Once Rejected, Now Wanted

“Anderson.” “Let me see… Oh, here it is.” The poor girl’s eyes grew wide as saucers. “I’m so sorry, miss. I just started here. I didn’t realize you are one of our regulars.” I smiled hoping to ease her tension. “It’s no problem. It’s a nice place, isn’t it.” “Oh yes. Very lovely atmosphere. Can I just say, you look stunning, miss.” I instinctively felt straightened my back and stuck my chest out. “Why, thank you.” My smile made my mouth ache. “Just a little something for my special man.” “He must be very special because damn… I’m so sorry.” I burst into laughter at the startled look on her face. “Your table is over –” “Oh, don’t worry. I know my way around here. Table 16, right?” “Oh, right. Regular. Yes, it’s table 16. Have a wonderful evening miss.” What a lovely girl. Like little drizzles of rain, I could feel the eyes on me as I walked into the room. The moment I saw Auden’s eyes linger on this white Valentino dress, I knew I had to wear it for our third anniversary. A little revealing for my liking but if the compliments I’d been receiving all day said anything, I made the right choice. As soon as I sat down, Pedro, my regular waiter, walked up to me with a greeting. “Mrs. Anderson. Looking gorgeous as always.” He said, handing me the menu. “Although something’s different this time. You have a certain glow about you.” “Am I that obvious?” My excitement was building by the minute. I couldn’t wait for what Auden had in store for me. “Well, it is a special day.” “A special day calls for a special meal then. And where is Mr. Anderson then?” He looked over at the empty seat across from me. I felt a little prick in my chest. He should have been there with me. He should have been there to open my door and held my hand as I walked up the stairs. But I understood. Business was important. “He’ll be here soon. I’ll wait for my husband before I order, thank you.” “Have a good evening, Mrs. Anderson.” He walked off.I reached into my black clutch and took out my phone. No reply. I figured I might as well send him another text. Maybe I had his head stuck in a document. I didn’t want to drop my phone because I had nothing else to do. Ironically, I had nothing to do on my phone too. No friends to text, no sister to vent to about how I feared Auden would stand me up… again. I felt like the eyes I had on me were judging me. A beautifully dressed woman walks into a fancy restaurant alone. They probably thought I was a mistress having a clandestine meeting with her paramour. He couldn’t even make an exception on our anniversary. At least I didn’t have to spend the day at home with Grace and her boy toy. My throat felt dry. I raised my hand to get Pedro’s attention and he came sauntering over with his typical elegant gait. “Did you change your mind, Mrs. Anderson?” “I’ve told you you can call me Teresa when he’s not here. No. No, I didn’t. I would like some water though.” “Of course. Right away.” “Can I tell you something, Pedro?” He whirled around to face me as if he were on roller skates. “Today is our third anniversary. I… I wanted it to be special. I want it to be special.” My bottom lip quivered so much that I had to bite it. “Well, congratulations, Mrs. Anderson. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” He nodded reassuringly. As much as I appreciated his words, I hated that he pitied me. I hated that I had to be pitied. Heck, I pitied myself. Where the hell was– There was a loud crash as glass window shattered. And then the yelling came. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to the building across the street. A couple of men were standing outside, yelling to the people within. “What–” “Squatters,” Pedro said. “Those men own the building and they can’t get the squatter out.” “Oh, that’s horrible. Can’t they call the cops?” “The cops can’t do anything. Squatters rights. I’ll go and get that water for you now Mrs. Anderson.” “Thank you, Pedro.” He went off to get me my water. If only he could find Auden and get me over here too. The yelling across the street had died down but the people remained. What a horrible situation to be in. For both parties. I checked my phone again. No reply. Of course not.Pedro came back with a tray, my water, and a bottle of wine. It looked expensive. Very.] expensive. “Um… did I order that?” He poured me a glass of water and proceeded to pop open the wine. “It’s on the house. Happy anniversary, Teresa.” He flipped over my wine glass and started to fill it. “Oh no. You can just leave it. I’ll have some when he’s here. Thank you so much.” “Oh, come on. It’s top shelf. One of our best. You can sip on this while you wait.” Auden hated it when I had wine… or any alcohol to be honest. Not that I ever got overly drunk. But being lonely even when you’re not alone would make anyone have a few glasses now and then. Pedro must have seen the look in my eyes. “Tell you what. I’ll pour some in your glass, you can inhale it, and if you like that, maybe have a little sip.” He said as he poured a little into the glass before leaving. I eyed the glass for a few moments. Auden wasn’t here yet to nag me about drinking. Grace wasn’t here at all. He was late anyway so if he couldn’t say anything. I watched my hand reach for the glass and bring it to my nose. Heavens, it smelled divine. I swirled it in the glass contemplating drinking it. “Oh well.” I brought it to my lips and raised the stem. The rich, velvety liquid poured into my mouth, lighting up my taste buds. Lord, it was delicious. I took another sip and another, relishing the exotic savoriness. But I knew not to drink too much. Auden wouldn’t like that. It was our special day and I didn’t want to ruin it. My eyes flitted about the room, watching all the couples lost in conversation, smiling at each other. The knowing glances and surreptitious touches. My heart ached for such an experience. I couldn’t remember the last time he squeezed my butt as he introduced me to his business partners. Or gave me that look. Or sent me a text telling me what to wear before he got home. I’d lost all that long ago. One more glass wouldn’t hurt. f**k, I loved the wine. I had to ask Pedro where I could get it. I was still filling my mouth when Pedro came over, startling me. “Fuck.” I knew I shouldn’t have been drinking. “Oh no. I’m so sorry Mrs. Anderson. I shouldn’t have–” “What’s going on here?”My heart skipped a beat when I heard his voice. My head shot up, wide-eyed, to meet his raised eyebrows. Of course, he chose the worst possible moment to turn up. Pedro kept dabbing at the stain so much I had to drag the towel out of his hand. It was a huge stain. f**k. “Of course,” he said, taking a seat. “I just had a little.” “Mm-hmm.” “It’s all my fault, Mr. Anderson. I should have waited for her to drop the glass,” Pedro said. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I dabbed furiously at the stain. All eyes were back on me. Stop pitying me! “You really think you should be drinking so early?” “It’s almost six pm. And you’re late.” “That’s your excuse.” Fuck, f**k, f**k. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I said as I shifted my chair back. He tossed a folder on the table, making me pause. Despite my asking repeatedly, he'd never let me fulfill any role in his business. Could this be my anniversary gift? Hope fluttered in my chest as I reached for the folder. All worries of being judged and pitied evaporated like water on a sizzling grill. I glanced up at him and smiled. He smiled back. Excited, I opened the folder and looked it over. My heart pounded in my chest, my vision blurred, I couldn't breathe. My blood chilled in my veins. I looked up at him. His pearly whites shined back at me.