“I have to go.”

“Nora, if you hang up on me again—”

I ended the call and pushed the phone deep into my apron pocket before he could finish.

Ten minutes later, a green farm truck pulled up to the stand, and Carl climbed out, his denim shirt stained with corn silk.

He bought two dozen ears for ten dollars cash, handed the bills straight to Ben, and watched quietly as Ben smoothed the money out on his thigh.

“That makes forty-eight dollars, Mom,” Ben said, looking down at his feet before smiling up at Carl.