“Hiya, James. To go or are you staying today?” “I’ll be staying, Emma. Good thing, too. Have you seen the sky out there?” Emma nodded. “People have been rushin’ to finish their food so they can get out before the storm sets in. You sure you don’t want to take your food to go?” I scanned the restaurant, spotting Father Mike in the corner booth. “Thanks, but I actually promised Father Mike I’d have lunch with him.” Emma eyes widened a bit. “Well, that would explain why he’s ordered nothin’ but tea since he got here. He shoulda just told me he was waitin’ on you. Head on back and I’ll be with you in a sec.” “Father,” I said, as I slid into the curved corner booth. “James.” His mouth was pulled in a straight line, not a hint of the smirk he often had. “You didn’t have to wait to order.” “I don’t mind.” He took a long slow sip of tea, looking out the window. “Looks like we have a nasty storm coming in.” Emma rushed up to the table.
