His fingers rested on the tablecloth, tapping five soft beats, then pausing.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Irene.”

He ordered Cabernet when the server came.

When I said one glass was enough for me, he nodded and didn’t press.

That small courtesy impressed me more than the coat or the easy way he spoke.

“You don’t look like someone who usually dines alone on a cold Friday night.”

“Usually I’m very predictable.

Tonight is an exception.”