Chapter 31. Where Are We Going?

Joan POV

“Jo, here’s a cup of coffee and burger. Figured you’d need one,” Matthew said, setting the sealed coffee cup and the burger on the counter with a casual smile.

I returned his smile. That was thoughtful of him. After the long, chaotic day I’d had, coffee felt like a lifeline.

“Thank you,” I murmured, grabbing both items as I turned to the customer waiting in front of me.

The line stretched on, a constant reminder that I’d be staying later than usual tonight. MCCORMICK FRIES wasn’t just a neighborhood joint; it was the spot, and people flocked here from all over. My boss, the good old McCormick himself, had already gone home, leaving the evening shift in the hands of Matthew, Nancy, and me.

Matthew opened his mouth, probably to say something else, but a customer cut in.

“Can I get a pack of fries and peanuts?” the lady asked, her tone curt. I nodded, offering a brief polite smile before getting to work on her order.

As Matthew