A few minutes after twelve, I walked into the small restaurant Maude had recommended. I"d managed, for the most part, to put my father"s letter out of my mind for now. I would think about it later, preferring to enjoy lunch with Maude. Restaurants in Puckhaber Falls were rare and this one was more like a small café, sandwiched between the supermarket and the hardware store. Despite the location, it was bright and clean and they served good, wholesome food.
I was delighted to discover Maude had tracked down Lonnie and she waved enthusiastically from the booth where they were already seated. One of Lonnie"s friends had joined them, a girl I"d met before I moved out to Lucas"s house and I slipped into the booth next to Maude and opposite Lonnie, who reintroduced me to Alison Whitehead.
“Lon
