Page 97 of Something Like Hail

“That’s life,” Edith said,putting on a brave face. “It’s full of good and bad that isimpossible to avoid, but at least it gives us something to talkabout.”

“If there’s anything I cando…” Noah said.

“Take care of yourself.That is what I ask. You remind me of him.”

“Was he a redheadtoo?”

“No. Like you, he couldseem quiet and shy, but when the mask was taken away—“ Edith had atwinkle in her eye. “I think you are trouble. Am Icorrect?”

“I plead thefifth.”

Their food arrived. They talked more abouteach other’s pasts while eating. Noah regretted not doing thissooner. He liked Edith. She had a complicated history of her own,but it only seemed to empower her instead of dragging her down. Hewished he could say the same.

“How long do you thinkyou’ll do this work?” Edith asked when they were finishedeating.

“As long as I can. Themoney is really good.”

“Risky jobs always paywell. You are happy, at least?”

He hesitated. “I’m working on that. Areyou?”

“Oh yes! I never havetrouble sleeping at night.”

“No wonder! You work hard.I’ve seen you busting your butt at the shelter.”

“Hard work isn’t enough forme to sleep. I have to feel good about what I do.”

She didn’t sound judgmental. He didn’t eventhink the comment was directed at him. It was the simple truth. Shereceived her sense of fulfillment from the work she did. He coulduse a little more of that himself.

“I miss being at theshelter,” he said. “I don’t want to sleep there again, but Iwouldn’t mind stopping by more often. I used to help out where Icould. What if I volunteered? Is that possible?”

“Wealwaysneed more help,” Edith said.“Yes! I’m holding you to that. What time will you show uptomorrow?”

He grinned. “I’ll check my schedule.”

They ordered coffee and shared a dessert.Noah insisted on paying. He walked Edith to the parking lot andsaid goodbye, then went back inside the restaurant. He found Felixclearing their table.

“People are such slobs,”Noah said, shaking his head in disdain.

“Tell me about it,” Felixmoaned in mock exasperation. “The guy who sat here is really weirdtoo. He keeps showing up and leaving me ridiculously hugetips.”

“I know the type,” Noahsaid. “He probably wants something in return.”

Felix smiled. “Like what?”

“A goodnight kiss. I haveto work tonight, and I need to get some sleep, but what if Istopped by your place? Just for a couple minutes.”

Felix looked like he was about to faint, soNoah took the tray from him. Then he helped clear the table, onlyable to walk to the kitchen door before he was stopped.

“My boss would flip,” Felixexplained.

“I’ll get out of herebefore I get you in trouble,” Noah said, handing him the tray.“Tonight?”

“I’ll text you when I’mhome.”

“Good,” Noah said, shootinghim a wink. “See you then.”

He waited until he was in his car beforechecking his next assignment. The text had come while he was eatingwith Edith, but he hadn’t wanted to read it in front of her. Oncehe did, he couldn’t stop staring at the client’s name.