Ms. Tina pauses mid-step, her expression softening with something between pride and nostalgia. “A waste?” she repeats gently, shaking her head. “Oh no, Ms. Kind. Once everyone eats, the leftover food is packaged and taken to a shelter. The entire Grimes family has done this every day for nearly fifteen years. Giving back is what he does. It’s also how he found us—in shelters, boarding houses, soup kitchens. Our families have been with him ever since, and we happily moved down here when he realized he needed to get away. He even purchased us homes not too far away.”

I pause, and a wave of admiration washes over me as I absorb the depth of his love, loyalty, and generosity. “Wow, that’s... incredible,” I manage, my voice tinged with awe.

Ms. Tina chuckles, her eyes twinkling with pride as she adjusts the plates. “I told you, Mr. Grimes is quite the man.”

By mid-afternoon, Ari’s cellphone buzzes from the no-touch bin. The caller ID flashes Dad, and considering his strict rule about no devices before 5 p.m., it must be urgent. My heart skips, and without overthinking, I answer the video call.

Mr. Grimes’ face appears on the screen, his expression shifting from surprise to something softer—something that feels a lot like delight. “My God, you’re beautiful,” he breathes, his eyes widening slightly as he realizes it’s me instead of Ari.

Heat creeps up my neck, coloring my cheeks. “I’m sorry for answering,” I say quickly. “I thought it might be urgent. Is everything okay?”

His features relax into a weary smile, the lines around his eyes deepening just enough to hint at exhaustion. “No, everything’s fine. It’s just been a long day.” His voice softens, warm and sincere. “What I really need is to get out of the office at a decent time so I can come home and take care of you three.”

His words land like a warm flutter in my chest that I swallow. “Um…oh yeah! Thank you for the amazing breakfast and lunch—and for the reading nook. I absolutely adore it.”

His smile grows, genuine and lingering just a moment longer than necessary. “I’m glad you do,” he says softly. After a brief pause, he adds, “Maybe we could sit down for a drink this evening? It’d be good to get to know each other a bit more, like you suggested.”

A ripple of excitement stirs in my chest. “I’d like that,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “I don’t want us to act like strangers when we go out in public.”

He chuckles, the sound low and comforting. There’s a brief silence, more comfortable than awkward, before he gives a small shake of his head as if snapping himself out of it. “Right. I actually called to speak to the girls.”

We both laugh.