Chapter 9 - Staking One's Territory

• Shirley
• We’re sitting at a table near the center of the room - surrounded by finely-dressed waiters, high-priced wine, and soft candlelight. I smile at Ralph as I listen to him, swiveling around my wineglass as I brush the delicate material of the tablecloth under my hand.
• He gladly accepted my invitation for tonight, not hesitating to make the reservation and sending me the confirmation for the restaurant only ten minutes later. And now here we are, chatting in the perfect romantic ambiance.