Fletcher came back just as they were wrapping things up.
“Sorry I didn’t get back sooner with some doughnuts. Mimi was crushing it—there were so many people there. I got behind the counter and tried to help.”
“That’s so nice of you. I’m sure she appreciated it,” Dot said. “We had plenty of customers—even without doughnuts. It was a decent first effort.”
“Cool. I’m going to head back to the bakery after we put all this away.”
He’s moving fast on Mimi, Dot thought. Good for him. And her.
“Hey there, For the Win, everybody!” Mary’s Staten Island accent was unmistakable. And her outfit was unforgettable. She wore dark gray leggings, tall beige leather boots, a white button-down, a tight red sweater, and a faded jean jacket with the sleeves rolled up. She had a navy NYPD baseball cap on, and her dark hair tumbled down her back.
“Hi, guys! We’re almost done here.” Dot was so glad to see them. She was ready to kick back for the afternoon with her girlfriends.
“We ran out of flyers,” Mary said, showing her empty hands.
“Yeah, all the guys wanted to chat up Mary,” Harper said.
“Well thank goodness for that,” Rose said. “We’ll have to keep you two around!”
“Sorry we’re running a little late,” Harper said. She had on a long cotton printed dress with a rope belt, white sneakers, and Pippi in a cloth Reader Falls Bookshop tote bag. “We stopped and got some doggie macaroons and venison jerky.” She held up her bag of goodies for the dog.
“We’ve had a great day so far. Here,” Dot said. “Can you put this spicy buffalo popcorn in your bag? I bought it from the lady next door.”
“Sounds delicious,” Mary said. “Give me some of that now.” She opened the bag and took a handful.
The Crew and the For the Win team finished cleaning up their booth, formed a line, and carried everything back to the offices.
“See you Monday!” Dot said to Fletcher and Rose. “We have a call with Kitty at nine. I think she’ll like our update. And soon we’ll have an actual nominee.”
“Whether it’s Governor Stone or Senator Lopez, I’m ready—let’s effin’ go,” Rose said.
“Rose!” Dot laughed, a little shocked by Rose’s profanity. It wasn’t like her.
“Sorry, I got that from my grandson,” she said. “Hey, you kids work hard. Thanks for letting this old lady be a part of it.”
“You’re our secret weapon, Rose. We couldn’t do it without you,” Fletcher said.
Dot agreed and gave her a hug goodbye.
Then she hooked her elbows through Mary and Harper’s arms and said, “I’m starving. Feed me.”
“We’ve got you, girl.” Mary led the way.
ON THEIR WAYto lunch, Dot stopped on the sidewalk.
“Mary, I think Hot Cop Jake is over there.”
Mary’s head shot up.
They looked over at the Bethesda Lutheran Church stall selling fruit, vegetables, nuts, cheese, baked goods, and fresh flowers. Jake and Tommy were hauling boxes into the back of a large pickup truck bed.
“Oh, Tommy’s there, too.” Harper waved. “Hey, Tommy!”
Tommy shielded his eyes from the sun and looked for the source of the voice calling for him.
“Oh, hi, Harper! Dot, Mary. And Pippi, how’s my girl?” Tommy walked over and patted the dog’s head. “Cute dress, Harper.”
“Oh thanks,” Harper said. She wasn’t used to getting compliments. “It has pockets.”