The others solemnly concurred as they filed past Hawkins and Joey, who just as solemnly said, “Bless you, my children.”

“I hope God doesn’t punish us for impersonating nuns and priests,” Kayla said, her voice ringing with worry.

“Too late now,” Slick replied, as they headed through the door. She started to giggle. “We do look like a line of penguins.” The others tried not to laugh in case any of Sam’s neighbors were watching.

One by one, they climbed into the oversize van and buckled up. Joey started up the van, and off they went.

Sam stared through the window. It was a beautiful, warm, summer evening. It would be cool on the mountain. They’d probably be wearing sweatshirts or sweaters if they were still there. She looked down at her watch. They would have been waiting for Kyros to serve dessert right about then. Her eyes started to burn as she listened to the women chattering away.

Sam felt a gentle hand on her arm. It was Slick. “You okay, Sam?”

“I’m okay. No, that’s a lie, Slick. I don’t understand any of this. Do I wear some invisible sign that tells people to reject me? Do I smell? Am I offensive?”

“You’re none of those things, Sam, and you know it. It’s Pappy. He made it personal. You got under his skin, and he didn’t know what to do about it, so he bounced you. It’s that simple, and that’s how you have to think of it so you can move on. Not right now because you’re hurting. If there’s anything any of us can do, all you have to do is ask. We’re here for you.”

“I know, Slick. Thanks.” Sam turned back to the window and the gentle breeze wafting through. Exhaust fumes sifted through, too. Not pleasant. She closed the window and leaned her head back against the headrest. She thought about Alpha and how frightened he was when he saw all the women in the black habits. He’d run to the bathroom and hidden behind the door. No amount of coaxing could get him to come out either. They’d scratched the Seeing Eye dog part of the caper and left. She hoped he would be all right alone.

Ten minutes later, Joey shouted to be heard all the way in the back of the van. “Okay, ladies, we’re here, and, as usual, there are no parking spaces. I’ll drop you all off and ride around until I find a suitable space. We’re early, and that’s a good thing. It will allow us to set up and arrange the table to our satisfaction.”