The café door chimed softly as Catherine stepped inside.
Almost immediately, the owner spotted her.
"Miss Preston!" the woman hurried over, wiping her hands on her apron, her face bright with excitement. "It's an honor to have you here."
Before Catherine could respond, the owner was already guiding her toward the best table in the café, near the window where the morning light poured warmly across the polished wood.
Catherine paused beside the chair.
"Do you have a private spot?" she asked politely.
"Of course, of course."
The owner immediately led them past the main seating area to a quieter corner partitioned by wooden screens. It wasn't a full room, but it was secluded enough that the other customers wouldn't overhear.
After helping them settle down, the owner handed them the menu and lingered a moment.
"Your father… is he doing well now?" she asked carefully.
Catherine gave a small nod. "He's doing fine."
