“I’m good. But I have something for you.”
“Oh?”
“News.”
“News?”
“The leak in the roof wasn’t the only unexpected thing that happened today.” As her parents listened raptly, she recounted the conversation she’d had with Nigel Farraday —and the offer he’d made.
“That’s incredible,” Dad said. “I’ve never heard of a publisher doing that.”
“They seem to really want to fix the mess they’re in.”
“I can see why,” Mom said. “That book just keeps selling.”
“Nigel also said something about a movie deal.”
“So what did you decide?” Dad asked.
“I said yes.”
His eyebrows rose. “But this is the busiest time of the year….”
“With the roof, I couldn’t say no.”
“So instead of being at the store, you’ll be … showing him around town?”
“My job is to be a Christmas tour guide, apparently. Nigel’s working on a schedule.”
“If you need us to spot you, we’re happy to help.”
“Thanks. I might need you to fill in here and there. I’ll let you know.” She took another bite of enchiladas. “Mom, this is so good. I love that I can come home to wonderful food like this.”
At her words, her mom and dad exchanged a glance.
“So,” Penny said as she went in for another bite, “do we know when Ramon and Jorge get in?”
“The twenty-third,” Mom said.
“Excellent.” Her identical twin brothers, Jorge and Ramon, two years her junior, lived in Miami. As teens, they’d become fascinated with airplanes and flying and, after getting degrees in aeronautical engineering, had become commercial pilots. Three years ago, they’d started an aircraft parts supply business.
“They’re bringing their girlfriends,” Mom added with a pleased smile.
“Oh, perfect,” Penny replied. Over the years, her brothers had been through various ups and downs in their relationships, much as she had, but both were now dating amazing women —Lisa for Jorge, Sarina for Ramon —who were smart, accomplished, and beautiful.
“Speaking of,” Penny said. “Any news on that front? Any idea when one of them —either of them — might pop the question?”
Mom’s eyes narrowed. “Nada. I hearnada.” She let out a frustrated sigh. “Finally, they find good women, both of them —so why do they wait?”
Penny suppressed a smile. Mom wanted grandkids in a major way and her patience on that front —with all of her children —was wearing thin. “I have a good feeling this time. Valentine’s Day is just two months away. Maybe then?”
Mom snorted and fixed her with an intense maternal stare that Penny knew all too well. “And you, my dear daughter?”
Penny’s stomach tightened. Mom’s prodding —pushing, cajoling, reminding, nagging, all of the above — was as predictable and unavoidable as the tides, but she still hadn’t figured out a way to rise above it. “Nothing to report, Mom. As you know.”
“You need to get back out there.”
“I will get out there, I promise. After the holiday rush.”
