Chloe picked the place, a sleek seafood restaurant downtown. It was all dim lighting and soft jazz, and it was the kind of spot where the menu does not have prices until you squint.
« That’s fair! No worries at all. »
That evening, I ironed a shirt I had not worn since Christmas and practiced small talk in my bathroom. I reminded myself: « You’re just going to meet someone, not audition for ‘The Bachelor.' »
I got there first. The hostess smiled. « Table for two, sir? »
« Yeah, please. It’s the reservation under Evan. »
I got there early and took a seat at the bar, pretending to study the wine list. Every time the door opened, I glanced over, half-expecting Chloe.
« Table for two, sir? »
The bartender caught my eye. « Waiting for someone, brother? »
I nodded. « First date. »
He grinned. « And you met online? »
