I nodded and waited.
A dreamy look of satisfaction came over Bertha’s face. She all but smacked her lips. “Gumbo with rice,” she said, “I thought it would be light.”
“Was it?”
“It was a meal, but what a meal.”
“Had enough?” I asked. “Want to go out for a bite to eat with me now?”
“Don’t you say food to me again, Donald Lam! I’ve had my quota for the day. I’ll have some tea and toast tonight and that’ll be all.”
I said, “Well, I’m going to grab a bite to eat and stay on the job.”
“What can I do?”
“Nothing yet.”
Bertha said, “I don’t know why I’m here.”