It’s Not What It Looks Like

‘Oh.’ Giana’s attention was soon diverted by the trays the waiter brought in. The barbecued stingray was served with the restaurant’s special sambal sauce, made from a mix of chilli peppers, shrimp paste, fish sauce, scallion and lime juice. The stingray wings were thick and large and came apart with a slight pull. Giana had one bite and broke out in a sweat. She lost all interest in talking and was busy attacking the spicy fish. Kira picked at her food and took an occasional sip of water, keeping her head down. ‘Excuse me.’ Giana stood up. ‘I have to use the restroom.’ Her mouth was on fire and she’d downed four glasses of water. As soon as she left, Kira asked, ‘So what do you have to tell me about Austyn?’ Gideon leaned back against the chair, tapping a finger on the table. ‘I was shot two weeks ago. There’s still a scar on my chest. You’re not going to ask how I’m doing?’ Kira sucked in a breath. ‘Fine. How are you doing?’ ‘I’m touched by your concern.’ ‘Will you drop the sarcasm a