I arrived twenty minutes early for dinner. I couldn’t help myself. Spying a meter across the street from the restaurant, I eased into the spot and got comfortable. Keeping one eye on the digital clock, I watched the traffic blow by, studying the passing cars. I knew Troy would be driving in from Malibu, so he would be coming from the north down Ocean Drive to Capo. Even though the sun had just gone down over the ocean horizon, the tourists were out in force, driving their neon-colored convertibles distractedly as they still tried to take in the view.

There was just something not that cool about Santa Monica. Having not grown up in California, I had always expected Santa Monica to be glamorous, but it really wasn’t that impressive a place. Most movies set in California were shot in Miami Beach. Anybody wanting to make Santa Monica glamorous should really look to the redevelopment of South Beach as a guide.

Finally, after sitting in my car for twenty-eight minutes, I decided that eight after eight was the time to go in. I’d order a drink at the bar and try not to look like a high-end prostitute.

I had never been to Capo, but I knew of it by reputation as one of the most expensive places to eat in LA. The owner was some rich guy who wouldn’t advertise or go after coverage in magazines. He wanted the word of mouth about the food and exclusivity to be restricted to a choice clientele.

I stepped inside and waited for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. I was surprised to see Troy there, seated at the bar. He must have beaten me by quite a while. I couldn’t believe it. Maybe he was really looking forward to the date, too.

He made a slight move to get up and I met him halfway for a hello kiss. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” I said. “I’m never late.”

Troy smiled. “I just got here. Don’t worry. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” He was regarding me so intently that I got a little uncomfortable. “So, what are you drinking?” I asked.

“I’ve really gotten into drinking this heavy, dramatic wine. Have you ever had a Barolo?”

“No. I usually drink white wine,” I answered.