Chapter 808

• They got to the restaurant in under ten minutes. Neither of them knew what to expect; but when they sat down and had drinks, appetizers, and then the meal itself, they both felt that this was far more than a pleasant first date. They sensed a real connection--a connection based not just on some common interests, but on a desire to overcome their misery and move on to a new phase of their lives. Their conversation became soft, delicately intimate, and revealing in a way neither expected on an initial meeting. Sure, they had confided some of their feelings in their emails and phone conversations, but this was something more--and they both felt a kind of vibrant electricity as they gazed upon each other and exchanged confidences.
• More than three hours passed, and they hardly noticed it. When, having lingered over dessert and coffee as long as they possibly could, they began getting pretty clear signals from the waitress that they should move along, they sighed as Gerald asked for the check and without any fuss picked up the tab.
• They were silent as they went back to Gerald's car, realizing that this incredible moment would soon be over--unless it somehow got extended.