Sidney and Diana, along with a few others, were seated at a nearby table, eating. Sidney was sitting sideways, facing away from Maria, so while she noticed him instantly, he hadn't spotted her. Maria quickly averted her gaze after a brief glance.
"Let's sit over there," Tiana said, linking arms with Maria and leading her toward a window seat.
Coincidentally, the spot was diagonally across from Sidney's table.
Maria nodded and followed.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOnce seated, Tiana quickly pulled Herman over to sit next to Maria.
Whether by coincidence or design, Herman's presence perfectly blocked Sidney's view. Even if he turned to look, it was unlikely he would notice Maria.
Maria's eyes flickered briefly, but she didn't say a word.
Tiana took the seat opposite them and waved for a waiter. This place offered both a buffet and table service.
Tiana ordered a few dishes and then turned to Maria. "What would you like?" "I'll take a look at the menu," Maria replied.
"Alright." Tiana handed her the menu, then immediately pulled out her phone, giving Herman a pointed look.
Herman sighed, pulling out his phone to see Tiana's messages.
Tiana texted, "How do you feel about my friend?" "She's great," Herman replied.
"Don't you want to take things further? Make her my sister-in-law?" Tiana asked. Herman responded, "Whether or not she becomes your sister-in-law depends on you." Tiana nearly squealed, sending another message, "Ahhhh!" "So, you do like her, right?" she added. "You can't foolwith that look in your eyes!" Herman didn't reply, putting his phone away. He turned to Maria and asked, "Do you have any food preferences? I know a few dishes here that are quite good." Maria shook her head. "I'm fine with anything." Herman then relayed their order to the waiter, requesting a few of the dishes he knew would be tasty.
Maria said, "Isn't that too much food?" Tiana shook her head. "No, no, don't worry. Just eat as much as you want." Maria handed the menu back to the waiter, saying, "I can't eat that much." "My brother's here too, he eats a lot," Tiana added.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHerman sighed silently.
His sister was clearly not very tactful. If she was trying to matchmake him and Maria, why point out his flaws? Maria glanced at Herman. "A big eater?" Herman shook his head. "Not really. It's just that I've been living abroad for years and wasn't fond of the food there. After returning home, I've been eating more, and she remembers it."
Tiana stuck out her tongue, realizing she'd said the wrong thing. Shem quickly tried to fix it. Don't worry. If we can't finish, we'll take the leftovers home. My family has a dog." Maria nodded.
The dishes were served one after another, each looking more delicious than the he last. Maria's eyes fit up as she admired the food. It did look appetizing. Standing up, she said, "I'm going to the restroom." As she turned to leave, someone carrying a glass of champagne walked by, and the two accidentally collided. The champagne spilled all over her.
"Do you not have eyes? Didn't you seecoming?" Diana glared at Maria, clearly annoyed by the spilled drink.
Maria had been about to apologize, but seeing the woman's attitude, her smile turned cold.
"I don't have eyes? Then what about you? Didn't you see people sitting here? And yet you walked so close. Ande I'm starting to think you did it on purpose," Maria shot back. Diana's face flushed red with anger at Maria's words.