The young ma tre d'h tel politely told me that it was Valentine's Day and he was completely booked. He suggested that I could order from room service. I returned to my room and put on my black Armani suit and Ferragamos. Then I reappeared at the half-empty restaurant where the same ma tre d'h tel ushered me to an excellent table by the window. I'll never know or care.
Many people dress casually to eat there.
Our manager did, in fact, recognize Ms. Kemp upon her return and he, too, is very sorry for any inconvenience she suffered. Ultimately, we experienced several cancellations and were therefore able to seat her promptly upon her return. Freedom from the world for a while, suspended in anonymity what bliss. I look at such men with pity, stuck in their uniforms as businessmen or regular guys, while I can be anyone I want, sitting mysteriously at my table, twirling my wineglass, gazing into the limitless distance. My husband was away and I decided to go to dinner alone.