Page 209 of Micah
As if summoned by the thought, Joan's phone rings.
She frowns at the screen.
“Oh no.”
She answers immediately.
“Hello?”
Her expression falls.
“My poor baby...”
She listens for another few seconds before hanging up.
“I'm so sorry, Boss.”
Her eyes fill with worry.
“Little Johnny's throwing up again and his fever is high.”
My heart sinks.
“I think he picked up some stomach bug at daycare.”
“Oh no, Joan, I’m so sorry.”
She starts pulling off her apron.
“His daddy's working nights now, so he can't leave.”
She looks absolutely miserable.
“I'm so sorry to leave you shorthanded.”
I don't hesitate.
“It's okay.”
I wave her toward the door.
“We've only got that one table left.”
I nod toward the two men nursing beers in the corner.
“I'll close up.”
“You sure?”
“I'm sure.”
She hugs me quickly.
“Thank you.”
“Go take care of your little boy.”
She hurries out.
