The Things We Do for Love

The guests, most of whom had known Maria for years, clapped at her arrival. Mr. Fortense yelled out, "Fabulous food!"

Mama smiled. "Thank you. And come back soon. Tomorrow I make asparagus-potato gnocchi with fresh tomatoes. It will make you weep. " She looked at Angie. "It is my brilliant baby daughters favorite dish. "

WHEN THE LAST CUSTOMERS FINALLY LEFT AT TENTHIRTY, Lauren was exhausted. The tables had been full all night. A couple of times there had been lines at the door, even. Poor Rosa couldnt possibly keep up. For the first hour or so, Lauren had been going so fast she felt nervous and queasy. Then Angies sister had shown up. Like an angel, Livvy swept in on a cloud of laughter and eased Laurens burden.

Now Lauren stood by the reservation desk. Rosa had gone home at least an hour ago and the women were all in the kitchen. For the first time all night, Lauren could draw a relaxed breath. She pulled her tip money out of her apron pocket and counted it.

Twice.

Shed earned sixty-one dollars tonight. Suddenly it didnt matter that her feet hurt, her hands ached, and she had cramps. She was rich. A few more nights like this and shed have all her application money.

She took off her apron and headed for the kitchen. She was halfway there when the swinging door burst open.

Livvy walked out first. Mira was right behind her. Though they looked nothing alike, there was no doubt they were sisters. Their gestures mirrored each other. They both had the same husky laugh as Angie. From another room, it was hard to tell their voices apart.

A sound clicked through the restaurant. The rich, velvety voice of Frank Sinatra snapped off.

Mira and Livvy stopped in tandem, cocked their heads.

Another song started. Loud. The sound of it was so unexpected it took Lauren a second to recognize it.

Bruce Springsteen.

"Glory Days. "

I had a friend was a big baseball player

back in high school

Livvy let out a whoop and pushed her hands high in the air. She immediately started to dance with Mira, who moved awkwardly, as if she were getting electroshock treatments.

"I havent danced since . . . jeez, I cant remember the last time I danced," Mira yelled to her sister over the music.

Livvy laughed. "Thats obvious, big sister. You look like Elaine in that Seinfeld episode. You have got to get out more. "

Mira bumped her sister, hip to hip.

Lauren watched in awe. These two sisters who had barely spoken all night were like different people now.

Younger. Freer.

Connected.

The door burst open again. Angie came dancing out with her mother behind her, holding her. "Conga line," someone yelled.

Livvy and Mira fell in behind, holding on to one another. The four of them danced around the empty tables, pausing now and then to kick out their heels or throw back their heads.

It was incredibly dorky. Like something off some old peoples TV show.

And heartbreakingly cool.

Laurens stomach tightened. She didnt know how to react. All she knew was that she didnt belong here. She was an employee.

This was family.

She started to back away, edge toward the door.

"Oh no, you dont," Angie cried out.