Alan wasn’t certain what to expect, as he parked then walked down to join Jim in front of the restaurant. He’d spent some of the afternoon puzzling over why they were doing this, before deciding whatever the answer was, he’d find out over dinner. He hoped that it was only because Jim didn’t want to wait until Saturday to see him again—but he wasn’t counting on it.
When they got inside, the hostess greeted them, saying, “Your table is ready, Jim.” She took them to one along the side wall, set for two, then told them their waitress would be along momentarily. For a second, she looked at Jim as if she wanted to say something more. Then, with a shake of her head, she left.
“At least tonight, I’m not a shy guy sitting in the back corner,” Alan said.
Jim c****d his head, frowning for a second
