Chloe's face changed.
“How do you know that?”
“I heard Derek.”
The server laughed.
Sam continued.
“And even if she hadn't paid anything, you shouldn't talk to anyone like that.”
“Sam.”
“No.”
The word surprised even him.
Margaret saw it.
A young employee with no authority had just contradicted someone who could make his work life miserable.
He swallowed.
Then continued.
“She is somebody's mother.”
The restaurant went quiet.
“Somebody's grandmother. Somebody cares whether she gets treated like a human being.”
Chloe's eyes hardened.
“This isn't a discussion.”
She pointed toward the lobby.
“Return to your duties.”
Sam did not move.
“Get back to work or you don't have a job.”
The threat landed.
Margaret saw fear flicker across his face.
Not imaginary fear.
Rent fear.
Medical-bill fear.
The kind of fear people with money routinely underestimate.
Sam looked at Margaret.
Then at Chloe.
“If that's the choice, fine.”
Chloe blinked.
“What?”
“My mother would be ashamed of me if I stood here and laughed.”
Nobody spoke.
Chloe said, “Go.”
Sam turned.
Margaret followed him several steps into the lobby.
“Sam.”