Kate stepped inside the heavy wooden doors of her favorite restaurant and removed her hat and gloves, her muscles automatically relaxing in the warm air. In fact, the mix of the shocking cold and deliciously warm air caused a sort of steam to rise from her shoulders.

It was nearly one in the afternoon, and the main dining area was only half full.

"How many in your party this afternoon?" the young man asked, a poise beyond his years.

"Just me and my date," the woman replied with a broad smile, transforming her face.

The host was feeling a little frisky today, and he took her smile as an opening, so he risked the next question. He leaned in. "A new relationship?"

After considering the questions for a long few seconds, the guest nodded. "Not exactly. But I have high hopes."

"Jenna - table for two. Our best table --  next to the fireplace, please. For our guest and her date," the host ordered, and here he gave the woman a quick wink. Her smile returned, showing her gratitude as she followed the hostess to her table. The waitress handed Kate a menu and set one in front of the chair across the table.

"Your waiter will be with you in just a few minutes."

"Thank you," the woman replied. She looked around the restaurant, noting the other customers in different stages of their meals. Most were small groups of two or three.

She was particularly drawn to a couple of men sitting closeby, lost in the moment to fits of laughter. They didn't seem to be able to stop, but were also not trying too hard. The men were at the stage where one could slay the other with a single word. She could practically feel her own stomach ache as she watched their laughter tumble, over and over, all control lost.

Her waiter approached, introducing himself. "Waiting for another guest, I see?"

"Actually, I am ready to order."

"Of course. Did you see our specials?"

"I did when I came in. I'd like the pecan crusted salmon, sweet potato with brown sugar, and your green beans."

"Great choice. And to drink?"

"Ginger ale, please."

"Coming up." Noting the menu, the waiter asked, "Are we still waiting?"

"Actually, you can take it," was the woman's reply. The waiter waited for the bristle, but it never came. This woman seemed unaffected by her guest not coming.

She sat and contemplated being here. The biggest thing that stood out to her, what she was most proud of, was that she was willing ask her date out. Her date was someone that she had know for such a long time, but she never gave them the time of day - never believed in them enough. She looked to everyone else. And then she realized what a treasure she was ignoring. Missing out on.

Before long, the waiter returned with the ginger ale. "Still okay?" he asked, looking at the empty chair.

"Perfectly fine," smiled the guest.

"Great." The waited gave her a look that could be interpreted as Good for you. You're not going to let this person with time management problems ruin your day.

The guest considered all of the times that she turned herself inside out to change her feelings in order to make someone else happy. She was tired of it. Done. She deserved better. Speaking of which, she realized that she seated herself looking away from the fireplace. This was actually preferred at first, as she was still cold from outside and the fire warmed her. But now, she wanted to face the fire. She stood up and switched seats, moving her ginger ale with her.

Her waiter returned with the meal. "Ah, moved to the other side of the table, I see. Here you go. I hope your guest comes soon."

"The food looks great - thank you!" The woman sat and ate her food, chewing slowly and enjoying the varied tastes and textures. Sweet potato was a special treat for her. It made her think of her grandmother, who had died years before, but had practically raised her. Her grandmother provided her such a foundation.

A man entered the restaurant. He looked around, his eyes resting for a moment on the woman's table. He smiled at her and came right over.

"Kate! What a surprise! How are you doing?" he asked. He pulled out the chair. "Do you mind?" he asked.

"Not at all. I'm well, thanks. Just enjoying a nice lunch - a little late, she laughed. I'm off work today.

The man put his hand over hers. "I was just telling some co-workers about you and your marathon time - a Boston qualifier. Most of them don't even know how long a marathon is."

"How nice of you! How's Elle? And the kids?"

"Everyone is good - recovering from the holidays. Listen, I better see if my people are here yet. Great to see you!"

"You too! You running the St. Louis half marathon this spring?"

"No - my training is trailing off lately. But I do hope to see you soon on a Saturday morning run. Bye Kate!"

"Goodbye Jason. Thanks for saying hello!" It was good to see Jason. He was, she thought, really a good friend.

Kate sat for a while, then went back to her food. She finished off the last few pieces of salmon and the green beans. The waiter returned and she ordered a slice of cheesecake with raspberry drizzle.

Kate ate each bite slowly, savoring the moment.

In no hurry, she sat a while longer before she placed her money in the leather holder.

When the waiter returned, he took the bill and her money. He then sat down across from her.

"I'm so sorry that your date stood you up today."

Kate laughed. "Listen. That's really nice of you. But my date didn't stand me up at all." She paused for a minute, not sure she wanted to explain. Then she shrugged her shoulders. "Like really. Intentionally. I took myself out to lunch."

The waiter stood. "That's fabulous! You were your own date!"

"Don't feel sorry for me either. I'm the best date that I've had in a long, long time. I've found that I'm pretty good company! As a matter of fact, I'd recommend it. If you like yourself anyway. Which I'm definitely starting to do."

"Well I feel silly. I'm glad it was good. I hope to see you again!"

"Thank you," replied Kate. "Me, too."

And she knew he would. Because before she left, she asked herself out again.