Dinner At 8PM
344 Words
8:00 PM.
Ethan Carter was early.
Of course he was.
He stood outside the restaurant in a black suit. No tie. Hair slightly messy like he tried not to try.
In his hands: a small box.
Ava arrived at 8:01.
White dress. Hair down. Diamond necklace that cost more than the restaurant.
She looked like she owned him.
Because she did.
"You're late," Ethan said.
"You're early," Ava replied.
They stared at each other for 3 seconds too long.
"Shall we?" Ethan opened the door.
---
The restaurant was empty.
He booked the entire place.
"That's excessive," Ava said, sitting down.
"I wanted privacy."
A waiter poured wine. Neither of them drank.
Silence.
Finally Ethan slid the small box across the table.
"What's this?" Ava asked.
"Open it."
Inside: Her wedding ring.
The one she threw at him 3 years ago.
He had it resized.
Ava's breath caught. "Why?"
"Because I was wrong," Ethan said. "About everything. About business coming first. About thinking I could live without you."
Ava closed the box. "You can't buy me back with jewelry, Ethan."
"I'm not trying to."
"Then what are you trying to do?"
"I'm trying to earn you back."
Ava laughed, but it wasn't mean. It was tired.
"6 months, Ethan. You work for me for 6 months. Then we see."
Ethan nodded. "Deal."
They ate in silence. But it wasn't uncomfortable silence.
It was the silence of two people who used to know each other.
---
10 PM. Outside the restaurant.
"Thank you for dinner," Ava said.
"Thank you for coming."
Neither moved.
"Can I..." Ethan started. "Can I drive you home?"
"No."
"Okay."
Ava turned to leave.
"Ava."
She stopped.
Ethan took one step closer. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I don't expect anything. I just..."
"What?"
"I missed you."
Ava's eyes watered. She turned away fast.
"Goodnight, Mr. Carter."
She got in her car and drove away.
Ethan stood there, holding the ring box.
His phone buzzed.
Ava: 8 AM. My office.
Ethan: Yes, Ms. Sterling.
He smiled.
Phase three: complete.
- Writer
