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“That’s a little harsh,” I say.

He looks at me, grinning a little.

“Told you,” he says. “Cold-hearted son of a bitch, remember? And here you are, the compassionate sweetheart, feeling sorry for a man who treated you like crap.”

“I didn’t say I feel sorry for him,” I say. “Maybe I’m just less vengeful than you.”

“Everyoneis less vengeful than I am,” he corrects me. “So this doesn’t surprise me at all. You seem like a kind hearted person.”

“Maybe,” I say.

“You do,” he replies. “I think this is why it’s so easy to talk to you.”

The waiter returns, and I realize I haven’t looked at the menu at all. So when Elijah orders his usual — the filet - I just ask for the same.

“This place is so…fancy,” I say, looking around. “No wonder I haven’t heard of it before. I don’t think I’ve had a meal that costs more than fifteen dollars in…ever.”

“Expensive doesn’t always mean quality,” he says. “I’ve had fifteen dollar meals that taste better than hundred or even five hundred dollar meals.”

“Like what?” I ask.

“Like In-N-Out,” he replies with a grin.

“No way,” I say. “Youeat In-N-Out? When?”

“I wasn’t always wealthy, you know,” he says. “Besides. Wealthy people enjoy fast food, too. You know, I once saw Elon Musk at a Taco Bell?”

I laugh.

“Well, where are there any In-N-Outs around here, anyway?” I ask. “I haven’t had a burger since I went on a vacation to San Diego.”

“I was stationed on the West coast for a little while,” he replies. “Had so many double doubles that I got sick of them for a while. They were my go-to on my days off. A step above McDonalds, but still somewhat affordable on my salary.”

“So I guess you haven’t had them in quite a while,” I comment. “Being in New York City and all.”

“Oh, I definitely have,” he replies. “I have offices all over the country and I travel every few weeks. I, uh, may or may not have set up a location in San Diego just so I’d have an excuse to visit that area from time to time.”

I laugh.

“The perks of being the boss,” I say, shaking my head.

“Indeed,” he replies. “I love San Diego. The weather is so beautiful. I swear, people over there are justhappier.It’s the sunshine and the beach.”

“Hard to be gloomy when it’s always seventy degrees and gorgeous outside,” I agree.

“So,” he says. “How long ago was this vacation to San Diego?”

“A few years,” I say. “I was in high school, going to an orchestra competition.”

Elijah’s eyebrows skyrocket.

“Orchestra,” he says. “I’ve heard of sports competitions, but never an orchestra competition.”

“Oh, it’s brutal,” I nod. “The competition is fierce. And the scholarships are well worth it. I must have practiced until my fingers bled for the weeks leading up to the final competition.”

“What did you play?”

“Cello,” I say.