The night ended with no additional discussion about Adam dating a Jewish woman. Peace had been declared. If only the Palestinians and Israelis could find peace through a speed dating compromise.
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Tracie and Adam were meeting Rob and some woman he was dating at the Dakota Grill, a trendy restaurant known for its experimental cuisine and its acclaimed jazz quartet. Tracie had never been on a double date, and she was nervous about having to talk to two people she didn’t know. She was also afraid she’d ask a dumb question about the exotic food. And what if Adam wanted to dance with her after dinner? No one had ever shown her how to properly slow dance. Convinced that she’s probably have a terrible time, Tracie sighed and put on her one remaining nice dress. It was black, floor length, made of soft wool, and clung tightly to her thin frame. She worried whether Adam would think she looked pretty enough.
She didn’t have to worry; Adam thought Tracie was irresistible no matter what she was wearing or how she looked. He’d told her that a million times, but she never believed it. Because Tracie had to drop Willem off at her sister’s place, they agreed to meet at the restaurant. Adam arrived early. Wearing black pants, a sky blue, long-sleeved silk shirt, and freshly shined shoes, Adam felt good. He wanted to show Tracie a nice time and get to meet Rob’s girl of the month. It was always fun to meet The Next Mrs. Rob Burton, as Rob called each new woman. But Tracie’s nervousness about everything made Adam apprehensive, too. He was worried about overcompensating too much in his attempt to make Tracie feel at ease.
Walking into the Dakota, Tracie’s eyes darted back and forth as she searched for Adam. She saw him and rushed over.
“Am I late?” she asked apologetically. “Have you been waiting long? Getting Willem ready and everything took more time than I thought.”
Adam smiled. “Have a cigarette. Relax. You look gorgeous,” he said in a soothing, authoritative tone.
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