Chapter 24: Aldine

I booked nothing for that Saturday. For once, I was the one who got a text.

Table, 8:00. Come as you are. I'll be early. G.

I wore the blue dress for the third time, with flat shoes.

I left the cane in the cab.

Aldine had the same brass lamps and the same long window onto Wells Street.

The host took my coat, and he did not make a face about the boot.

"Dr. Ellery is already seated, Ms. Costigan," he said. "He's been here since seven-fifteen."

I stopped.

"Seven-fifteen?"

"He told us to bring the bread the minute you sat."

He led me across the room.

Graham stood up when he saw me.

He wore the charcoal suit and a new tie, and he had shaved well this time.

By the door, beside the hostess's stand, a paper bag with its top rolled down sat on the umbrella shelf.

"You brought a bag to Aldine," I said.

"I brought it to Aldine."

He pulled out my chair.

It was the table by the window. It was the table, with the little candle and the same salt cellar.

I sat down in the chair where I had once waited alone.

He sat across from me, with his hands flat on the cloth, and looked at me.

The bread came in a basket with a linen napkin, warm.

Graham took the first piece, broke it, and put the bigger half on my plate.

I looked at the clock above the host's stand.

Four minutes had passed since I sat down.

Across the restaurant the paper bag began to buzz.

Everyone nearby looked toward the door.

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