Chapter Nine
On Tuesday afternoon, Penelope spotted Jodi walking toward Polka-Dot Apron Pies. Before the older woman could so much as offer a greeting, Penelope leaned onto her wrists and jutted as far as possible out the trailer’s order window. “Interested in an even exchange?”
Jodi tucked a strand of long brown hair behind her ear and lifted a pleasant expression toward Penelope. “What kind of exchange?”
“Your advice for my pie.”
“I’m happy to give you advice for free.”
“And I’m happy to give you pie for free in return.”
Jodi’s oldest son practiced soccer near here on Tuesday afternoons, and Jodi often swung by with her two younger kids after dropping him off. Penelope knew the pie preferences of every member of Jodi’s family of five. She waved a hand toward Jodi’s thirteen-year-old girl and ten-year-old boy. “Are you three in the mood for Theo’s Pie, Theo’s Pie, and mixed berry?”
“Yes, please.”
“Grab a table and I’ll meet you there.”
While Kevin plated, she went through her leave-work routine. Take off polka-dot apron. Release hair from topknot. Grab purse.
“Done for the day?” Kevin asked her.
“Yep.”
He passed her the three slices, then held the door for her. “See ya, boss.”
“See ya later, Kevin.”
“It’s been a good one.”
“It has!”
He raised a hand in a parting wave. “I really appreciate working here.”
“I’m glad.”
He blushed with pleasure.
She edged away.
In classic Kevin fashion, he didn’t turn back into the trailer. Mr. Never-Know-When-To-End-An-Exchange lingered.
“Kevin?”
“Mm?”
“You’re dismissed,” she told him, like a kindly teacher to a student.
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave a salute that looked nothing like a soldier’s salute and, beaming, finally closed the door behind her.
Penelope joined Jodi at one of the round, white metal tables lining the sidewalk in front of Misty River’s three food trucks. Jodi encouraged her kids to take their pie to a spot on the grass. Agreeably, they moved off and out of earshot.
“What type of advice are you in need of?” Jodi asked.
“Dating advice.”
Jodi’s rectangular face brightened. “Tell all.”
Penelope explained her dating rule, the reasons why she’d stuck to it all these years, and why Eli Price was making her ponder the merits of riddling her rule with buckshot.
