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results. Then he’ll decide how soon the cast can come off.”
    “I bet you’re anxious for that.”
    “Jah.” Doris glanced down at her cast. “I’m tired of the cumbersome thing and will be glad when I’m able to go back to waitressing.”
    “Have you thought about looking for something closer to home?” Anna tilted her body toward Doris. “Maybe they’re hiring here.”
    Doris removed her shawl and placed it across her lap. “This would be a nice place to work, I suppose, but Der Dutchman is a bigger restaurant. More people seem to go there, which means more tips.”
    “I see what you mean.” Anna gestured to her menu. “I already know what I want, but feel free to take your time deciding. Since school’s out for the day, I don’t have to rush.”
    “Me neither. Brian will be working late this evening, and I told my driver I’d call for a ride home after I had supper with you.” Doris studied the menu, although she didn’t know why. She planned to have her favorite turkey club sandwich, with a cup of chicken noodle soup.
    When their waitress came, they told her what they wanted. Anna ordered a cold plate, of cottage cheese, Jell-O, fruit, trail bologna, and swiss cheese. She also asked for a bowl of chili.
    “How are things at school?” Doris asked, after taking a sip of water. “Have things settled down now that Christmas is over?”
    “Jah. Everything’s pretty much back to normal. But with Valentine’s Day coming next month, the scholars will soon begin making cards to give each other. Of course when I bring heart-shaped cookies and fruit punch for a treat on Valentine’s Day, they’ll get pretty excited.”
    Doris smiled, remembering how much she’d enjoyed making Valentine cards for her classmates, as well as family members and friends from their church district. Even many of the boys, including Joel, seemed to like exchanging Valentine’s Day greetings.
    Thinking about her brother, Doris remembered to tell Anna that she’d seen Joel earlier today and he’d said to say hello.
    “That was nice of him.” Anna cupped her chin in her hands. “I think I’m finally ready to let go of my feelings for Joel.”
    Doris blinked a couple of times. “Really? How did that happen?”
    Anna’s cheeks reddened. “Well, I’ve met someone.”
    “Is it someone I know?” Doris leaned in closer.
    “I don’t think so. He’s new to our area. His name is Melvin Mast. I met him a few weeks ago when he came to the school Christmas program with his folks.”
    “I’m confused.” Doris glanced down, realizing she was fumbling with her napkin, so she unfolded it and placed it on her lap. “If he’s new to the area, why was he at the program?”
    “His younger cousin attends my school.”
    “Have you seen Melvin since then?”
    Anna nodded. “He’s in our church district, so I’ve seen him at church a few times. He also dropped by the school the other day to pick up his cousin, and…” She paused to drink some water. “He asked if I’d like to go out to supper with him sometime.”
    Doris laughed. “My goodness, this new fellow didn’t waste any time, did he?”
    “Well, we’re both in our late twenties and not getting any younger.” Anna fiddled with her spoon. “I don’t know yet if Melvin’s the one, but I do think he’s good-looking, and he seems very kind.”
    Doris reached across the table and touched her friend’s hand. “I wish you all the best.”
    She felt relieved that Anna would no longer be pining for Joel. She’d done it far too long.

C HAPTER 5
North Canton, Ohio
    K risti shivered against the cold as she entered the North Canton Skate Center with Darin and fifteen eager teens from their church youth group. It was the first Saturday of February, and after Darin had practically begged her to accompany him, she’d agreed to act as a chaperone. While Kristi wasn’t by any means a professional on roller skates, it was good exercise and a chance to do something fun