Marina glanced at him, then quickly looked away.
Kendall stepped back from the counter.
That’s when Reggie walked out from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. He nodded once at the young man and said, “You got this.”
The kid hesitated. Then stepped forward and spoke to Marina.
“Uh, can I get the catfish combo with greens instead of fries?”
His voice barely carried. Marina tapped the screen. “That it?”
He nodded.
As she rang it up—$12.43—Darius watched her glance over at Kendall, who didn’t return her look. He just turned away, arms crossed.
“Order up in ten,” Marina mumbled.
“Thanks,” the kid said. Then he stepped aside, clutching the receipt like it might fly away.
Darius had seen enough.
—
When the line cleared, he walked over to the counter and looked Marina dead in the eye.
“You know who that was?”
She blinked. “No. Should I?”
“Name’s Isaiah Penn. Just started the shelter program last week. Came here on recommendation.”
Marina’s mouth opened slightly.
“Oh.”
“He’s not dangerous. He’s not broken. He’s just trying to start over. Like a lot of people who’ve worked here.”
He waited. Let the words settle.
Marina’s face changed. Not dramatically, but just enough. A flicker of guilt, maybe understanding.
“He looked like he wanted to disappear,” she said softly.
Darius nodded. “That’s how most people feel when the world makes them feel small.”
She looked down. “I’m sorry. I mean it.”
