A little longer.

The waiter brings a small plate with two forks. You look at the empty chair.

For the cake, he says. People ask for an extra one.

At the next table, a woman has been reading the same page since you arrived. She turns it now, then turns it back. Her companion waits without looking at a phone.

You ask what the waiter recommends. He names the pear tart. You ask whether he always recommends it.

Only while we have pears.

Through the glass, somebody moves a chair. The woman closes her book with a finger still holding her place. You have time to change your mind.