I was already clenching my jaw. I was damned near growling, actually.
I would control myself — for now — but she really shouldn’t have made me wait this long.
I focused on what still needed to happen first.
I had invited her to this lunch. I was therefore hosting, technically, so I arrived at the restaurant early. I chose a table outside, under an umbrella, to showcase our Miami winter for my tourist friend. It was probably a bit silly. I knew Morocco didn’t lack for sunshine, breezes, and beaches. Still, I wanted to set the stage correctly, and this was right.
I sat down as the waiter set menus on the table, poured water, and started rambling. I smiled and nodded… but I wasn’t listening. Keeping my composure was going to be more difficult than I had expected. My guest certainly wouldn’t notice; I was as experienced at these types of meetings as she was inexperienced. But still… the wait. I wanted her, and it was affecting me.