It was a hard rain. The type of rain that soaks you through, soaks you even though you're wearing an overcoat. I had never felt so wet before.
I managed to make it through the door to the restaurant and stood there in the foyer, dripping. The water poured off my hat onto my collar, down my overcoat, and on to my already drenched feet. I shook the water off and best I could and stared out the front window. This rain wasn't going to let up soon.
It was 9 o'clock and I hadn't really had anything to eat since that late lunch with my clients. God, I hate business trips.
The podium was empty, but soon a middle-aged woman in a dark dress walked over to it and asked how many were in my party.
"Just one," I replied, trying to look dry.
"Follow me," she said and picked up a menu and began walking away.
I followed her. The restaurant was dimly lit, probably in a fashion the owner thought would represent romance and intrigue. There were not many patrons in the place, quite understandable considering the weather.
The woman seated me in a little alcove on the side of the restaurant. There was only one other table where another lone man sat. A window looked out toward the parking lot, but all that could be reasonably seen was the sheet of rain.
The woman left and shortly a waiter appeared. I order a steak, rare, but not bloody, a baked potato and some coffee.
The waiter scurried off. I looked at the wine list.