“Of course.”
Ruth waited until the waiter had gone.
“How are things with Marcus?”
“Better than they were. We have a long way to go.”
“And Brielle?”
“I’ve read her apology. I haven’t answered yet.”
Ruth nodded.
“You’ll know when you’re ready.”
Evelyn opened her menu.
The waiter returned with a basket of warm bread and placed it between them.
For several minutes, the two women discussed the park, Ruth’s new book club, and a neighbor who had adopted an enormous puppy.
Then Ruth reached for the bread.
“Evelyn, would you mind passing the butter?”
Evelyn handed it to her.
Ruth spread a little across her roll.
“Now, tell me. Are we ordering dessert?”
Evelyn smiled.
“I certainly am.”
She turned the menu over to the dessert page.
Outside, people were walking through the park in the afternoon sunshine.
Ruth began reading the choices aloud.
Evelyn listened, then pointed toward a photograph of lemon cake.
“That one,” she said.
Ruth grinned.
“Two slices?”
Evelyn nodded.
“Two.”
