I haven’t told her that he’s been trying to step up, especially in the last year or so. Though she did chase him from my parking lot once, thinking it was a rare pop up on his part. When it came to Troy, I always wanted her to believe he was the bad guy, because to me, he was. But my mind is changing with his consistent efforts, the way he dotes on his son, his need to get along with me. He’s kept up his part of the bargain, and that’s enough for now.
“Which one are you thinking about?”
“Troy. I pray I’m not screwing up. I don’t know if I want someone capable of doing such a horrible thing to raise my son. You know?”
“I understand your grudge, I do, but people change, they grow up. What he did was a bold move. A move he wouldn’t make if he wasn’t serious. See it for what it is, he’s desperate to know Dante. And Dante’s old enough to deserve a choice. This is something Dante may not forgive you for later.”
“I know. I just hope I don’t regret it.”
Parker winks. “I have a good feeling.”
“Last time you had a good feeling, you had me wearing assless chaps.”
“And if I recall, that was a damned good night. Grand Girls stay Grand,” she holds up her glass in a toast, and I clink mine.
“4 Eva.”
Corry’s Quiche
Dog Groomer, New York
Makes 6 servings
45 minutes
1 Deep Dish Pie Shell
Line Pie Shell With:
Ham or Bacon – Cooked and Cubed
1/2 Cup Chopped Onion
1/4 Lb. Swiss or Cheddar Cheese – Shredded
Mix and pour evenly over ham and cheese:
2 Eggs
1 Cup Light Cream (Half & Half)
Salt
Pepper
Dash of Cayenne – if desired
Bake on bottom shelf of oven at 400 degrees for 35– 40 minutes.
Cool 5 minutes before cutting to serve.
Clarissa
“Good morning, birthday boy!” I stand at Dante’s door with a tray in hand as he sits up in his bed with a budding smile on his face. Once I bring the brightly lit pancakes into the room, his smile widens.
“Oh, wow, Mommy. Thank you!”
I set the breakfast tray across his lap. “You’re so welcome, Peanut. Happy Birthday. Make a wish.”