I don't have to ask her to know it's true. I consider answering it even though I told her I wouldn't, but I won't betray her like that. Instead, I press the power button and return the tainted device to her.
"Come with me," I say quietly.
"Where?" She's still teary from that surprising call.
"Do you trust me?"
"I - I think so."
She's standing up so at least that's something.
"You can leave your belongings here. You'll be back for them shortly."
She nods her head as I take her hand and lead her out of the restaurant. I tell the host to watch her things. The restaurant is still quiet. It's not quite lunchtime.
"You're not going to tell me where we are going?"
"Nope."
I lead her to my car and open the door for her. She climbs into my Mazda, and I can't help but think she belongs there sat next to me. I close her door and walk around my car.
When I'm behind the wheel, I grin at her.
"I promise you it's a good thing."
"Promise?"