Fifty-Eight
When Penny left work, she twinkled her fingers and lightly rubbed her hands together. "Done and dusted." She giggled. Yes, done and dusted. Everything was as it should be and no one would be the wiser. Sally would never be able to make insinuations again. Patience always paid off.
She closed the door and stood on the footpath. Her lip juddered. "Slow Joe wouldn't know."
"Know what?"
"Oh!" Penny squealed and clutched her hand to her throat. "Don't do that! I nearly wet my pants." She giggled. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, I had some business to take care of in the area so I thought I'd meet you here instead of at the Casino. Be the gentleman."
"Well, that's very nice of you, Joe. Thank you."
"I can't have my favourite girl walking around in the dark by herself. You never know what evil could be lurking in the shadows." Joe hooked his arm on his hip and offered it to her.
Penny looked nervously over her shoulder at the door she'd just closed. "Yes, you're right. Evil is everywhere. You never know when it will rear its nasty head." She slipped her arm through his arm and smiled sedately.
"So, what wouldn't I know?"
"Pardon?"
"Your ditty, Penny?" Joe didn't particularly like the ditty side of her but she had other facets which appealed to him. Especially since Sally Parks tried her stunt on him that morning. Bitch tried to take him to the cleaners. Joe grinned. But he fixed her.
"Yes... my ditty. Well, Joe. I don't think you realise just how much I enjoy your company. I was expressing my excitement. You know how I do that. Slow, Joe and know rhyme." She ran her hand up his arm and smiled innocently.
"Why the slow?" Joe gave her a stern look. "Not sure if I like the reference."
"Oh, honey! It's because you walk slow and... you move your fingers slow when you touch me."
"I could move them faster if you want me to." He bobbled his eyebrows at her. "I'd like to move them faster. It's probably time we picked up the pace."
"Joey... we've talked about this. I was raised by a very strict mother. It wouldn't be right."
Joe rubbed his hand backwards and forwards over his mouth. He watched the pavement move beneath him. She was hinting at marriage. Maybe it was time? He wasn't getting any younger and his arthritic hips were giving him curry. Just the other day the doc said he'd probably be in a wheelchair within a year and he'd have to go into care. He thought some more. Penny had nursed her mother. If he married her, she'd nurse him too.
"You know darling you're right. How about you and I get hitched," he said. "Let's make it right."
Penny stopped walking and grabbed at her throat once more. "You mean it? Do you, Joey?"
He chuckled and ran his hand down the side of her face. "Baby I'd get down on my knees if I could but I'd never be able to get back up." He kissed her lightly on the lips. "Penny Macy. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
"Oh, Joe... I'd love too." Penny beamed. She put her hand on his cheek and looked sincerely into his eyes. "I'll take care of you just like I took care of mother." Her head jerked as one eyelid twitched.
Slow...
Joe...
Will...
Never...
Know...
I wonder what kind of business old Joe had to deal with in the area?
Image - Disney.com
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