Chapter 158 A GROWTH
Kathy's gaze narrowed as she watched Beauty and Bruno's interaction across the table. She had been watching and enduring their interaction, but not anymore.
She decided to do something to grab everyone's attention. With a smirk, she leaned forward.
"Wow, Beauty... slow down with the eating... it's embarrassing... you are a lady," she whispered just loud enough to grab everyone's attention.
Every head turned towards her.
Beauty's fork hung in the air as she chewed slowly.
"Excuse me?" Beauty replied with a frown.
"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it, it's just a joke," Kathy replied and smiled at her.
"Well, thank goodness she has an appetite," Bruno cut in. "Maybe you should eat more, Ms. Jones, add some weight so you won't have to come to my office crying about getting beaten up by your fellow lady."
Bruno shrugged.
The rest of them looked at him as if he'd just learned how to speak. He was never this blunt; he was usually soft-spoken and gentle.
Jessie made sure her laughter was loud. Even though she was the only one who burst into laughter, she didn't feel awkward or less dramatic.
"Haaaa! Now that's funny," she said.
Mrs. Lola Cruz noticed the body language, tension, and provocation.
She decided to ease the tension.
"Reminds me of myself when I was a young lady. Believe it or not, I could empty an entire table back in my day. If Beauty's got an appetite, she's in good company. There's no shame in loving good food!" she chuckled and winked at Beauty.
Beauty smiled back, even though she was still hurt by Kathy's comment. However, she couldn't stop her heart from pounding a little at how Bruno had stood up for her. She lifted her face and met Jessie's gaze.
Jessie gave her a proud grin. Beauty hadn't cried or pleaded for respect; that was growth.
Mrs. Lola Cruz continued.
"In fact, I once emptied a buffet in Italy. They had to send for more pasta! I may not look like it, but I am a foodie. Anyone who knows good food knows it's one of life's true joys. And, Kathy, maybe next time, you can join us, the food lovers," Mrs. Lola suggested with a smile.
"Nope, I love my body," Kathy replied with a forced chuckle.
"Yeah, but not enough to be secure about it... that's why you're so obsessed with other people's bodies," Jessie added.
"Why are you so obsessed with me? You're just jealous I'm more successful in the company than you," Kathy snapped back.
"Table manners... shall we have some, ladies?" Ferdinand, the manager, announced, trying to defuse the tension.
"Then talk to your ex-girlfriend. Everyone was eating peacefully before she opened her mouth," Jessie retorted, ignoring his instructions.
The rest of the staff looked dumbfounded.
"Please... can we just eat? Mrs. Lola spent a lot of time and effort to give us these treats... we shouldn't fight but enjoy it," Beauty said, noticing how their argument made Mrs. Lola uncomfortable.
Kathy stood up with a loud hiss and left the table.