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“Or not,” Katherine laughed. “Where is Mom, anyway? Antiquing with Andie or volunteering in Georgie’s classroom?”

“Water aerobics,” he said, shaking his head the way he did every time his wife got herself involved in something new.

“Interesting.”

Jerome chuckled. “You could call it that if you like.”

** *

As Katherine’s old two-toned truck rumbled to a stop in the diner parking lot, she glanced at the clock on the dash. She hated being late.

“Hey, sleeping beauty, glad you could join us!” Beth Ann called out as Lucy and Lyla laughed.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be so late.”

“Don’t sweat it. We had everything under control.”

“Thanks,” Katherine said, hurrying into the kitchen, zipping past Zach with a quick wave before she went to hide behind a row of shelves loaded with boxes and plastic bins.

“Just so you know, we will be expecting big fat bonuses on our next paychecks!” Beth Ann called out with a laugh, having followed Katherine into the kitchen. That’s when Katherine’s head popped out from behind the shelf, and Beth Ann saw thetears in her eyes. “Oh my gosh, Katherine, are you crying?” Beth Ann rushed over to her side. “What happened?”

“Nothing happened.” Katherine sniffled. “That’s just it.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Forget it. It’s nothing.”

“How can I? You never cry. Not even when—” Beth Ann stopped herself. “Well… ever.”

Then, Katherine laughed, confusing Beth Ann even more.

“And now it’sfunny?”

“No.” Katherine wiped the tears from her face. “It’s not funny.”

“I’m so confused right now.” Beth Ann looked to Zach for answers, but he only shrugged. “There’s gotta be something we can do to help. Anything. You name it.”

“There’s nothing you can do. I’ll be fine, I promise. I just need a minute.” Katherine slowly inhaled and exhaled, but it didn’t help. “You should get back out there for the last of the breakfast customers.”

Beth Ann hesitated, looking like she wanted to hug Katherine.

“Alright,” she said reluctantly. “And you’re sure you’ll be okay?”

“I’ll be fine.”

As the rest of the morning passed by in a busy blur, Katherine was glad she came to The Copperwall, convinced that if she’d stayed home, mulling over what had happened, she would’ve driven herself half crazy. Work had always been a welcome escape and today was no different.

After the lunch rush, and the diner emptied out, Katherine pulled a wad of bills from her pocket and stuffed them into Beth Ann’s hand. “Here, split this with Zach and the girls. Consider it the bonus that won’t be on your next paycheck.”

Beth Ann looked down at the money. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. You guys deserve a little something extra. Now go and enjoy your freedom,” Katherine insisted. “I’m closing the diner early.”

“What about dinner?”

“Dinner service is canceled. I’ll leave a note on the door.”

As Beth Ann’s eyes bulged, Lucy and Lyla quietly gasped from behind the counter. “But Katherine—”