The party of six were quickly escorted to their table. A large round table found dead center of the restaurant. As expected of such a high-class place in France. It was wall to wall filled with bodies of all types. Those simply enjoying a nice meal with loved ones, Business colleagues, or simply by themselves. Topics of many sorts filled the air but all drowned one another out from reaching the ears of anyone not taking part in it. The party began sitting down around the table. Richard sitting down with his wife and daughter on either side of him. Michael pulled the chair next to Kat slowly. Getting a small look of excitement from her, only to be crushed as Miss Petit quickly sat down. Earning a slight chuckle from Astrid. Who was then offered a seat next to the women by the writer. With a smile at him she took a seat, as Michael now took his seat between her and Kathy. Who now wore a similar look of distaste as her daughter.

“I do hope no one minds that I went ahead and ordered a bottle Red Bordeaux. And please for tonight do not worry. For I will be how you Americans say... fingering the bill.” Everyone stops and looks towards the small statured women as a metaethical record starched. Astrid leans over to Antoinette, stifling a laugh.

“Umm its footing the bill...”

“Why would anyone touch a bill with their feet?” Miss Petit gave back a questioning look back at the pinked haired women. Astrid hold back any longer and let out a chuckle.

“It’s simply a figure of speech and a dumb English thing. You know how silly we can be.” With that there was no other needing to explain.

“and Americans say we talk funny.” Shared laughter ringed between everyone. The small amount of attention dissolved amongst the party. The fore mentioned bottle of wine reached the table as glasses were filled. Followed by a quick order of appetizers as they waited for the main course. Small conversation broke out between the group. Richard and Kathy reminiscing about their early years of dating. Where they took a yearly trip to Europe before the girls were born. As expected, Kat was absorbed into her phone. Taking and posting several pictures of her drinks, food, and things like that. Clearly to show off to the rich trust fund babies she called friends. While it seemed as if the publicist had taken extra liking to her new client and his partner.

“No really, he just walked into my bookstore one day. Gave me some shit excuse about. Wanting to see how his books do in smaller shops.” The women exchanged giggles at Michael expense.

“My my Michael. I didn’t take you for a stalker.” With a roll of his eyes, Michael simply smirked. Leaning on his elbow and staring daggers at Astrid

“Well, Astrid didn’t seem to mind since no more than couple days later. We had dinner together, and if I do recall. You didn’t go home that night.” Sure, it was due to being exhausted and overwhelmed by killing not one but two people that night. Plus, the extensive torture of one daughter and sister of the very family they were having dinner with. But that was not something Miss Petit did or needed to know.

“Astrid! You minx.” The fourth person added to the conversation sent a small feeling of dread through the couple. Antoinette turned in her seat to the Woodlins’ remaining spawn. “Seems pretty quick to jump into someone’s bed don’t you think?” Astrid mouth turned into a straight line. Before trying to not laugh to now trying choke out the brat.

“I didn’t just jump into his bed!” Miss petit giggled and shook her head.

“I highly doubt that would be the case. Kat was it?” Looking to the couple with a small framed smile. “It obvious from how these two love birds act. There is nothing but love and respect for one another.” Turning back to the brunette, a grin spread ear to ear. “These two share a bound that exceeds what most of us might understand. But I get how someone as how your... sheltered? No, that’s not the right word.” Leaning back in her chair, holding her hand beneath her chin. She looked deep in thought for a moment before snapping her fingers. “Ah yes!” Her eyes moving back to her target, while her face stayed forward. “Still maturing mentally like yourself might not see.” The table fell silent. With all eyes on Antoinette, then falling on Kat. Who by now was turning a deep shade of red. A mixture of anger and embarrassment spreading across her face. No amount of makeup could cover these emotions from capturing her features.

“You little...” Kat growled.

“It’s Petit Mon Cher. Miss Petit to you.” Suddenly the waiter had arrived with their meals. Richard clapping his hands together with a bead of sweat lowering from his brow.

“Delightful! It seems the hunger may have gotten to us all.” Clearing his throat looking toward his daughter. Who just put on a forced smile.

“Right... My apologies Miss Petit. It was out of line for me to speak in such a manner.” Michael and Astrid shared a look with small smirks exchanged. Now turning to plates of their bountiful feast.

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“Now now! No need to sour the mood with a small slip of the tongue. Lets enjoy the glorious meal before us. That Antoinette has so graciously... Footed the bill for.” Astrid, Richard, and Kathy halfheartedly laughed in hope to defuse the situation. Even as much Astrid enjoyed the Woodlins girl getting some karma thrown in her face. The food looked too wonderful to ignore. Thus, so continued the silence as everyone dug in. Collective moans of satisfied pallets were soon shared by everyone. Even queen sour puss, couldn’t help but enjoy the cuisine.

“Absolutely delightful!” Kathy raved as the meal came to an end. Her husband nodded in agreement patting his more extended belly.

“Yeah it was decent I guess.” Kat voiced, though she didn’t want to throw too much praise. Not wanting to give the smaller French women the satisfaction.

“I’m glad that everyone enjoyed their meal!” Clapping her tiny hands together. “And how about you both?” Looking to the lovers seated next to her.

“So god damn yummy!” Astrid blurted out with the largest not giving a fuck smile she could give. Antoinette’s eyes widened before she burst into a fit of giggles.

“You speak your mind just like Michael seems to do. You both really are meant for one another.” Astrid smiled looking at Michael who placed a hand on her leg.

“Thats very kind of Miss Petit. But if anyone trumps us all in the case of speaking one’s mind. You have us out classed. Must be something in the water here.” Michael bowed his head slightly before smiling back at Astrid.

“Merci Michael.” The women nodded back in return. “Now! Who's ready for dessert?” Astrids eye widened in excitement. If dessert was half as good as dinner was. She could go home tomorrow and call this a successful trip. Standing up from her seat but not before wiping her mouth. Astrid bowed slightly.

“Before then I need to use the ladies’ room.”

“Oh? Here allow me to show you where it is.” Miss Petit insisted before standing herself. Without giving Astrid much time to accept the offer. Her arm hooked with the taller women’s as they headed off. The bathroom itself was not far from where they were seated. Once there and to Astrid’s Suprise her guide followed her in. When both had entered, the door locked behind them. Astrid turned to the door then down to the small women.

“Umm, did you need to use it as well?” Petit sighed and shook her head. Heading over to a chair in the corner of the room taking a seat.

“Désolée Miss Astrid. I just needed to get away from that Kat fille. And her let's say less than favorable attitude.” Putting her elbow on the arm rest. She rested her cheek against her fist. Crossing her legs as she leaned back. A smile grew, as she removed her glasses. “Plus. It would be hard to have a conversation with you, with all those unwanted ears.” Astrid gulped looking towards the door, before back to her so be kidnapper.

“Oh? Um what for if I may ask?” The air felt thick as she tried her best to calm her nerves. Even with her small stature, Antoinette had the presences to control the room.

“Worry not Mon Cher Astrid. I simply want to talk and get to know the person that has captured my client’s eye.” The Pinked haired American was more confused now than before. Was she interested in Michael? Was there yet another unwanted rival Astrid had to deal with? “For I am very serious about this working with him. I’ve been a fan of his books for years. And landing this deal is very big deal for both him and I.” Uncrossing her legs, she stood so to cross the room. Standing at chest height with Astrid she looked up with piercing eyes. Showing her just the reason Miss Petit was nicked named after such a beast. “So, I’m letting you know now. Just like I am all in with this deal. I sure hope you are all in with your relationship. I will not have my plans, and his future ruined. Cause some hussy just wanted free trips and wanted to play with someone heart.” Astrid looked at her in disbelief and shock. Both being quickly replaced with anger.

“Listen here shrimp! I’m not some hoe here to take his money! Michael understands me, just like I get him. Yes, he pisses me the fuck off sometimes with his darling bullshit! But, I know what he means to me... at least I think I do.” She looked away shaking her head. Meeting eyes once again with her once intensity. I’m not playing with him! And I’ll be damned if some French Merde de cul is going to threaten me about what isn’t their business.” Silence filled the bathroom, as their eyes burned holes through the back of both their skulls. Stopping once Petit started laughing, adjusting her glasses. Astrid blinked back in confusion at the outburst.

“I’m glad we are all reading the same book.”

“Do you mean, glad we’re on the same page?” Astrid questioned raising an eyebrow.

“I don’t see the difference but sure.” Now walking over to the door, unlocking it. She opened it taking a step out, looking over her shoulder. “I’m glad we could talk and clear any miss understandings. Please do hurry, I ordered everyone soufflés. And they are to die for.” With a nod of her head, causing her bobbed hair to bounce. Miss Petit left the bathroom with a click of the door closing. Astrid quickly crossed the floor, locking it. Taking a breath his hadn’t notice she was holding. She backed up till her ass met the arm of the chair. Taking a seat rubbing her temple. A small headache had formed from how tensed up she was. “That bitch is like a fucking chihuahua. I was ready for her to go after my ankles.” Her head leaned back, taking another breath. Jumping slightly as a vibration came from her purse. She pulled out her smartphone. Seeing she had a text from Michael.

“Everything okay? Dessert is here.” Astrid smile sending a thumbs up. Getting back to her heled feet, she looked to the mirror. Fixing any wrinkles in her dress.

“Does dealing with crazy chick come as part of the territory?” With a chuckle and reapply of her lipstick. Astrid Nodded and smiled with confidence in her eyes. Adjusting the purse strap, she exited the bathroom. Rejoining her party next to Michael. Smiling to his lover he offered a spoon full of soufflés. Giving a huge fuck you grin to Kat. The bookstore owner tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Taking the bite of sweet bliss. She held her cheek with delight and thought to herself. “Bring them the fuck on!”