“Kate, Daniel, it was a pleasure meeting you,” Isaac said, standing up. “But my companion and I must now continue on our journey.”

Kristin flushed at the obvious slight and I wondered why the man had left her out.

Daniel didn’t seem to notice. “Are you leaving town?” he asked, standing and shaking the men’s hands.

“Yes, but I’m fairly certain we’ll see you again,” Mr. Big said. “Life is a journey, after all. Miss Kristin, it was a pleasure to meet you as well, and pardon my companion’s rudeness.” Isaac fumbled with his coat, pulling a ragged hood over his head, ignoring Mr. Big’s comment.

Kristin shrugged and smiled at him. Her smile was luminous, and I could see how she had enchanted Daniel. “Please come back if you ever need a hot meal. You know we’re here.”

He nodded. “You are indeed, Miss Kristin. Until next time, Daniel, Kate.”

We waved and watched them go out into the storm.

“’Mr. Big?’” I asked, laughing at last.

“It’s not his real name, but he said that’s what it translates to,” Daniel said.

“What language?” I asked.

“He didn’t say,” he said. He turned to Kristen, frowning. “I’m sorry they were rude to you. I don’t know what their deal was.”

She pouted a bit, but Daniel’s hug seemed to cheer her. I tried not to watch the exchange, choosing instead to bus the remaining tables.

“Kate, don’t worry about it. We’ve worked an hour past our volunteer time; other people will be in to clean up,” Kristen said.

“Do you want a ride home? I’m staying at Kristin’s tonight,” Daniel said.

“Thanks,” I said, depositing the dishes into the bus tray.

As the three of us prepared to head out into the storm, I took a deep breath and looked around the dining room, marveling; I had survived.

* * *

Kristin’s apartment was close to the homeless shelter, and she said she had to “get something ready” before Daniel came over. She giggled as she said it, and my insides clenched. We dropped her off, Daniel kissing her messily before she got out. I watched the rain fall.

“Are you going to get in the front seat, or am I going to drive Miss Daisy?” he asked, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

I grinned. “It’s raining like hell, and I kinda like this. Home, James!”

Daniel laughed. “You know, you were great tonight.”

“Thanks. I’m glad I did it. And it was good to spend some quality time with Kristin,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t notice that the latter was a blatant lie.

“Yeah, she’s great, but I don’t know. I’m not sure if it’ll last,” he said, stopping at a red light.