#Chapter 73: Of Misplaced Orders and Asserted Status

Olivia The diner was alive with the usual morning bustle as the waitress approached our booth, carrying a tray of steaming food. “Here you go,” she said, setting a plate of fragrant chocolate chip pancakes in front of Nathan first. I felt my mouth start to water just looking at them; they were even bigger and fluffier than I remembered, and it seemed as though the cooks had no shortage of chocolate chips. She set a plate of bacon down next, and I sat in awe of its glimmering sheen and crispy edges. I had been excited for the chocolate chip pancakes that I also ordered, the comfort of a familiar meal to alleviate the tension that had settled between Nathan and me. Unfortunately, my anticipation deflated as the waitress set down eggs benedict in front of me. I frowned as I looked down at the plate. Nathan, already fully absorbed in spreading butter on his pancakes, didn’t notice my apprehension. “Something wrong?” the waitress asked in a low voice, cocking her head.