“Thanks,” she said, holding the bill carefully by its edges.

“I know things have been tight these last couple of months,” Rory said.

He reached out and tapped her shoulder once with the back of his hand.

“Work’s finally picking up,” he said, looking straight at her face.

“I’m turning things around, Sadie.

Next week we’ll get you those shoes.”

Sadie raised her chin, her eyes widening just slightly.

“What shoes?”