I'd put it over my cleanest shirt after washing up in a gas station restroom.
But I could still feel grease beneath my fingernails.
For a moment, I considered leaving.
Danielle would be furious.
Maya would ask why I came home early.
And I'd probably spend the rest of the evening wondering whether the beautiful woman with the Firebird would have laughed when she saw me in that restaurant.
Then the hostess approached.
“Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?”
“Table for two. Kane.”
She checked the list.
Then smiled professionally.
“Of course. Your guest hasn't arrived yet.”
I almost laughed.
Apparently, a Pontiac Firebird could still be late after its engine had been repaired.
The hostess led me to a table near the windows.
The lake shimmered beneath the evening lights.
I sat.
Opened the menu.
And immediately regretted agreeing to dinner.
The least expensive entrée cost more than a full tank of gas.
I closed it.
Then pulled Vanessa's business card from my pocket.
Northstar Equity Partners.
I'd heard of the company.
Most people in the Seattle area had.
It owned or financed substantial interests in real estate, logistics businesses, technology companies, and redevelopment projects across the Pacific Northwest.
Its founder had appeared on the cover of a business magazine several years earlier.
The company was worth billions.
And its CEO was the woman I'd just helped on the side of the road.
I turned the card over.
For a moment, I wondered whether she had recognized my name.
Danielle probably hadn't given Vanessa my surname.
She loved surprises too much.
I looked toward the entrance.
Then saw her.
Vanessa walked into Alder House wearing the leopard-print gown I'd seen on the highway.
Her long chestnut hair fell over one shoulder, and the beautiful fabric moved around her as she crossed the room.
But now I noticed something I'd missed beside the Firebird.
She looked nervous.
Not about the restaurant.
The staff clearly recognized her.
The maître d' stepped forward immediately, and several people glanced toward her with interest.
She was nervous about the date.
Then she saw me.
She stopped.
For one suspended second, we stared at each other.
Her mouth opened.
Then she laughed.
Not politely.
Not in the restrained way wealthy people sometimes laugh when they expect strangers to be watching.
She laughed so hard that she had to stop walking.
I stood.
I couldn't help smiling.