The man reached into his wallet and pulled out a ten-dollar bill and two singles. He placed them in the check holder with a stiff motion and muttered, “Keep two.” Then he shoved his chair back with a loud scrape, stood up, and adjusted the sleeves of his jacket like the conversation had ended with the payment.
Andrew stepped forward to clear the table, but paused. The taller girl—the one with the tote—didn’t stand. She slid back into the booth instead. Slowly. Quietly. She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a small fistful of crumpled bills. She added a five, then a two, and finally a few coins, counting them deliberately.