Lily looked through the window at Brad's silhouette moving among the tables. "I care more about you getting home safely than whether he decides to be angry for another five minutes. I know that may sound foolish."
"It sounds human," Margaret said. "And I am grateful."
A car drew up beside the curb. Samuel stepped out and came around with an umbrella, his concern evident before he said a word. He was about to address Margaret as Mrs. Hale when he caught the small movement of her hand. Lily barely noticed the exchange; she was studying the vehicle and realizing that the woman probably did have someone waiting to take her home after all.
"Your ride?" Lily asked.
"An old friend who looks after me," Margaret replied.
Samuel opened the rear door and waited. Margaret did not enter immediately. Instead, she took Lily's hand in both of hers, a gesture so natural that Lily felt the familiar ache of missing her own mother rise unexpectedly in her throat.
"Lily, listen carefully, all right?" Margaret said. "Whatever happens tomorrow, don't let fear decide who you are."
Lily blinked. "Why are you saying that? Did I do something wrong?"
"No."
"Then why?"
Margaret held her gaze. "Because you did something right. And people who make life difficult for others are very good at making kindness feel like a mistake."
Lily looked toward the building again. "He could take my shifts away. He could fire me. I don't know what Owen and I would do if that happened."
"I won't pretend those aren't real risks," Margaret replied. "What I can tell you is that you don't have to become cruel to survive being treated cruelly. You were respectful tonight. Remember that when someone tells you otherwise."
Lily nodded because she could not find a reply that would not make her cry. Margaret gave her hand one last squeeze and slipped into the car. Samuel closed the door, and the sedan moved slowly into traffic, leaving Lily standing beneath the awning with a paper napkin in her fingers. She watched until the taillights disappeared, then wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand before returning inside.
Brad was waiting. "That was a remarkable demonstration of priorities," he said without looking up from his tablet. "I hope your new friend offers better benefits than Golden Harbor."
Lily swallowed. "She got home safely."
"We'll talk about your attitude tomorrow," he said. "Until then, finish table nine and clear the service station."
She obeyed. She carried desserts, refilled glasses, and gave guests her usual smile, although her stomach stayed painfully tight. She did not complain when Brad assigned her an additional closing task, and she did not remind him that the delay near the entrance had been his choice rather than hers. By the time she punched out, the polished dining room was empty, the candles were extinguished, and the kitchen staff were turning off the last burners.
Priya found Lily in the locker room sitting on the narrow wooden bench. "I saw what happened," she said. "I should've said something."