Sing for Their Supper - 11

Tuck had kept track of Sam and his friends. At first it had been from a distance—finding where they were and watching from across a street or plaza. Two weeks ago he'd come over to them after one of their performances.

It had taken Sam a moment to place Tuck. Then he'd smiled hesitantly. "I didn't really think I'd see you again," he'd said.

"And weren't certain you wanted to?" Tuck had replied with a smile.

Sam had waggled his hand. "Fifty-fifty, to be honest. At first I was afraid if you showed up again it would be to call in my debt for your saving me then driving me to the shelter that night. When that didn't happen, I sort of wondered how you were doing." He'd shrugged.

"I've been wondering the same thing," Tuck had told him. "Looks like you're doing better than you were the last time."

"Yeah. Me and them have a pretty good thing going, I guess. Better than sitting on the pavement hoping someone will toss a few coins our way." He'd glanced back at the others, who had been trying not to seem as if they were eavesdropping. "Do you want to meet them?"

"Sure."

So Sam had introduced him to Jolie and Mace. Jolie was a cute girl with curly dark hair and bright blue eyes. She stood shoulder high to Sam, who was skinny and about six foot, Tuck had guessed. Mace was bulkier. Not overweight, by a long shot, but definitely more muscular than Sam. He had the Nordic look going for him, with blond hair and pale blue eyes.

At that point, Tuck had complimented them on how well they worked together as a trio. Then he'd taken his leave, saying he had somewhere he had to be. He'd stopped by twice since then, to listen and chat casually with them.

Now it was time to lay his cards on the table and see how they reacted.

"You're back. You must really like our singing," Jolie said.

"I do. The three of you are very good." Tuck almost said, 'for amateurs' but stopped in time. "I'd like to treat you to a late lunch, if that's okay with everyone."

"Feed us, and we're yours," Jolie replied, grinning.

Sam shook his head, obviously amused by what Jolie said, but he didn't say no. Mace seemed a bit hesitant but apparently felt that if it was okay with the others it would be all right.

Tuck had already decided where—the sandwich shop a block from where the kids had set up. It was better than a fast food place, and since it had no problem with the construction workers from an office building going up down the street coming in, he figured the kids wouldn't be looked down on by the employees—or, hopefully, the office workers who also ate there.

"Have whatever you want," he told the kids.

"Anything?" Mace asked shyly while looking at the menu boards behind the counter.

"Yes," Tuck assured him.

He resisted chuckling when Mace ordered the Reuben, then whispered to Sam, "What's the difference between corned beef and pastrami?"

"Not sure," Sam told him. "Ask them."

Mace did, then ordered the Reuben with double corned beef. "Because that…I know for sure what it is."

Sam got roast beef with everything, and Jolie decided, after obviously debating with herself on the choices, to get the smoked turkey. They all asked for sodas. Tuck ordered a ham and cheese and coffee. By the time everything was ready, there was an empty table to one side of the room, which suited Tuck just fine.