“That’s it!” he shouted.
“What’s it?” Mable said right behind him.
“Oh, nothing. Just an idea I had.”
“Is it about the woman from the brunch yesterday? The one who turned you down?”
“How do you know about that?” His lips turned down and his ears got hot.
“I know all,” she said, with dramatic flair.
“So, it would seem,” he said deadpanned as he knocked food debris off serving spoons into the trash.
“What’s your plan?” Mable asked enthusiastically.
Sean brightened. Maybe she could give him some advice on whether or not his gift idea would work. “Here is what I was thinking. I’d make a little charcuterie board with a Denver omelet theme. Think deconstructed Denver omelet. Some Canadian bacon, pearl onions, Peppadew peppers, smoked gouda, and a couple deviled eggs. What do you think?”
“That sounds amazing! Make me one too!”
“Sure, be here by eleven tomorrow.”
“I’ve got school.” She tossed her rag into the laundry bin.
“Bummer for you.”
“Hey! You knew that when you offered!”
Sean laughed.
“Now I’m not going to help you write a card for your gift.”
“Who said I needed your help?”
Mable flipped her ponytail and crossed her arms. “You don’t have to say it. It’s obvious. When’s the last time you asked someone out?”
“It’s been quite a while.”
“I know. Now, let me help.” She put her palms together begging.
“Thank you,” he said his shoulders relaxing. Less than twenty minutes later, his note was written.
“When are you going to drop this off at the school?”
“I don’t know what time her lunch is, so I thought noon should work.”
“Nah, that’s too late. What if you drop it off and she’s already gone to lunch? Then she won’t be hungry. You should go there at eleven. That way all the kids will be in class plus there won’t be teachers hanging out in the office, and she’ll be getting hungry.”
“Mable you’re a genius!”
“You need to remember that, Sean! But seriously, I’m the oldest of six kids, I think I’ve spent more time at Ida B. Wells Elementary than some parents.”
“Did I say you’re the best already?”
“No, and even if you did, you can say it again.”
“Thank you, Mable. You’re the best.”
“I know. Now you better tell me what happens. I want to know the second I walk in on Wednesday. And wear a Henley.”
