The scent of sizzling patties and melted cheese hung heavy in the air of the little burger joint. It wasn't glamorous, but it was private enough for them to gather without eyes or ears on them. Chloe slid into the red leather booth first, Zoe right beside her, while Melinda and Diana sat across the table.

A greasy paper basket of fries sat in the middle, untouched. Nobody was hungry; the weight of the conversation pressed heavier than food.

"So..." Diana broke the silence, her voice calm but ...