“Using fish from the freezer may change the results,” he replied.
“I kept some in the fridge just in case,” she said. “I’ve had labs lose my samples in the past.”
“Good work. I look forward to receiving the results.” He hung up.
After Penelope returned from the airport, she decided to get a coffee in town and spend time on her knitting project. She didn’t want to be alone. Not after spending so much time with the Stokes and Sam.
Penelope arrived at Coral Connections in the small shopping complex, to find it bustling with people enjoying Sunday brunch. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the strong aroma of coffee and bacon, and the constant whirr of the coffee grinder. A quick glance didn’t reveal a spare table. Damn it. She scanned again. Declan was with his wife and kids in the corner, and Mitchell was by the window with his family. Some teenaged girls were at a table in the middle and from the gifts on top it appeared as if it was someone’s birthday. And there, over by the wall, was Gretchen sitting by herself.
Penelope didn’t know her well, but this was a good opportunity.
Nerves fluttering in her chest, she approached. Gretchen looked up from her phone as Penelope reached the table and smiled. “Hey, Penelope.”
“Hi. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Gretchen laughed. “No, some company would be nice. I came in with Jordan, but he’s found better a better option.” She gestured to where her son was sitting with a friend and what Penelope assumed was his family. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thanks.” Penelope slid into the chair opposite her.
“I have to thank you,” Gretchen said, after Penelope had ordered a coffee from the passing wait person.
“What for?”
“For suspending our licence,” Gretchen replied. “I’ve spent the week catching up on assignments and even got ahead.” She sighed in happiness. “It’s the first time I haven’t been completely stressed about studying.”
“What are you studying?”
“Occupational therapy. Now I’ve finished those assignments, I’ve just got a final exam and a practicum before I can graduate.” Her face fell.
“You’re not looking forward to the practicum?”
“I am, but I have to go to Geraldton or Karratha for a placement, but I don’t have anyone to look after Jordan.”
That would be difficult. “How long would it be for?”
“Three weeks.”
“Can I ask about his father?”
Gretchen’s eyes shuttered. “Not an option. My family took his side during the separation, so it’s just Jordan and me.”
How horrid. Penelope wanted to help her, but her job had varying hours. “Maybe we could work something out,” she suggested. “I could have him some days and I’m sure Georgie, Amy, and Faith would help too.”
Gretchen sighed. “I hate to ask, and I also hate to leave him. We haven’t been apart since he was born.”
“I’ll talk to Georgie. She knows everyone in town.”
“He’s in the same class as Lara,” Gretchen said. “He’d probably enjoy spending a week at the Ridge. I’ll call Amy.”
Penelope’s coffee arrived and she sipped it. “I’m glad there were some positives from suspending Sam’s licence.”
“I hear you’ve been spending a bit of time with him.”
Penelope blinked in surprise. “How did you know?”
“Georgie,” Gretchen said. “She was gloating about setting you up the other day.”
Penelope chuckled. “Remind me to thank her the next time I see her.”
