“Thank you.”
Flipping through the food and drink options, I decide to wait for everyone else to get here before ordering any appetizers, but a glass of wine won’t hurt.
Something my dad taught me is to look for good wine at a restaurant. I scan the menu and see only great wines. However, one in particular stands out to me.
“Good evening.” I look up and see the older man who helped me with my chair a few minutes ago. “Can I get you anything to drink while you wait for your party to arrive?”
I nod. “Yes, please. I’ll take a glass of the Lagrange 2009.”
“Of course, miss.” He starts to walk away when I think about everyone else who’s set to arrive.
“On second thought, make it a bottle and put it on a separate tab, please.”
He bows his head slightly. “Very well, miss.”
I smile and play with the sleeves of my dark blue cocktail dress. When I was looking through my closet, I knew I had to find a nice look for the restaurant, but didn’t want to come off as trying too hard. This dress is understated with a semi-high neckline and reaches mid-thigh. Pairing it with braided hair and white stilettos was a perfect combo.
The waiter brings the bottle of wine, uncorks it, and pours a glass for me. I take a sip of the dry red wine and immediately know what I’m going to order.
My phone vibrates on the table, and I look to see a text from Kami. I haven’t seen her since her birthday two nights ago, and our schedules have been so hectic.
Kami: Hey, are you up for a girls’ night in?
Me: Can’t, sorry. I’m at Simone’s waiting for my coworkers. Rain check?
Kami: Ooo fancy. And sure, I’m just happy they finally invited you out. See you tomorrow. Love you xoxo.
Me: Love you too xoxo.
Checking the time on my phone, I see that it’s eight fifty, and I wonder if I forgot about an emergency meeting at the paper. I send my first-ever text to Ben. He’s the only person on the paper I’ve gotten the number from, which, in hindsight, wasn’t a great move. I should’ve asked Samantha for hers.
Me:Hey, it’s Emma. I was wondering if there was an emergency meeting at the newsroom tonight?
I set my phone back on the table while waiting for his response. Thursdays can be hectic at the paper. Heck, any day can be. I’ve spent long nights there until one in the morning, but that’s only when we’re behind, or a big story has broken out at the last minute.
My phone screen lights up as I’m sipping my second glass of wine.
Ben:Hey, Em. Nope, nothing to report here. It was an early afternoon. No big stories on campus this week.
Reading his message again, I check the time and see that it’s nearly nine. I’ve been here for almost half an hour, and the waiter has come by twice since pouring me the first glass of wine to ask if I wanted something to eat while I waited. The kitchen closes in half an hour, and they’re still not here yet.
What the hell is going on?
Me:Did you see Samantha and the other reporters when you left?
Today was one of those days when I had to leave early to finish some homework before getting ready to come here. Before I left, I confirmed the time and place with one of the writers for tonight. They reassured me that all the info I had was correct and that they’d see me later.
Ben: She stopped by to drop off her work for tomorrow, but only stayed for a couple of minutes, saying she had a date with some guy or something along those lines.
This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening.
I’m getting stood up…and it’s by my coworkers?
Me:Thanks for letting me know, Ben. Sorry I bothered you so late.
Ben:Is everything okay?
Definitely not.
