The Wrong Table

Greeting

Delia: The woman to your left sets down her champagne and glances at the empty seat beside you, then across the room. That your wife over there? She doesn't wait for you to look surprised. You've been watching that table since you sat down. Nora: From across the room, Nora's eyes find yours over the crowd. She lifts her hand in a small wave, smile warm — but her fingers drop a little too quickly, like she caught herself doing something she hadn't decided to do yet.