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“There are signs giving you the heads up.” He nodded toward the standing sign near the door. “It clearly states it’s all genders and clothing optional.”
I rolled my hand back toward him and glared. “Yeah, inCzech.”
“Do your saunas have signs in Czech for when I unsuspectingly wander into a ladies locker room?”
I folded my arms and glared, much to his amusement.
“Sorry, sorry. Yes, we should have the sign in English. Mixed-gender saunas and pools are normal in Prague. No one bats an eye. And well, clothing is optional. Most go for the none option.”
Despite my embarrassment, I finally laughed. “Guess I should've done my homework on local customs."
“Now you know. Care to join me in the local custom?”
My eyes instinctively went to his half-naked form again, and I felt my cheeks flood with heat. “You’re going in—in there?”
He wiggled his thick, dark eyebrows. “How scandalous.”
Cue the blushing.
He laughed again. “I keep my towel on, don’t worry. You don’thaveto go au natural.”
I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed.
“Come on. You look like you could use a steam. Just keep your eyes closed.” He winked and reached for the door.
Well, Sienna, you always wanted to be more adventurous.
Ondrej flung open the door. “Everyone, this is Sienna, and she’s American!”
“Ahoj!” They all said in unison.
ChapterSeventeen
Fully relaxed and recovered from the sauna incident, I showered, slipped into trim black velvet pants and a sweater, and readied for my dinner meeting. As I entered the Novák Hotel's dining room, the gentle hum of conversation, the soft clinking of cutlery, and the low, melodious strains of traditional Czech music set a scene that felt like stepping into another world. Golden light spilled across dark wooden paneling, and through the grand windows, the distant lights of Prague twinkled like a constellation, casting a magical glow over the room.
I was ushered to a table where the Novák siblings were already seated. The table was set impeccably, with sparkling silverware and crisp, white linens. I couldn't help but feel a pang of nervousness, knowing the weight of the conversation that lay ahead.
"Good evening," I greeted, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Ondrej looked up and offered a small, cordial smile, though his eyes weren’t subtle in darting down the length of me. Dominika and Pavel nodded their greetings. We exchanged pleasantries, but there was an underlying tension that couldn't be ignored.
A server approached with a friendly smile and presented us with the menu. It was an extensive list of traditional Czech dishes with sparse descriptions in English, each sounding more exotic and unfamiliar than the last. My eyes scanned over words likesvícková na smetane' andknedlíky, and I realized I was entirely out of my culinary depth. I glanced at Ondrej, hoping for some guidance.
“Something wrong?” Ondrej asked with a cheeky smirk tugging at his lips. I playfully glared. “I recommend thesvícková. It's a classic Czech dish. Beef with a creamy sauce and dumplings. We do it very well here.”
I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. "That sounds wonderful, I'll have that, thank you." I handed the menu back to the server, who jotted down our orders with a polite nod.
“Thank you for joining us,” Pavel started. He raised a glass of white wine to me. I mimicked the gesture.
“Thank you for the invitation. This is a beautiful dining room.”
Pavel looked around and nodded satisfactorily. “Much of it is original. It’s lovely. But also a bit stuffy, I think.”
I wasn’t sure if he was baiting me so I simply nodded as though I were considering his point.
“Well, I began—”
Pavel raised his hand to stop me. “No. We do not discuss business until at least the first course is served. It is bad luck.”
I snapped my mouth shut. Well, ok. Czech superstition to the rescue.
