AFTER NOON MASS, I run by The Bistro for our lunch. While waiting for our order—broccoli cheddar soup for Helen, a BLT on white for me—I see Nick Hallstead standing at the counter talking to Ruby, the owner. When they’re done, Nick sees me and comes over. “Guess what, Father,” he says enthusiastically, “I just landed The Bistro’s account. Breads and desserts.”
“So Ellen Gadsby lost another client, huh?”
Nick sighs. “Yeah. Look, I feel bad about it. I mean, I know she’s been in Myerton all her life and inherited the bakery from her father. It's a town institution. But it’s not my fault if customers aren’t satisfied. I’ve got to make a living, you know?”
“Hey, I’m not criticizing at all, Nick,” I say, shaking my head. “It is unfortunate, but nothing lasts forever, even a town institution
