The server hovered with two chairs in his hands, eyes darting from face to face.
“So lucky," he said, trying to sound cheerful. “You all know each other?"
“We're family," Melissa answered.
The word made Martha's fingers tighten around her fork.
Derrick half rose. “If this is awkward," he said, “we can ask for another table."
“It's fine," Martha said before anyone else. “We already agreed."
Her tone left no space to argue.
The server slid in the chairs. Anna sat opposite Martha, careful of her IV line. Patrick took the seat beside her. Melissa settled on Anna's other side. Derrick sat back down next to Martha.
“Thank you for sharing," Anna said softly to Martha. “We didn't mean to bother you."
“It's a restaurant," Martha said. “Anyone can sit where they want."
Anna's shoulders hun
