Chapter 42

  

Joey, Max, Randall, and Sam were sitting at the bar in the inn, laughing and sharing a bottle of wine. The sight of them together caused a warm feeling to spread in Penelope’s chest.

“Hey, guys,” she said. “Mind if I join you?”

“You done for the day?” Max asked.

“Yeah, we just wrapped,” Penelope said. “They’re cleaning up now. I have to do a few more things, but for the most part I’m done.”

“We’re heading out in the morning,” Max said, crooking his thumb between himself and Sam. “Catching the same flight to LA first thing.”

“I’ve offered to give them a ride to Indianapolis, stay overnight,” Joey said. “I’ll stop in and meet with that contact I told you about in the morning. He says he might have found something out.”

“Oh, that’s great, Joey,” Penelope said. She turned to Randall and Max. “I’m glad you guys were able to visit. It means a lot to Arlena.”

“It’s been fun, but I have to get back to my set up in Oregon,” Sam said.

Penelope nodded and took a sip of wine.

“So, Max, you’re quitting the road trip?” Penelope asked.

“The road trip has stalled in Forrestville, Indiana,” Max said, jerking his head in his father’s direction.

Randall leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head. “Yeah, I’m sticking around for a while. See what happens here, you know?”

“You wouldn’t be sticking around for anyone in particular, would you?” Penelope teased.

“Nah,” Randall said reflexively. “Well, maybe.”

“I’m here two more days after I get back,” Joey said.

“Thank goodness. Let’s make the most of them,” Penelope said.

Max told them about three different auditions Randall helped to set up for him when he got to California. His excitement was contagious, and they all listened as he described the different roles he was up for.

“I hope you get the British one,” Penelope said. “I love all those historic shows with the servants and the pretty dresses.”

The front door opened and Karen rushed in, looking around the inn. When she saw Penelope, she hurried to the table, excusing herself while trying to catch her breath.

“Karen,” Penelope said, standing up and putting her hands on the girl’s forearms.

“Penelope,” Karen said, unable to stop the tears from coming. “Mom still doesn’t want me to do it.” She crumpled into Penelope, who wrapped her arms around the girl. She sobbed quietly as the four men at the table looked on, concerned.

After she’d calmed down, Penelope pulled over a chair and eased Karen onto it.

“Tell me what happened,” Penelope said.

Karen’s words tumbled out, increasing with speed as she went. “I told Mom this is what I really want, that I want to apprentice with Paul. I could take some time off school or commute on the weekends to put my time in. She told me it was the wrong choice. What should I do? I really want her support right now.”

Penelope let her finish as she basically repeated the same things over again. “What does Ava say?”

“Ava says she’ll talk to her again,” Karen said, sniffling.

“Karen, everything is going to work out,” Penelope said. “You can always start out in a kitchen in Bloomington near your school, work weekends, and then when you graduate come to Festa. Maybe your mom would agree to a compromise.”

Karen shook her head. “Mom’s against the restaurant life. Says it’s too hard to have a family. It’s okay for men, but women chefs can’t be good mothers. I don’t even know if I want to be a mother!”

Penelope wasn’t sure what to say. She looked at Joey, who averted his gaze, then met her eyes again and shrugged.

“Kyle doesn’t want the restaurant. I do. It’s all I want to do. My family makes no sense.”

“Karen,” Penelope said, “this isn’t the end of the world. Follow your passion and your mom will come around when she sees how happy you are. I’m sure of it.”

Karen cleared her throat and wiped away a stray tear. “Would you talk to her for me?”

Penelope felt a prick of dread before Karen finished talking. “I suppose, if you think it would help.”

“She respects you,” Karen pleaded. “You’re a good example. If you could answer any questions for her, let her know it’s a great career…I would be so grateful.”

Penelope paused, looking into Karen’s bright green eyes, then hugged her. “Sure. I’ll have a talk with your mom. No promises though.”

“Thank you,” Karen said, a smile breaking across her face. “I knew you’d help.”