I leaned in. How about something a little more private? We could go to the back …

He stared at me, his voice plain and clear. Why would I have ground beef, he said, when I can get rib eye at home?

I don’t know, I said. I tried to stay calm, though my stomach lurched. Maybe because you’re hungry right now?

He let out a laugh. Sorry, he said. I had a snack before I got here. He made the gesture of jerking off, one quick wrenching motion. I noticed his gold wedding band. Better value.

Of course. Disgust and embarrassment bubbled inside me. I turned away for a moment, not wanting him to see me shake. Then I stood up straight and forced a smile.

Well, I said, have fun.

Later I’d see Arabella dancing on his lap, her ponytail grazing the floor. He had that same dead look in his eyes. He kept his stupid blazer on. I guess he must’ve gotten hungry.