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    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad:

    These Walls Can Talk

    By Najya Yasirah


    Chapter 9: Who’s That Girl?


    The restaurant looked more like a ballroom in Reyjah’s opinion. There were so many well-to-do people and so many violinists. As they walked down the carpeted, circular stairs, she noticed that people were staring at them.  “What in the hell is everyone staring at?”  she asked. As if she didn’t know. “ They are staring at you,” he said proudly. She felt the flashbulb from a camera. “Geez, now I’m blind,” she said. Lilies and candelabra centerpieces accented the tables.  Antoine pulled Reyjah’s chair out for her. “Thank you,” she said. Antoine nodded and seated himself. “I like your tux, that’s a good color for you, she said picking up her menu. “I appreciate that,” Antoine returned. “You made a great selection yourself.” A rhinestone strap on her dress slipped down her shoulder. Antoine reached over and slowly slid it back, caressing her shoulder as he did so. Her brown skin was so soft. “My hero,” she said, blushing. A young skinny waiter came to their table. “Good evening, Signor, eh bellissima,” he said staring at the rapturous Reyjah. “My name is Eric, and I will be your waiter tonight. Eric’s eyes were wide. Reyjah snickered into her menu.  Antoine laughed. “Begging your pardon, sir but your wife is very beautiful,” the waiter commented. “I am not this man’s wife,” she said. “But thank you.” “Bellissima, if I may, he is still the luckiest man in the restaurant.” She giggled.  “Are we ready to order?” asked Eric. Reyjah, to Antoine’s surprise, could speak fluent Italian; in fact, she ordered her food in Italian, as did he. When the waiter left, he asked, ”How…?” “Little Italy, got a lot of friends there,” she said, sipping her water.  “You have friends, Bell?”  he jeered. She glared at him. Then she made another face. “What’s wrong, now?” he asked. “This music, these people all look dead and stiff. No one’s dancing.  There’s  no singer,” she criticized. “Oh, so I suppose you are just going to march up there and sing?” he patronized as he sipped his champagne. She gave him a menacing look. “Watch me,” she said. “Will you excuse me a moment?” she asked getting up and leaving their table. “Where are you going? Reyjah!” Anoine said firmly.  “Hush, now,” she said waving her hand.


    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad: These Walls Can Talk - Chapter 10