go.

– Once again, I’m sorry … – along the way, the waiter tried for the hundredth time to apologize to me.

– In fact, nothing terrible happened … – I continued to wipe the dress on the way to the toilet, when I suddenly stumbled over my own leg and crashed into someone. – Oh, please forgive me – I looked up and saw a curious look directed at me.

– It’s okay, – the man across from me was dressed in a white kandura, and despite the fact that he was certainly a purebred Arab, he spoke Russian very well. – Are you okay? – He politely asked and reluctantly looked from me to the waiter, whose pallor gave way to green. It seemed that a little more, and he would collapse unconscious.

– Yes. All is well. It will be even better if I can get into the toilet without incident. Sorry to bother you – I smiled and took a few steps to the side, breathing a sigh of relief when I saw a sign pointing to the women’s toilet.

I put myself in order and returned to the hall. Neither the waiter nor the person I came across was anywhere, but my parents proved something to a man in an expensive formal suit.

– … this is a real shame. You understand that you spoiled us an important evening! – My mother was very arrogant.

– Mrs., we apologize to you, – said the man with an Arabic accent. I think this is a manager, or possibly an owner. At least this can be judged by its impeccable appearance.

– What’s going on here? – I asked frivolously, returning to my place and looking around all those present. – Mom, who dared ruin your evening?

She rolled her eyes, showing with her whole appearance that I did not notice the obvious.

– The waiter! He ruined the expensive dress, caused you inconvenience and in general, what kind of service?

I took a deep breath and looked at the man, who began to noticeably nervous.

– I beg you, do not pay attention. We have absolutely no complaints about you. All is well. Thank. – I smiled and looked at my family, watching with lateral vision, as a man, after some hesitation, still decided to eliminate himself before we changed our minds. – Why arrange this show?

– We deserve at least a drop of respect! – Mom looked at me offended.

– Mom, nobody owes you anything here! We are guests in this country.

– Actually the opposite … – she stopped, and I raised my eyebrows inquiringly, waiting for the continuation. – Okay, let’s have dinner already.

I exhaled exasperatedly, realizing that being here was starting to depress me.