He hadn’t changed his order, just added hers in as well. Did that mean he wasn’t really considering her opinions?

“Am I responsible for how you feel and are you responsible for how I feel?”

— Kayla Levin “How to Glow” Ep:148

Shira glanced to either side and exhaled, relieved. The tables immediately to her side were empty. Would the quiet last, though? People loved Evita, and dinner hour was just starting.

She looked at Ephraim, who was studying the menu. Eating out had been his idea, and she didn’t know Chicago well enough to suggest another indoor space that was more private. Still, she wanted to kick herself. Why hadn’t she said anything?

It was awkward, pretending to be a normal couple and going out to eat as if the past week hadn’t happened.

“What do you think? Poutine and autumn risotto for apps, or swap the risotto for Spanish riblets?” Ephraim looked up from the menu. It didn’t seem like he had any problem pretending. Shira picked up her menu. Was she usually so spaced out? Or did she usually just let Ephraim lead? She dragged her finger down the list of apps, randomly stopping.

“I want the sweetbreads,” she said.

Ephraim raised an eyebrow.

“You like sweetbreads?”

She knew it was an organ meat,  but she could never remember which one. Were they gross? She didn’t care.

“Sure.”

Ephraim gave a small shrug. “Okay, we’ll get that, too.”

Was it that easy to speak up? But did this even mean anything? He hadn’t changed his order, just added hers in as well. Did that mean he wasn’t really considering her opinions? She looked back at the menu, focusing on the mains now.

“And I’ll have the Bondiola steak.”

Ephraim nodded and summoned the waiter.