In the second, the same building had been renovated twenty years later.
In the third, Ruth stood with eleven women in aprons at the restaurant’s fortieth anniversary.
Loretta Hall was third from the left.
Amber saw the photograph as soon as she entered.
Her face changed.
She stepped toward it.
Ruth watched her.
Amber lifted one hand but stopped before touching the frame.
Marcus came in behind her.
Calvin entered last.
“Your folder,” he said.
Ruth took it.
“Thank you.”
“And the card?”
Marcus looked down.
Calvin was still holding it.
Ruth said, “Give it to him.”
Marcus accepted it.
Calvin left and closed the door.
Amber remained in front of the photograph.
“That was Mom.”
“Yes.”
“How old was I?”
Ruth considered.
“Maybe thirteen.”
Amber shook her head.
“She said she worked at a hotel then.”
“She did. At night.”
Amber’s eyes moved across the women in the picture.
Marcus stood near the door.
“You knew this place?”
Amber didn’t answer.
Marcus looked at Ruth.
“Did Amber work here too?”
“No.”
Amber turned.
“I hated this place.”
Ruth’s eyebrows rose slightly.
Marcus looked confused.
“You told me you’d never been here.”
