“Actually, I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
“This one’s really on the house,” she said.
I looked at Christopher.
He nodded once.
“Then I’ll take it.”
Nobody discussed engagements or investments. Victoria asked how I’d found Benny. Steven asked how long Frank and I had been married.
“Then I’ll take it.”
For once, accepting kindness didn’t feel like owing anyone.
Before I left, I walked to the chalkboard near the door.
DOGS WELCOME.
I turned back to Christopher.
“If you keep that sign, mean it.”
He held my gaze.
“If you keep that sign, mean it.”
“I will.”
“Good.”
***
The next morning, Benny and I went back to the cemetery.
I set fresh flowers beside Frank’s grave, then lowered myself carefully onto the bench nearby.
“You missed quite a day,” I said.
Benny settled against my shoe.
“Good.”
