She approached the table.
“You.”
I nodded.
“Apparently.”
She stared at my jacket.
Then looked toward the door.
Then back at me.
“Oh, this is unbelievable.”
I laughed.
“You should've seen my sister's reaction.”
She touched her forehead.
“Priya is going to be impossible.”
“Your friend arranged this?”
She nodded.
“And your sister?”
“Danielle.”
Vanessa smiled.
“Those two need hobbies.”
I laughed.
She looked toward the table.
Then back at me.
“May I?”
I pulled out her chair.
“Please.”
She sat.
The waiter approached immediately.
“Ms. Monroe. Wonderful to see you again.”
Vanessa smiled.
“Thank you.”
He glanced toward me.
His expression remained polite, but I could tell he was curious.
Not everyone who sat opposite Vanessa Monroe arrived wearing a jacket that had survived fifteen years of birthday dinners and court appearances for parking tickets.
The waiter offered a wine list.
I declined.
Vanessa ordered sparkling water.
When he left, we looked at each other again.
Then she shook her head.
“I cannot believe you fixed my car.”
“I can't believe your friends didn't think to tell you your date was a mechanic.”
She smiled.
“They told me you ran a business.”
“Technically true.”
“And that you had a daughter.”
“Also true.”
“And that you were kind.”
I looked toward my hands.
“Debatable.”
Vanessa smiled gently.
“Not based on this afternoon.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she pointed toward the menu.
“You look uncomfortable.”
I laughed.
“Is it that obvious?”
“A little.”
I leaned back.
“I'm more accustomed to diners where the menu has photographs.”
She smiled.
“Would you rather go somewhere else?”
I looked surprised.
“What?”
“We could leave.”
I stared.
She continued.
“There's a little place near the lake that makes excellent burgers.”
I looked toward the candle.
The polished silverware.
The expensive tablecloth.
Then back at her.
“You'd leave this place to eat burgers?”
She shrugged.
“I've already been stranded on a mountain road in a leopard-print gown. I think the evening can survive one more unusual decision.”
I laughed.
Then considered the question.
For the first time since walking into the restaurant, I felt myself relax.
“You know what?”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Let's stay.”
Vanessa smiled.
“Really?”
I nodded.
“I've never been somewhere this fancy. Might as well find out whether their food is actually worth the price.”
She laughed.
“Fair enough.”
Then I opened the menu again.
Vanessa leaned forward.
“Marcus?”
I looked up.