Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo Read Free Book Online Page B

nodded, and laying a well manicured hand on the richly embossed brass door, swung it open and strolled inside.
    A bird-sized woman stood behind a heavily carved and highly polished podium suitable for an archbishop, reading. Her black hair was drawn tightly away from her face and pulled her features into a haughty and unbecoming expression.
    â€œExcuse me,” Shar began. “A table for two, please.”
    â€œDo you have a reservation?” The hostess never looked up from her podium. Her voice matched her Kewpie-doll appearance—soft and squeaky.
    â€œNo, but there’s room,” Shar answered confidently, staring at the woman’s face. You’re not supposed to do that! What if she looks up? I poked her, but she waved me off behind her back.
    Doll-face looked up and smiled smugly. “We’re full up, I’m afraid. Unless you have a reservation.”
    Undeterred, Shar glanced at the dark and sparsely populated dining area. Only two tables were occupied.
    â€œThere are several empty tables and there doesn’t seem …”
    Now Doll-face looked very irritated. “We have nothing available. I suggest you call and make a reservation for another afternoon. We require at least 24 hours notice.” She gave Shar a snide smile and resumed reading.
    She was finished with us, but Shar wasn’t done. She pulled me forward, her long fingers digging into my arm, a commanding look in her eye: she wanted me to try.
    I coughed, and Dolly raised her head, and I said slowly, “Are you sure you can’t seat us?”
    â€œNo,” she replied coldly. “Is there anything else?”
    â€œAnd there you have it,” I said to Shar, and turned to leave.
    â€œBut—” Shar started.
    â€œThe manager can explain our policy if you need further clarification,” Dolly said icily.
    â€œThat won’t be necessary.” I grabbed Shar’s hand and steered her to the door. This time she complied.
    â€œWhat happened back there?” she seethed fifteen minutes later when we were safely tucked into a booth at a quiet burger place. She’d managed to avoid eye contact while she ordered for both of us. There are times when only greasy fast food will kill the gall of being snubbed, especially by a half-starved, doll-faced tart.
    I shrugged. “I don’t know. She loved us not?”
    â€œThat’s not supposed to happen. All those guys were ready to throw themselves off buildings for us.”
    I pointed at her with a French fry. “But not the hostess girl . Think about it. The barista wasn’t affected by us, and neither was the saleswoman at Bendel’s.”
    â€œYou’re right!” Shar lit up. “Great! I can still get my bikini wax! Oh … wait.” She slammed down her diet soda. “Meg, we have to interact with guys.”
    I nodded thoughtfully, then brightened. “You can wear sunglasses—then no one will be able to see your eyes!”
    Shar beamed at me, but her smile faded quickly. “But what about you? How are you going to get out of talking?”
    â€œLearn sign language?”
    â€œCute. No time.”
    A guy jived by our table, headphones in his ears. I dug in my purse and pulled out my iPod.
    â€œLook.” I brandished the headphones. “I don’t have to have it on, but if people see me with these in, they won’t talk to me because they’ll think I can’t hear them.”
    â€œThat’s lame, Meg,” Shar shook her head. “You can’t have those things in your ears all the time! And what excuse could I have to wear sunglasses indoors?”
    â€œYou could say it’s for medical reasons,” I retorted. “Tell them you’ve developed glaucoma.”
    â€œReal funny, girlfriend. We’ll have to think of something. Let’s go.”
    Toting bags from Bendel’s to Red Velvet to Burger World had been a chore, so we hailed a taxi. I made