Penelope’s evening just seems to grow more complex, but then a straightforward meal with David becomes a voyage of startling revelations that upend all she has ever known about her family and herself. What started out as a dinner party suddenly turns into a stage for shocking discoveries that might alter her life forever.Have you ever experienced a disastrous date? Yes, I agree. This one had a great beginning, but let’s just say the ending took a turn I didn’t anticipate. Thus, it all started in the public library on what appeared to be a typical day.

That’s how I got to know David. He asked me about my favorite novels, a conversation starter with his teacherly charm. Before I knew it, we were having a serious conversation on anything from contemporary sci-fi to classic literature. Meeting someone who could follow my rambling thoughts was pleasant.

David suddenly asked me out during our conversation—not that question, but a dinner date. “What’s your favorite restaurant?” he inquired. I recall chuckling quietly, a little shocked by his candor.

“My favorite place is a bit much for a first date,” I said in response, but I told him about it in the end. I save this beautiful place for self-indulgence or for commemorating personal achievements. You don’t usually spend $600 on supper, after all.

But since I wanted our first visit to be easygoing, I recommended a hip Mexican restaurant that was about midway between us. “They have over 300 tequilas and tacos with handmade tortillas that are to die for,” I said, winking. It’s also quite affordable.

David paid close attention, but he insisted on picking the location. As much as I desired those incredible tacos, I also respected his initiative. In large cities with terrible traffic, compromise is essential, particularly if you reside on different ends of the spectrum.

Let me now talk about my favorite eatery. It’s this amazing spot where bite-sized morsels of paradise are served alongside drinks created by James Beard award-winning mixologists. I occasionally visit there just to have a beverage and take in the opulent atmosphere.

After some deliberation, David unexpectedly insisted on going to my favorite upscale restaurant. Who was I, after all, to argue? After all, it’s my favorite location. So we left.

The evening got off to a lovely start. We had appetizers, which were the delicious small bits I mentioned before, and the cocktails were still captivating.

Dinner was served, dish after beautiful dish, with lots of laughing and vibrant talk. We even had dessert, which is something I don’t usually do unless it’s a very memorable event. I thought that we were having a great time.

But, my, how the evening changed. Upon settling the substantial cost, which naturally over $600, an unforeseen event transpired.

Out of habit, my card slid out of my bag and fell onto the table. After David took it up, things started to go strange. Instead of just giving it back, he gave it a close inspection.

Then he did something that made my stomach turn to gravel—before setting the card down, he looked over every detail and said, “You should be careful with this.”

Now that I think about it, perhaps he meant good, perhaps not. However, at the time, it seemed like a serious infringement of my privacy. Why would he have to look at my card with such disinterest? Is there any way he could have returned it without making such a comment?

I stopped the night swiftly, feeling humiliated and angry at the same time. Though a little stiffly, I thanked him, got into a cab, and as soon as I got home, I blocked him. Nothing—not a call, not a text.

After discussing the situation with a friend today, they remarked that perhaps I had been too hard on David. They made the argument that I might have simply asked him about it and that he could have had a legitimate purpose for looking at my card.

However, at the time, all I could think about was how he had completely wrecked the evening and my mood. And so, as I was still mulling over the disastrous meal, life decided to give me another unexpected turn of events.

David was standing outside my house just two days after I had hit the block button on him. Yes, you did indeed hear that. He appeared uncomfortable and contrite, as though he had something crucial to say.