Page 43 of Evil Bones
“As always.”
“What about those Kelly-green seersucker pants you bought?”
“A momentary lapse in judgment.”
“You wore them.”
“Only once.”
“Ciao,” I said.
“Ciao,” Ryan said.
“And don’t worry,” I added. “Paw patrol will be sorted by the time you arrive.”
If only that had proven true.
CHAPTER 10
Charlotte has a plethora of trendy breakfast spots. The RedEye Diner. The Flying Biscuit. Café Monte French Bakery & Bistro. Ruthie insisted on the Original Pancake House. Though not a bold choice, I was good with it.
So. At eight o’clock the next morning, I was sitting in a booth opposite my daughter and great-niece, struck by how much they resembled each other. Both were tall and lanky, with green eyes and blond hair, Ruthie’s long and braided, Katy’s in a practical boy cut.
I sensed tension. The two were largely ignoring each other.
Katy had ordered the apple pancake. Which arrived looking large enough to feed Great Britain. I’d gone with the cherry crepes.
After lengthy consideration involving a great deal of sighing, Ruthie had finally decided on the ham and cheese omelet. Having eaten maybe two bites, she’d planted an elbow on the table, cradled her head in her palm, and commenced macerating the remains of the egg concoction.
I raised my brows in question to Katy.
She raised hers back to me.
“Would you like something different?” I asked Ruthie.
“No.” Poking again at the yellow mess oozing over the edge of her plate.
Our waitress reappeared and waggled the stainless-steel coffee pot she clutched in one hand. Her name badge saidHelen.
We all nodded.
“Would the young lady like to place another order?” Helen asked the young lady with a note of disapproval.
“I’m good,” Ruthie said.
“Shall I clear the table?”
“Yes, I think we’re done,” said Katy, while tapping her iPhone screen to check the time. “Then please bring the check.”
We fell silent as Helen stacked plates, balanced utensils on them, and withdrew.
Talk had been sparse throughout the meal, so I gave conversation another go.
“Are you enjoying your stay in Charlotte?”
Jesus, Brennan. What’s the kid supposed to say?
Ruthie shrugged.
