The restaurant was small but elegant, one of those softly lit places where each table felt like its own little world. The scent of roasted garlic and thyme hung in the air, mingling with low music and clinking glasses. Across from me sat Claire — warm smile, easy laugh, and eyes that seemed to take in everything. We’d met a few weeks earlier through mutual friends, and I wanted tonight to be a step forward

The conversation flowed easily. We talked about work, travel, childhood stories, and dreams that felt both close and far away. For once, I felt fully present — no phone, no distractions, just the gentle rhythm of connection. When dessert came, I ordered coffee to stretch the night a little longer. Everything felt right.

Until the bill arrived.
The server approached with that careful smile restaurant staff perfect over years of service — polite, neutral, unreadable. She placed the leather check folder beside me and quietly said, “Take your time.” I reached for my wallet, slipped out my card, and handed it to her without a thought. Claire was telling a story about her first apartment in the city when the server returned, card in hand.