When the conversation turned to me — “And what do you do, Valerie?” — I felt Julian’s knee press hard against mine under the table. A warning. I gave a small, careful answer about running a local business and changed the subject.
Evelyn laughed into her wine glass. She always did.
Then came the bill. Over six thousand dollars, passed around the table like a ceremonial object. Julian looked straight at me and said, loudly enough for everyone to hear, that I should cover it. My card was declined in front of the entire table. Evelyn’s laugh was not quiet this time.