CHAPTER 5
Jack and Maya arrived at the Pancake House a little after eight. As part of their weekly ritual, Maya ordered the buttermilk pancakes. Jack wasn’t sure whether she liked the pancakes on merit or merely as a conveyance for the maple syrup she smothered them in. Sandy wouldn’t approve of all of the sugar, but Jack didn’t mind spoiling her every now and then. Since he’d been watching his cholesterol, Jack had an egg white omelet and dry whole grain toast.
“Where are we going after pancakes?” Maya inquired.
“The laundry is next. Then to the grocery and finally the hardware store,” he replied.
“Oh,” Maya sighed.
“You sound disappointed.”
“We’re not going to any kid places.”
“Where would you like to go?”
“The zoo,” she shouted.
“Sweetheart, it’s too cold for the zoo. How about
