I sat straighter. “She said what?”
“She told our server you’d arrive before the check. The table has ordered several bottles of champagne, seafood, and steak. The total is approaching $2,000.”
“Did she give you a card belonging to me?”
“No, ma’am. We have no card on file for you. That’s why I’m checking.”
I closed my eyes.
“Please don’t charge me anything. I never agreed to this dinner.”
“I understand. We would need your authorization before charging you.”
I asked whether Vanessa was still eating.
“Yes. They’re finishing dessert.”
An idea came to me, although looking back, it was a theatrical way of handling a situation that deserved a simple no.
“Your website mentioned the Greek tradition of plate-breaking entertainment for private events.”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Do you still offer that?”
“Occasionally. We have inexpensive breakaway plates and a protected area. There is a separate entertainment fee.”
“Could I arrange it when I arrive? I’ll pay that fee myself.”
