Sofia pointed toward the empty chair Victor had occupied.
"He looked like somebody told him his bank account disappeared."
Nia laughed unexpectedly.
The sound came out shaky.
Then she covered her face.
Sofia's expression changed immediately.
"Hey."
She sat beside her.
"Are you okay?"
Nia nodded.
But tears were already forming.
"I think so."
Her friend looked toward the black folder.
Then back at her.
"Was that about your mother?"
Nia nodded again.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Sofia reached for her hand.
"I'm glad you didn't let him make you feel small."
Nia wiped her eyes.
"He made it harder than it needed to be."
Sofia looked toward the door.
"That's what people like him do."
Nia shook her head gently.
"Not everybody with money behaves that way."
"I know."
Sofia squeezed her hand.
"But he did."
That was true.
And Nia couldn't pretend the insult hadn't hurt simply because she'd managed to answer it.
Mei joined them shortly afterward.
She'd spoken privately with the service staff and confirmed that everyone was all right.
Then she asked Nia to accompany her to the office.
Nia felt briefly worried.
The dinner had become disruptive.
Victor was an important customer.
And the restaurant might lose future business because of what happened.
Mei closed the office door.
Then sat behind her desk.
For several seconds, she studied Nia.
Finally, she asked, "Did you reveal anything you weren't authorized to reveal?"
Nia shook her head.
"The acquisition was already the subject of the scheduled confidential handoff, and the people at the table were authorized participants. I didn't describe the disputed document's contents until the formal exchange."
Mei nodded.
"Good."
Nia looked down.
"I'm sorry the dinner became difficult."
The older woman frowned.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because I—"
Mei raised one hand.
"Nia, the man insulted you in front of his guests and threatened your employment even though he doesn't own this restaurant."
Nia remained quiet.
Mei continued.
"You answered his question. Then you completed the authorized handoff."
For a moment, she looked toward the door.
"That isn't the same as creating trouble."
Nia smiled faintly.
"But I know you were angry."
Mei nodded.
"Of course I was."
Then she leaned forward.
"But anger doesn't make you right. The facts matter, and tonight the facts are on your side."
Nia's eyes filled.
Mei's expression softened.
"Now go home. Sleep."
Nia laughed.
"I have documents to review."
The older woman sighed.
"You're impossible."
Then she smiled.
"Just like your mother."
Victor didn't sleep much that night either.