Richard

“It’s not too late to go home.” Maya uses her menu as a shield to block the entire left side of her face.

When I booked a reservation at the finest restaurant in Orlando, I didn’t expect her to protest the moment we sat down. Ever since the hostess showed us to our table at the back of the restaurant ten minutes ago, Maya’s been flushed and unable to sit still. I thought wine would help with first-date nerves, but she’s already guzzled one full glass.

Is she afraid to be out in public with me?I highly doubt any paparazzi worth their salt would be prowling the streets of central Florida waiting for a celebrity.

I frown, pulling down her menu. “Is it too fancy?”

“No—I mean yes! I mean, look at this menu.” She pulls it back up, flaunting it to me while shielding both our faces now…