We undressed at the entrance and went to a table at the back of the room. It was against the wall, so we were closed on three sides, and a trellised rack for bottles of wine separated us from the other table opposite us. Decorative, I think.

The prices here were above average, but since I share a room with strangers, I can afford to eat at least decently. Things were still tense between Reed and me, but he sat down next to me, ahead of David. He noticed this and, chuckling, landed opposite.

The order was brought to us quickly, apparently, there were few visitors. In our half of...