I lowered my head and hid my body behind Alexander's clothes. He gave me a curious look, and it was clear to him that I was running from someone. He whispered something to the kimono hostess, who then led us in another direction.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mia talking to some guy. Luckily, she didn't see me, and the man with her walked in the opposite direction.
"Who's that woman?" Alex asked, sitting on the tatami, his upper body upright with a relaxed nobility.
"A clerk from my husband's company," I said, taking a sip from the green ceramic teacup. From the wooden door, we could vaguely see people pass by, but at least no one could see us from outside.
That was a relief, but I was still worried about being caught with Alexander by someone I knew. The feeling of cheating bothered me.
Alex seemed to guess what I was thinking. His hand reached across the table between us and politely stroked the back of my hand, gently.
