Gretchen raised her eyebrows. “That good, huh?”
“Better,” she confirmed.
“I thought Sam would be.” Gretchen leaned forward. “He came on a tour a couple of months ago when Brandon got married. He was with some of his army buddies and they were all hot.”
“Anyone catch your eye?”
She shrugged as if she didn’t care, but her shoulders hunched. “I don’t have time for men at the moment.”
Definitely some bad experiences there.
“To completely change the subject, can I tell you how much I love your hair?” Gretchen leaned forward. “I tried going red a couple of months back, but it really didn’t suit me.”
Penelope touched her hair. “Thanks. I tried going blonde at university and it made me look washed out.”
Gretchen smiled. “We should be happy with what we’ve got.” She sipped her coffee. “What have you got in the bag?” Gretchen gestured to Penelope’s backpack.
“My knitting,” she replied, her cheeks heating. “I taught myself to knit, and Amy gave me some pointers. I thought I’d come down here and get a coffee and knit some rows.” She shrugged, self-conscious. “It probably seems so old-fashioned, but my best friend just had a baby and I wanted to make her something.”
“It’s a wonderful idea. I have a few handmade things from when Jordan was a baby, and I’ve saved them for keepsakes. Your friend will appreciate it.”
“If I ever get it finished.” She withdrew the knitting and showed Gretchen the few rows she’d done.
“It’s more than I could do.” Gretchen leaned over and touched the yarn. “It’s so soft. The baby will love it.”
Penelope smiled, glad for the encouragement. She started on the next row as she asked, “Do you work weekends?”
Gretchen shook her head. “Not usually. Rob knows it’s hard for me with Jordan, so I only work one weekend a month and then Jordan stays with one of his friends and has a sleepover.”
“He must love it. Sleepovers were always the best when I was a kid.”
Gretchen nodded.
“Mum, can I go play at Dylan’s place?” Jordan stood at the table, his friend next to him.
“Is it all right with Mrs Knudsen?”
“Yeah, Mum’s fine with it,” Dylan said.
Penelope glanced up and saw Dylan’s mother nod and smile.
“All right, but call me if you need anything, and be home by five.”
“Thanks, Mum.” Jordan ran off with his friend.
“It’s starting already,” Gretchen said.
“What is?”
“Jordan wanting to play with his friends rather than his mum.” Gretchen’s smile was sad. “It’s great he’s so confident, but it’s a tear to the heartstrings as well.”
“I can only imagine,” Penelope said. She’d always assumed she’d have children one day, but had never had the urge with Gerard.
They spoke about Retribution Bay and swapped stories about the ocean until Gretchen checked her watch and stretched. “I should get going. I’ve been neglecting the housework this week, and I need to get it back under control before I go back to work.”
Penelope packed up her knitting, pleased at the dozen rows she’d managed. “I should go too. I’ve enjoyed talking to you.”
“Likewise.”
