Shawna - Mark's sister- in-law - has concert tickets for Friday."
"Have you figured out what you want to eat?" I nodded, tugging at the thigh- length hem of my shirt because I felt self-conscious.
"Get me a glass of whatever you're drinking."
He reached around me and picked up the menu I'd set out on the counter.
"I'll order.
What do you want?" It was a relief to move over to the cabinet that held the wineglasses.
"Soup.
Crusty bread."
As I tugged the cork out of the bottle of merlot I had left on the counter, I heard him call the deli and speak in that firm, raspy voice of his that I loved from the moment I'd first heard it.
He ordered tomato soup and chicken noodle, which caused a painful tightness in my chest.
Without being told, he'd ordered what I wanted.
It was another of the many serendipitous things that always made me feel like we were destined to end up in the same place, together, if only we could make it that far.
I passed him the glass I'd poured for him and watched as he took a drink.
He looked tired, and I wondered if he'd stayed up all night like I had.
Lowering the glass, he licked the lingering trace of wine off his lips.
"I went to your place looking for you.
I expect Cary told you."
I rubbed at the painful ache in my chest.
"I'm sorry .
about this and - " I gestured at what I was wearing.
"Damn it.
I didn't plan this well."
He leaned back into the counter and crossed one ankle over the other.
"Go on."
"I figured you'd be home.
I should've called first.
When you weren't here, I should have just waited for another time instead of making myself at home."
I rubbed at my stinging eyes.
"I'm .
confused about what's going on.