I Asked the Waiter to Split the Check

got out and opened the passenger door.

She slid in and shut it quickly, like she was sneaking out of school.

“Mom?”

She stared straight ahead.

“I didn’t drive,” she said. “Your father wanted us all in one car.”

That tracked.

“So I need a ride home. But not home-home.”

I waited.

She pressed her fingers to her mouth for a second, then dropped them in her lap.continue reading …