1:11 PM

He reached for the bill before it touched the table.

His daughter reached it first.

"I've got it."

He laughed.

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not."

She tapped her card against the machine.

He put his hand out.

"Give me that."

"Dad."

She was smiling.

"I have a job."

"I know you have a job."

"Then let me buy lunch."

The waiter was still holding the machine.

His daughter looked at him.

The waiter looked at him.

He sat back.

She paid.

"See?" she said. "Nobody died."

He laughed.

They talked for another ten minutes.

Her new apartment.

A difficult colleague.

A trip she was planning with friends.

Things she hadn't asked his advice about.

At the door they hugged.

"Thanks for lunch," he said.

It sounded strange.

She grinned.

"You're welcome."

On the pavement he put his hand into his pocket.

His credit card was still in his wallet.