— My husband and I are looking at a place in that area, too. Mark’s firm is doing great, and he wants to get me something special for my birthday, — Liz said, twisting a heavy diamond ring on her finger. — Though, honestly, we’re looking at the gated side. Pinecrest is really only for the top tier.
— Easy there, Liz, you’re blinding us! — Al laughed again. — See? Grades don’t mean a thing in the real world.
— Time puts everyone in their place, doesn’t it, Scarecrow? You were the straight-A student, the teacher’s pet. And what did it get you? No fancy career, no husband, no car. Sure, you could solve any equation, but it looks like it didn’t add up to much.
— Not much at all, — Vera replied in a perfectly flat tone. She hadn’t touched her drink.
— Well, at least you can get a decent meal on the house tonight. The food here is incredible. Dig into the appetizers, Vera. The steak here is top-shelf.
With that, Al stabbed a large piece of prime rib and stuffed it into his mouth.
— So, Vera, what do you actually do? You look exactly the same as you did back then. Are you working in a library or something? — Liz asked, her voice dripping with a mix of superiority and pity.
— What makes you think I work in a library?
— You just have that… quiet, dusty vibe. Like you’ve been sitting in the same corner for thirty years, — Liz laughed.
— Actually, I have a degree in hospitality management and culinary arts.
— A cook! That’s rich! You’re a bit thin for a lunch lady, aren’t you? — Al mumbled through his food.
— I’m not a cook, — Vera said, her voice tinged with weariness. — And you should probably chew that before you swallow, Al. It would be a shame to ruin the evening by choking.
— Don’t worry about me. We’ve got a doctor at the table. Right, John? — he winked at John Miller, who was watching the exchange with a grim expression.
— I might not be fast enough if you keep talking with your mouth full, — the surgeon said dryly.
— I’ll take my chances! I can’t get enough of this place. No wonder you have to book months in advance. Liz, how did you manage to get us a table?
