Chapter 2
IT’S ONLY AFTER we’ve devoured platefuls of pancakes and Malcolm has left to pick up his tux and Nigel’s that I notice the worry in our waitress’s eyes. Annie’s topping off my orange juice, and as she does so, she leans over and whispers.
“I’m covering for Belinda.”
Belinda is my roommate—well, some of the time. Lately, she’s been Gregory’s roommate. When she’s working the Pancake House, Malcolm and I make it a point to sit in her section. But she isn’t here this morning.
“She didn’t show up, didn’t call in, isn’t answering texts.” Annie takes her time straightening the napkin holder, the salt and pepper shakers.
“She wasn’t—” I begin. “I mean, I think she stayed over at ... a friend’s last night.”
Annie rolls her eyes. “Right. Friend. Thing is, we don’t want her to get in
