CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE – SHAMELESS

"So, you work in a café?" Sam said, his tone dripping with condescension. "Isn't that a bit... pedestrian? Surely a woman of your age should be thinking about a real career by now." Rebecca felt her cheeks flush with anger. "I'll have you know that managing a café is a challenging and rewarding career. Not that it's any of your business." Sam seemed taken aback by her response, but it didn't deter him for long. He launched into a monologue about his own successful business ventures, pausing only to criticize Rebecca's choice of entree and wine pairing. By the time dessert rolled around, Rebecca was counting the minutes until she could politely excuse herself. Sam, oblivious to her discomfort, was in the middle of explaining why her choice of career was holding her back in life when Rebecca finally'd had enough. "You know what, Sam?" she interrupted, standing up abruptly. "I think we're done here. Thank you for the lovely evening of unsolicited criticism and judgment. I'll be sure t