I bought three new watches before dinner, and I wear each of them along my arm as we walk into the restaurant. Just myself and five of my closest friends and employees (I pay them after all) getting together to eat.

The waitress raises an eyebrow and ashes her cigarette in her coffee. I don’t think smoking inside is legal. Her energy is appreciated.

“Can I get you—“ she looks at my receptionist’s neon hair and binky necklace, “—kids started with anything?”

I lock eyes with the waitress and her mouth tightens. “I’ll take a steak with ketchup. Very well done. Do you have any coloring books for the kids?”

She takes in my shredded tie, and the Elmer’s glue stains that cover my skirt and blouse. I crack a toothy smile.

“Sure we can figure something out.” she said, before leading us to the one booth where we’ll all fit.

Eli leaned in close (from across the booth and opposite me) to whisper something in my ear. “Boss, aren’t you a vegan? I don’t get why you ordered a steak.”