Maya's smile faded just slightly at her father's name. Ruth noticed. She always noticed. Before either woman could say more, the front bell jingled. Walter Green entered slowly, leaning more heavily than usual on his right leg.
Maya looked up from stacking coffee cups. You're limping worse. Walter waved her off. Good morning to you, too. Sit.
That sounded like an order. It was. Walter grinned and lowered himself into the booth nearest the counter. Ruth set a mug of coffee in front of him. No charge.
I have money. I didn't ask. Walter looked from Ruth to Maya. Everybody in this place bossy? Yes, Mia said.
No, Ruth said at the same time. Walter laughed. For a few minutes, the morning settled into something almost peaceful. Maya carried plates to a table occupied by two older warehouse workers. She refilled coffee for Leon Harris, whose wrist was now wrapped in a brace.
When Leon tried to thank her again for helping him in the rain, Maya shrugged it off. You would have done the same. Maybe, Leon said. Doesn't mean I wouldn't want somebody to say thank you. Maya gave him a small smile.
Then you're welcome. At the counter, Helen Morris was searching through her purse with growing frustration. Ruth leaned close. Everything okay? Helen forced a smile.
My pension deposits late. You want me to start a tab? No. Absolutely not. Maya heard the exchange while wiping down a table. Helen lowered her voice.
I'll just have coffee. You always get eggs. Not today. Ruth frowned. But Helen had the kind of pride that made pushing too hard feel like cruelty.
Maya said nothing. 10 minutes later, while Helen was talking with Leon, Mia stepped behind the counter and quietly placed enough cash beside Ruth's register to cover Helen's breakfast and another meal. Ruth looked at the bills, then at Maya. Mia raised one finger to her lips. Ruth shook her head slowly.
You need this more than she does. Not today, Maya. Please. Ruth stared at her for a long moment. Then she took the money.
When Helen eventually asked why her breakfast was already covered, Ruth only said, "Somebody decided you shouldn't eat coffee for lunch." Helen looked around the room. Maya was already carrying a tub of clean silverware toward the kitchen. She never looked back. Walter did.
His eyes followed her. Then they dropped to the worn black sports bag resting beneath the counter. The silver heron patch caught the morning light. Walter went still. Maya noticed as she came back.
You okay? Walter kept staring at the bag. Where'd you get that? Maya glanced down. This?