I was on a date, and he was so sweet. When the bill came, the waitress looked at him and said, “Sir, your card was declined.” He turned pale. I smiled and paid. As we left, the waitress grabbed my arm and whispered…..

so incredibly sorry. This is… I will absolutely make this up to you.” He looked like he might faint.

“Don’t worry about it,” she insisted, standing up and looping her purse strap over her shoulder. She wanted to get him out of there, away from the scene. As they walked toward the heavy glass doors, Elias rushed ahead, saying he needed to check the parking meter, his exit more of an escape. Clara lingering, her eyes tracking Maya.

Maya was waiting. As Clara moved past the server station, the waitress