“Good morning!” she said, a big smile on her face even if it was fake.

“Hi Emma,” Lisa said, followed by a similar greeting from the others.

Emma sat in the spare seat and felt awkwardly like she was in the hot seat. The others were arrayed around the table in such a way as to be all facing her, like an inquisition or a parole hearing. A waitress approached and Emma ordered coffee, everyone waited until the waitress left before speaking.

“So,” Becky began, ...