Ruth nodded. “Sounds like a great idea!”
Another smile passed between us. I beckoned the server and cleared our bill.
Then we headed out of the restaurant, joined my convoy in the driveway, and merged into the afternoon's traffic.
During the ride, Ruth talked about her latest harvest and I told her about today's test flight operations.
Suddenly, the car stopped.
We didn't realize we'd arrived at Everyone Mall.
I stepped out of the car and glanced around the underground parking lot, my thoughts drifting to the last time I was here (with the kids).
We'd narrowly escaped Alec.
“Mabel?” Ruth called.
She was standing near the elevator. I jolted from my reverie and hurried over to her.
After we stepped into the elevator, the door closed, and we began our smooth ascent.
With a soft din
