“Hey, thanks for inviting us,” Taylor said as Drew pulled her chair out for her. “I don’t know if I’d have the patience for the line out there.”

“The public knows a good thing when they see it.” Emma smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks for coming.”

“Cain,” Taylor said, “Emma, this is my husband, Drew.”

Drew shook both their hands, then put his arm around Taylor. “I’ve never been here before.”

“If you like beer and ale, we’ve got a good selection. That goes for whiskey as well.” One of the waitresses came and took their order, leaving them with only the noise of the crowd. “We wanted to meet you to talk about Lucy and Hannah,” Cain said as Emma nodded.

“What about Lucy and Hannah?” Drew asked, glancing at Taylor as if waiting for her to clue him in.

“I’m not sure, but they’ve gone from best buddies to Hannah not saying much at home. Did Lucy mention what the problem might be?” She didn’t need to look at Emma to know exactly what she was thinking from the way she was gripping her thigh. The two assholes sitting with them were like guppies swimming in a shark tank desperately trying not to be noticed.

“Lucy asked to spend some time with Drew’s mom, so we sent her ahead of the upcoming break. She wasn’t in school today, so I’m not sure about any problem.” Taylor leaned in to her husband, and they didn’t appear to be a couple on the verge of splitting up. “Hannah didn’t say anything to you?”

“No, but I’m sure it’ll blow over,” Emma said. “Maybe Hannah’s just feeling a little off.”

“They’re just kids,” Drew said as if that answered everything. “If there’s something, it’ll be forgotten by the time everyone gets back.”

“Where does your mom live?” Cain asked and received a lost look from both of them. “Is it a secret?”

“No, I just don’t know why that’s important,” Drew said, finally seeming to remember he had a mother and where she lived. “But it’s outside Atlanta.”

“It’s good Lucy has somewhere to go that she likes. There’s nothing like spending time with the one person who lives to spoil you,” she said, and Emma squeezed her leg again.

“Sorry to cut this short, but we’ve got another stop tonight,” Taylor said, grabbing Drew by the bicep and practically lifting him out of his seat. “Happy Mardi Gras.”

“Same to you,” Emma said and neither of them stood. “It’s a shame Hannah won’t get to see Lucy before we go.”