Chapter 34. Me or Bennett

He checked his watch for the 16th time. The second hand of the wristwatch had not moved since 7:25.

He took another sip from the glass of wine he’d ordered. O’Reilly’s. A competitor’s wine, but its unique taste was bearable.

This was a private restaurant and he did not expect anyone to jump out at him and accuse him of betraying his family by drinking their wine. But wasn’t he betraying them by chasing Elaine only for money?

He shifted in his chair checking his wristwatch again. He despised lateness. Why did she always have to be late? Did she not get the flowers and the gifts and the dress?

His left hand caressed the transparent jewelry box under his palm. He had insisted that the restaurant address be written at the back of the card delivered with the chocolate.

They would eat. He would read her a poem he wrote for Gwen and then kneel to propose to her. Two waiters stood behind the door to make sure that she could not escape this time. He didn’t even