The Dark Society

37

Five Fields Pub was known for its gourmet cuisine and scenic coastal views, but for Karen, it was more than that--it was her refuge from stress. She adored Luis, but her recent suspicions had been confirmed: Sabrina was interested in him. Still, she couldn't condemn his wandering eye, knowing he'd been seduced.

Despite everything, there had always been one constant--Alex. But lately, their friendship felt strained because of his romantic pursuits. In response, Karen had manipulated situations to further her own agenda and maintain control. Such actions warranted an explanation, so she claimed a corner table and waited.

"You're late."

Alex smirked, unbuttoned his jacket, and sat down.

"Can I get you a drink, sir?" the waiter asked.

Though underage, they enjoyed special privileges at Five Fields--an isolated establishment where wealth and status granted certain freedoms.

"Scotch, neat."

"And for the lady?"

"Chilled white wine," she replied.

Karen remained unaffected by his casual demeanor, staying alert and composed.

"We must stop meeting like this," he said.

Karen smiled and took his hand.

"Perhaps, but I'm glad you came."

He lifted his glass as a three-piece orchestra played in the distance--another unique feature that contributed to Five Fields' growing reputation. On a side note, Karen typically used subtle charm to get her way, but today she was more obvious about it.

"So, how have you been?"

Karen leaned forward.

"I've had some issues, but I'm managing."

He sighed, knowing she always had an ulterior motive. Even so, Karen had grown tired of her position in society and at the synagogue, which meant he and Luis would need to worry about the consequences of any missteps.

"What's on your mind?"

She pouted.

"Does there always have to be something?"

Alex glanced around at the other patrons.

"Knowing you as I do, yes."

Karen scowled, closed her menu, and set it aside as she continued her aimless flirtation.

"Are we ready to order?" the waiter asked.

She adjusted her outfit, knowing it was revealing without being inappropriate.

"I'll start with the Onion Mullet, followed by the Celeriac Pork," he said, "and finish with the Whiskey Chocolate."

He was testing her knowledge of French cuisine on a whim, and she wasn't about to appear ignorant.

"I'll have the Marigold Girolles and the Románico Cod," she stated, "and for dessert, the Cider Brandy Pineapple Baba."

He raised an eyebrow.

"I'm impressed."

Her eyes brightened.

"I know."

"Have you spoken to Luis?" he asked.

Karen winced, recalling their last encounter, and though painful, she remained discreet and dignified.

"Weeks ago."

"How did it go?"

She hesitated.

"It went."

Alex grew quiet but recognized the seriousness of the situation. However, she didn't appear angry about his question, though her frequent smirks and restless body language suggested otherwise.

"We don't have to talk about it."

Karen looked at him directly.

"I'd rather we didn't," she said. "Instead, I wanted to talk about us."

Alex chuckled.

"This should be interesting."

Karen moved closer.

"I've been thinking."

He laughed.

"Oh boy, first mistake."

She patted his shoulder.

"If you could be serious for a minute."

"Go ahead; I'm listening."

Before Karen could speak, the waiters arrived with their first course.

"You were saying..." he prompted while arranging his silverware.

Karen hesitated again, considering different approaches. With this conversation, she needed complete control because Alex had proven resistant to her influence.

"This isn't easy," she whispered. "I've thought a lot about you and me."

Karen sounded sincere, but he'd been through this before and expected a similar outcome.

"My feelings clouded my judgment, but a lot has changed."

Alex pulled back and studied her, needing to hear something different or see a side of Karen he'd never witnessed.

"We've had this conversation," he said. "Besides, you don't feel the same way, and I understand that."

Karen's expression fell, her eyes dropping since there was nothing she could say to contradict his assessment. Still, he'd been there through difficult times and tolerated her behavior, so she felt some empathy.

"I've been evasive and childish, but now I understand why."

Alex shifted in his seat.

"What are you suggesting?"

Taking his hand, she smiled.

"We'd have to take things slow, but tonight could be a wonderful start."

Alex never entertained false promises or manipulative behavior, so he needed genuine honesty to believe such a sudden change.

"Prove it."

"What would you like me to do?"

Alex shook his head.

"If you have to ask, then I have my answer."

Karen moved closer.

"I know what you're thinking," she said, "but you know what I mean."

Alex wanted to believe her initially, but their history spoke for itself. Plus, she'd hinted at intimacy before, but her feelings for Luis had always interfered. Finally, Karen was now free to see whomever she chose, but he still didn't trust her.

"What about Luis?"

Karen sighed.

"He's an important part of my life and always will be."

He liked the idea, but Karen's loyalty was always questionable. Still, she remained persuasive, seeking resolution.

"What do you want from me?"

Karen smiled and sipped her cocktail.