Chapter 14
The industrial dishwasher gurgled and the last of the huge pots clanked as the women stored them away. The chiller door opened and closed behind Hana with a hiss, disgorging plate-laden women with leftovers from the guests’ meal. Miriam wiped down the steel counters around the sink and the staff filtered home.
Hana looked away as Miriam paid the women in crisp bank notes and tried to hide as much of the macaroni beneath her fork as she dared. The last member of staff nodded to Hana and her lips quirked upward in a smile. An older woman, her olive skin crinkled like a worn tissue, but her acknowledgement radiated genuine kindness. “I’ll get off home,” she said. Her gaze strayed to Hana’s belly and she winked. “You’re eating for two,” she whispered, leaning closer and watching M
