Sweet potatoes.
A biscuit.
“Why are you serving me?”
Amber glanced toward the kitchen.
“Because Carmen said if I stood around giving opinions, she’d put me to work.”
Ruth smiled.
“That sounds like Carmen.”
Amber sat beside her.
Across the room, Marcus was explaining something to Maya with far too much hand movement.
Loretta was laughing with Calvin.
Ruth picked up her fork.
Amber looked down at her hands.
“I still think about that night.”
“So do I.”
“I hate that you remember me like that.”
Ruth looked at her.
“I remember you many ways.”
Amber’s eyes lifted.
“That does not get to be the only one.”
Amber swallowed.
“Thank you.”
Ruth cut a piece of chicken.
“Do not thank me yet. The greens need salt.”
Amber burst out laughing.
Marcus turned.
“What happened?”
“Your mother,” Amber said.
Ruth looked at him.
“My son.”
He walked over carrying a glass of water.
“Everybody good?”
Ruth studied him.
A year earlier, she had waited for him to defend her.
Now he did not hover.
Did not speak for her.
Did not manage the moment.
He simply asked.
Ruth nodded.
“We’re good.”
He kissed the top of her head and walked away.
