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Better than the photograph Sophie had already approved for release.

My phone vibrated across the table.

Rachel.

Where are you?

I typed:

Diner.

Her response arrived immediately.

Which diner?

Claire leaned over the table.

“Tell her the one with food.”

I sent the address.

Three dots appeared.

Stopped.

Returned.

Stay inside. Marcus is coming. Photographers moved to side streets.

I placed the phone facedown.

“Rachel says stay inside.”

Claire lifted a forkful of pancakes.

“Rachel finally understands me.”

We finished slowly.

Not because we needed more time.

Because nobody had asked us to leave.

The waitress brought the check and a slice of pie we had not ordered.

“Celebration,” she said.

Claire looked at me.

“You’re famous enough for free pie.”

“I’ve reached the dream.”

The bell above the door chimed.

A man entered carrying a camera.

He was not looking at us.