Chapter 40

*** Solana *** 

Fifteen minutes after the meeting with Phil, Solana was sitting across from Mark at the top floor of an expensive restaurant near the neighborhood park. She was looking at a menu she didn't quite understand and recalling how easy it had been the last time they'd had lunch.  

All she'd had to do was choose her favorite pizza flavor and topping. He'd done the same, and the waiter had brought a large box of mixed-flavored pizza, half and half. 

Now she was staring at a menu with a list of fancy food names, ravenous yet so confused about what to order. 

"The steak tastes great, especially with the garden salad. You should try the combo." Mark's voice roused her from the puzzlement. "Or choose something else if you want." He added with a shrug. 

She nodded, giving the waiter her order of steak and salad as he suggested. He ordered the same 

When the waiter left to bring their food, he said, "