“Okay, she’s very smart and sells drugs for a pharmaceutical company,” Tom said. “She has to travel a lot. She seems to like clothes and I think she must make good money. And she… She watches her weight.”
Nora laughed and shook her head. “Men,” she said in exasperation. “So—what does she like to do for fun? Does she hike or surf or go duck hunting? Or does she play chess, or read or paint? Is she kind to animals? What are her big goals and what are her impossible dreams? Does she have religion, speak more than one language, cook, bake, sew? Is she on Facebook? Does she tweet? Would she like to have children, and would she rather be a working mother or stay-at-home mom? Who is her best friend, and worst enemy? Who is her idol? When she lists her five most important things, what are they? And what are the three things she’s most grateful for? And if she could have dinner with any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?”
When she finished, both Maxie and Tom were staring at her, openmouthed.
“Nora, I can’t answer those questions about myself,” Tom said.
“I can answer four or five of them,” Maxie said. “The orchard is important—my second priority after family, who is Tom. I bake and work out walking the orchard and I think canning, baking, cooking and cleaning this big house qualify as much as exercise. I was a working mother and grandmother and hope to be a working great-grandmother. I’m on Facebook—”
“You’re on Facebook?” Tom asked, shocked.
“A little thing for me and my friends…to share pictures and news…”
Nora was fascinated. “And the famous person you’d have dinner with?”
She looked at the ceiling for an answer. Finally she said, “Hillary Rodham Clinton.”
Nora was fascinated. “And what do you want to know?”
Maxie smiled. “It will have to be a long dinner…”
“Aw, jeez,” Tom said. “I think it’s time to harvest apples.”
“Maxie, I have some news,” Nora said just as she stood to leave. “I have a car! One with car seats so I can drive myself around for errands and to work. It’s going on my list of the three things I’m most grateful for.”
“That’s such good news,” Maxie said. “So—dinner on Friday? With the little girls?”
“Maxie, I think Darla will probably come up on Friday… .” Tom said.
“Oh. Well, then, how about Wednesday? Can you run home and get them? Take off a couple of hours early—you always come early and stay late. Go home, change, bring the little ones. I’ll make a big pot of…” She looked at Tom. “What should I make? Spaghetti? Chicken soup? Meat loaf and mashed potatoes? We don’t want steak or roast for little mouths, little teeth.”
“I vote for any one of those,” Nora said. “That would be so much fun. I’ll bring Fay’s booster chair. Thank you, Maxie!”
Chapter Ten
Hank Cooper had a top-of-the-line toy hauler, perfect for a bachelor sportsman. He had parked on the RV slab behind Luke’s cabins, hooked up, then lowered the rear hatch so he could remove his motorcycle, wave runner and Rhino. Once the toys were out and the hatch put up, the roomy living room furniture was pulled down from the ceiling and out from the walls. He also had a full kitchen, large bathroom and master bedroom. He never had to pack as he’d lived in this RV for a couple of years—his closets and drawers were full. The kitchen was appointed—he didn’t always go to a lot of trouble, but he cooked for himself more than he went out.
His next order of business was erecting a small shelter from pipe and plastic tarp under which he could park the vehicles.
Then he pulled out an awning and set up some of his outdoor furniture. His refrigerator was still stocked—food, beer, sodas. There was a satellite dish on top that he could extend into the trees for decent TV reception and internet connection.
And he reclined on his outdoor lounge in the midst of the forest with the sound of the rushing river nearby. Those people who rented the cabins didn’t know what they were missing. He had helped Luke around the cabin compound in the morning, then with a beer at his side and laptop perched on his knees, he did a little surfing.