For a heartbeat, no one moved.
Patrick stood in the doorway, half in shadow, half in the light from outside. Martha held the bouquet a little tighter. Derrick's hand hovered near the handle, as if he could still decide whether to open the door wider or close it.
“You're back," Patrick said.
“Yes," Martha replied.
Her voice was steady.
Derrick glanced between them, taking in the tension, saying nothing.
Patrick stepped fully out of the doorway, letting it swing behind him. A few people inside the restaurant looked over, then turned back to their meals.
“How long?" Patrick asked. “How long have you been back?"
“About twenty minutes," Martha said.
He blinked. “You just landed?"
“More or less," she said.
“And you came here," he said. His eyes flicked to Derrick. “With him."
“Yes,"
