With that, the crowd around our table dispersed and Alma, holding menus, said,
“I’m so sorry, it’s just that news travels fast here in Houma and everybody knows everybody.”

“That’s okay, Alma,” Maggie said. “We just came in for some coffee and pie.”

“Are you sure that’s all you want?” Alma said, obviously disappointed.

“Yes, that’s all we want. But I promise you we’ll come again. We just need to get back home. It’s been a rough few days,” Maggie said, reaching across the table as she clasped my hands with hers.

“Two lemon meringue pies and two coffees comin’ up!” Alma announced and as he hurried off towards the kitchen I realized that everyone in the restaurant was still looking at us.

It was beginning to sink in that we had achieved overnight celebrity status in Houma, Louisiana.

Looking at my two girls, I didn’t know what to say. With perfect timing and in her most sarcastic, humorous way, Maggie said, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry!”

With a slight chuckle I replied, “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”