Variant 1 You could have come first and won the race if you … faster

"At Antoine's. At seven", the woman`s voice said at the other end of the phone.

"At Antoine's, at seven", I repeated. I always repeat such information on the phone in case I haven't heard correctly. Not that I`m hard at hearing, but it's better that way.

"Very well, then. I`ll be expecting you”, she replied. "Just a moment. How will I recognize you?”, I asked. I was trying to imagine what she looked like. Her voice suggested someone in her early 30s. There was something, smooth, but at the same time hard about that voice, something that goes with diamonds and an expensive education.

"You won't have to. Just don't be late... Antoine's was one of those new style French places that specializes in very high prices and very small portions.

"Yes, sir? Have you got a reservation?" the head waiter asked as soon as I came through the door. I could see the inside of the place was as empty as the car-park.

"No, but I don't think I'll need one ... I answered. The waiter smiled. He looked at my old sports jacket and not very new shoes. "I'm afraid we are fully booked this evening", he said.

“It's all right. I think the gentleman is looking for me", the woman's voice said.