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I can only imagine what’s running through Sam’s mind.
“That’s very kind of you, sir,” she finally says, her tone warm.
I ignore the comment. “My card should be on file.”
“Sorry…just to make sure. Do you want to pay a portion of the balance or the entire amount?”
“Entire amount,” I confirm. “Just charge it.”
“Understood, Dr. Maxwell.”
I hang up the phone, mulling over what I’ve learned. Even if I can’t contact Lizzie or be with her, the least I can do is take care of her bill. She has a new baby. I don’t want her to have to worry about an outstanding stupid account balance. It will be a nice surprise when she learns the balance is all set.
I throw myself back into work.
Several hours later, I step away from the computer to stretch my legs and rest my eyes. My stomach grumbles, and that’s when I realize how late in the day it is. My last appointment has canceled, so I decide to head out early and grab a late lunch.
Okay, don’t fucking judge me. I find myself at Amelio’s.
I know I won’t run into her; I’m not an idiot, but I still keep going because the food and drinks are good. They even have my favorite seat at the bar ready for me the second I walk through the door.
As I sip my whisky and ponder what to order, I hear a familiar voice across the room.
“I love this place!”
Looking up, I see Lizzie’s original blind date helping a young woman into their booth. I haven’t seen him here since that night. A small spark of hope blooms in my chest. The urge to see Lizzie again has me out of my seat before I even stop to think about what I’m doing.
I walk up to him. “Excuse me, hate to interrupt,” I turn to the woman, “but can I borrow him for a second?”
The woman with the curly reddish hair nods, tucking her napkin onto her lap. I notice an engagement ring on her finger. She seems happy and in love.
I pull the man off to the side. “It won’t take long, and then you can go back to your date. My name is Dillan,” I introduce myself, trying to maintain at least some semblance of politeness.
“Herbert,” the man replies after a moment’s hesitation. He’s even more confused than before, not that I blame him. “I’m sorry…” he sputters, “but I have no idea what’s going on?”
“Yeah. I know this is weird, but you were here months ago waiting for a blind date, right?”
He hesitates. “Yeah…”
“She stood you up.”
“Yeah, that was me. Wait…how did you know that?”
“Long story. You wouldn’t happen to have her contact info, would you? A new phone number? She’s an old friend of mine, and I’d really like to talk to her.”
A smile appears on his face, as if he’s just remembered something. “Actually, I ran into her accidentally not long ago, and she asked about you. You are Dr. Maxwell, I assume?”
“Yes!”
“And you two haven’t exchanged numbers?”
“Look, I know this sounds strange. But Lizzie and I were friends in high school, and I haven’t been able to reach her lately. And any information you can give me on her would be helpful.”
“I’m sorry…”
“I’ll pay for your lunch,” I offer.
He shrugs. “I mean I’m sorry I don’t know much. I never got her number.”
