Paper napkins were replaced by linens, and burgundy, leather-bound wine lists were set up in the middle of the tables. Soft music from a digital jazz station played in the background, and the aroma of prime rib wafted through the air. Julia tipped back her wine glass for the final sip and then set it back on the table. Alex reached across the table and took her hand. “Are we all set?” Behind Alex, the new waiter appeared to be studying the dinner menu, but kept peering over the top of it, studying Julia instead. She leaned forward and whispered, “I can’t tell if he’s just nervous, or if he is watching every move I make.” Alex leaned closer. “It’s definitely weird. Every time I catch his eye, he glares at me. You’d think I ran over his dog or something.” The feeling of “wrongness” regarding the waiter got stronger and stronger throughout their meal, until Julia couldn’t ignore it any longer. She decided she’d rather cover Sandra’s shifts herself. “I’ll tell Sandra to get rid of him.
