“CEO’s Bl1nd Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

“CEO’s Bl1nd Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.   

“CEO’s Blind Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.   

“CEO’s Blind Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.  

“CEO’s Blind Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.   

“CEO’s Blind Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.   

“CEO’s Blind Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.   

“CEO’s Blind Date Never Showed — What He Did Next Made a Widow Believe in Love Again”

20 minutes. She’s 20 minutes late. Maybe she’s stuck in traffic. Maybe.    Of course, should have known. Nobody wants dinner with a calendar invite. Fine. Fine. Just fine. Not worth sitting here looking pathetic. Who is she talking to?  You’d have ordered the trout again.    Every year, the trout.

Even after they stopped making it well. I still  come. Every single year, a little know why.  That’s Mrs. Sorrell. Same table, same night, every year. What happened to him? Passed a few years back.  Alone, every time.  To keep coming back to an empty chair. I’m sorry to intrude. My date didn’t show.

Would you mind if I sat, just for a bit? I’d rather not eat standing at a bar.  That’s his chair. I still order for him.  I don’t think that’s foolish. I think that’s love that didn’t get the memo to stop.  That’s a kind way to put it. He proposed  at this table. Dropped a whole tray of glasses right as he got down on one knee.

 Sounds like the glasses got more attention than the ring.    I said yes before I even looked at it.   What about you? Why was tonight’s date a no-show?  Maybe she found out who I am before she found out who I actually am. And who are you, actually?  Just a man who hasn’t sat this long listening to someone’s story in longer than I’d like to admit.

 You never told me your name.  Dorian.  Let me get this.  It’s the least I can do.  Absolutely not. Tonight, let someone else take care of the table.    He would have liked you, Dorian. Thank you for an evening I didn’t know I needed.  Same table, next year?  You’d come back? Dorian, what are you doing here?  You mentioned the bakery once.

 Took me a while to track it down.  You remembered that?  I remember most things you tell me, Margo. That surprises you?  Most people don’t. This place was his idea. I kept it running after after everything.  It shows. Every corner of it feels like care.   Everything all right, Margo?  Just paperwork.

 Nothing worth Nothing worth ruining coffee over. Anonymous business grant? Fully covers next quarter’s lease? Strange thing happened yesterday. Anonymous grant covered my whole lease.  That’s wonderful news, Margo.  It was you. Wasn’t it?  Yes.  I don’t need charity, Dorian. Especially

not secret charity.  It wasn’t charity. It was  It was you deciding for me.  I only wanted to help. I should have just asked.  Yes, you should have.    Haven’t seen Mrs. Sorrell’s friend around lately.  I made a mistake, Desmond. A big one.  it. Don’t just sit here telling me.  Dorian, it’s late.

 I know. I just needed to say something properly this time. I didn’t help because I thought you couldn’t manage. I helped because I couldn’t stand watching you carry it alone.  That’s still not your choice to make.  You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked what you needed instead of deciding for you.

  I just didn’t know how else to be close to you.  You could have just stayed.  He really would have liked you, you know.  I’d like to think I’m growing on too, not just his memory. You are, slowly.   You are the worst delivery boy I’ve ever hired.  You didn’t hire me. I volunteered.

 Exactly my point.   No empty chair tonight.    No. Just us.    Same table every year, huh? Every year, same table.  Some things are worth keeping.     Margot, I know I’m not the first table you’ve sat at, but I’d like to be the last one you never  have to sit at alone.

 Yes, Dorian, yes.  You didn’t even let me finish asking.    You’re the reason I walked over that night.    You’re getting a seat at the wedding, Desmond. Front row. I’d better get a good table.   Dinner at the bakery tonight. I’m making the trout. Don’t be late.

 You actually made the trout.  Someone told me love doesn’t get a memo to stop. Figured I’d cook for two people who feel that way about me.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted to.  This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.  You didn’t have to do this.  I wanted  to.

This chair isn’t empty anymore, Dorian. I want it to stay that way.    I never thought I’d let a CEO near my books.  I never thought I’d want to spend my Tuesday nights doing bakery spreadsheets. Turns out love changes the paperwork you enjoy.    I found you in a chair. I intend to earn my place in every chair beside you from now on.

  I intend to let you.