Riley brought me a plate of food to the back of the kitchen. “Thanks,” I muttered, focused on finishing my prep work. He didn’t say anything, just floated off to join the camaraderie going on in the family room. While I was cleaning so I could go on break, Eli approached me, shaking a paper bag so I could draw a name. Mack. Great. I showed the slip of paper to Eli who scribbled our names down, then I pocketed it.
I refilled my tea, grabbed my plate, and clocked out before slipping out the back door. I headed for my spot in the bushes, enjoying the peace and the breeze. The wind gave the Florida heat a nice chill that almost made it feel like it was in fact November.
After I finished my food, I set my empty plate aside and lit a cigarette. I could see people coming and going through the
