I swallow hard.
The director nods approvingly and makes notes.
Nathan chooses the most elaborate floral arrangement, and when I protest again he silences me with a look.
“This isn’t about who shows up,” he says softly. “It’s about honoring her.”
The meeting feels like it lasts for hours, and by the time we step back outside the air feels too bright and too sharp.
I feel hollow.
Nathan looks at me carefully.
“You eaten today?”
I shake my head.
He nods toward the small diner down the street.
“Come on.”
The diner bell chimes when we walk inside, and the familiar scent of grease and coffee wraps around me like something almost comforting.
We slide into a booth near the window.
“I’m not hungry,” I say before he even asks.
“Then order something small.”
“Coffee,” I reply.
Nathan o
