035

Eva

Thelma's gaze swept across the elegant restaurant before settling on me, just as the waiter approached, placing two plates of steak before us and returning with two glasses of wine. With a courteous bow, he left us to enjoy our meal.

Thelma's left eyebrow raised, her questioning gaze conveying her thoughts, "What's all this, Eva?"

I chuckled softly, then sighed. "No questions, please. Let's just eat."

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked.

"Oh, come on, Thelma. Don't start now," I replied, forcing a smile. "I told you I wanted to take you on a date to show my appreciation."

"I thought it was a normal date," she said, a frown marring her features.

"Isn't this a normal date?" I inquired, my eyes darting around, embarrassed that someone might have overheard her. "Please stop acting this way and just eat. We can talk more when we're done."

"This place is expensive, Eva," she persisted.

"Oh, goodness," I grumbled, teeth clenched. "What's wrong with that? Is there anything wrong with i