Part 71 (1/2)
”No,” Penny said. ”Don't say that. She didn't ruin anything. Not if you don't let her.”
”She sure didn't make things better,” Dani said. ”I don't know who I am anymore.”
”That's bulls.h.i.+t,” Penny said.
Dani blinked at her. ”Excuse me?”
She stood and then motioned for Dani to rise. ”Come here.”
Penny led the way into the hall bathroom. After turning on the light, she pulled Dani in next to her and had her face the mirror.
”What's different?” she asked. ”Look and tell me what's different.”
Dani glanced at her reflection and grimaced. ”I'm really puffy.”
”Ignore that. I mean what's different about you? What has changed in the past twenty-four hours?”
”I don't know who my father is. I'm not a Buchanan.”
”I know that. But your experiences are still your experiences. Your body is still your body. You're talking about context, and yes, I'll agree that can change everything, but it doesn't have to. Not if you don't let it.”
”But...”
Penny shook her head. ”No buts, young lady. Yes, things are c.r.a.ppy now. Really c.r.a.ppy. This may be the worst moment of your life. But you will come out of it and you will be fine. Because the wonderful, empowered person you are hasn't changed.”
Dani leaned over and hugged her. ”Thanks for trying to help.”
”Hey, I'm not just trying here.”
Dani managed a weak smile. ”Okay. Thanks for helping.”
”Better.”
She dropped her hand to Penny's stomach. ”You must be so happy about the baby.”
”I am.”
”I'll get there someday. You're right. This hurts so much and I don't know how I'm going to survive it. But I will survive and I'll go on and one day I'll have everything I want.”
”Yes, you will. And when that happens, I'm going to be standing right next to you saying 'I told you so.'”
THE NEXT WEEK Pa.s.sED in relative quiet. Penny figured they'd all earned the break.
The restaurant did well, Lindsey was released from the hospital, and while Dani was still emotionally devastated, she was making forward progress. Even the rats were gone, thanks to a very efficient Al.
Penny sat at her desk playing with different combinations for specials for the following week. The Alaskan fis.h.i.+ng season was well underway, giving her access to some wonderful seafood. She was already receiving produce from the WallaWalla area and parts of Oregon. When the Walla Walla onions made their appearance, she had some great ideas in mind.
”Maybe a special tasting dinner,” she murmured. ”One that features whatever is fresh and special.”