Ari followed her mother into the hospital cafeteria and stood in line. “Mom, if you tell me what you’d like, I’ll get it and you can get us a table.”

Her mother shook her head. “No.” She shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket. “I’d rather stand, if you don’t mind.” Then she lifted an eyebrow. “Why? Trying to get rid of me?”

Ari laughed. “Already thinking I have ulterior motives, Mom?”

“Well....” Celeste weaved back and forth, raising ...