I quickly perused the menu, which was chock-full of expensive but delicious items, the descriptions of which made my mouth swim. Excitement brimming in me, I said, “I think I’ll have the lobster bisque to start, and then the fillet mignon.”Mark’s grin narrowed. In actuality, would you mind beginning with a house salad? Be brief. You really intend to reduce your weight, right? The next time we visit, perhaps you’ll wear that gorgeous red dress I have my eye on.” His remarks resembled a slap. I felt a sharp blush of humiliation as I looked around. Did he think of this as a joke? However, I could tell he was serious by the steely glitter in his eyes. “Mark, it’s our anniversary,” I quietly objected. “I thought—
”He cut the waiter off with a wave, saying, “You thought wrong.” “I’ll have the Chateaubriand, medium rare, and my wife will have the house salad. and a bottle of your finest red wine.” The waiter paused and gave me a pitying look. “Very well, sir.”With a sad heap of green salad in front of me, I swallowed my rage. Mark relished each morsel of his opulent dinner, showcasing the tenderness of the steak and the depth of the sauce.
