Chapter 13 - THE MAN WHO ASKED FOR A SECOND CHANCE
Arthur visited Maria's Table on a rainy Tuesday.
He arrived without bodyguards.
Without a chauffeur.
Without the expensive suit that had once made strangers lower their voices.
He wore a dark sweater and an ordinary coat.
Nora looked up from the counter.
“Arthur?”
He smiled.
“Is there a table available?”
She laughed.
“For you?”
He nodded.
“Preferably one that doesn't seat twenty people.”
Nora led him to a small table near the window.
He ordered pasta.
Of course.
When she brought it, he looked at the bowl.
Then at her.
“Smells like home.”
Nora smiled.
“That's the idea.”
They talked for a long time.
About Ethan.
About the restaurant.
About Arthur's ongoing efforts to rebuild his life.
He told her he had sold several businesses and was focusing on legitimate investments under independent oversight.
Nora listened.
Then asked:
“Are you happy?”
Arthur considered.
“I don't know yet.”
She nodded.
“That's honest.”
He smiled.
“I'm learning.”
For a moment, they sat quietly.
Then Arthur said:
“Nora, I owe you an apology.”
She looked up.
“For what?”
“For waiting so long to tell the truth.”
Her expression softened.
“I know.”
“And for believing that helping you meant deciding what was best for you.”
Nora smiled faintly.
“You did have that problem.”
Arthur laughed.
“Yes.”
He looked at her.
“I'd like to know you better.”
Nora's heart accelerated.
“As what?”
Arthur hesitated.
“As someone who has no intention of telling you what to do.”
She laughed.
“That's a promising start.”
He smiled.
“Would you have dinner with me sometime?”
Nora looked around her restaurant.
“Arthur.”
“Yes?”
“We're having dinner.”
He laughed.
“Then perhaps somewhere you don't have to cook.”
Nora smiled.
“One date.”
Arthur nodded.
May you like
“One date.”
And for the first time in years, he looked forward to something that had nothing to do with power.
