Taking NOTES

Why was the handsome stranger getting preferential treatment? Katie had to find out

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The restaurant reeked of romance, from the warm lighting and soft music to the prints on the walls. Monet’s Water Lilies – simple, but classy.

‘Good evening,’ she said. ‘Do you have a table?’

Katie hadn’t bothered making a reservation. They weren’t busy at 7.30 pm on a Wednesday.

‘For one?’ The waiter looked over her shoulder as if he expected a man to materialise out of thin air.

‘For one,’ she agreed.

‘Certainly, madam.’ He led her to a corner table.

‘I’d rather sit here,’ she said as they passed the window.

‘I’m sorry, madam,’ he replied. ‘Those are reserved.’

As soon as she’d sat down, he cleared away the place setting opposite her.

Katie wondered why restaurants did that. Were they worried she might steal the cutlery, or use both sets?

‘Shall I light the candle?’ he asked.

She shook her head. Soft lights were wasted on her. She’d been resolutely single since breaking up with her boyfriend three months ago.

The waiter handed her the menu, then headed to a table where a young couple sat, holding hands. Was it her imagination, or was the waiter’s voice softer when he spoke to them?

She noticed he lit their candle without asking.