Contents
Chapter 61
Overview
Elsie hosts Persephone and her friend Delly for a chaotic yet affectionate afternoon that softens her mood. Watching the girls, Elsie recognizes her presence endangers them. After they leave, she calls a real estate office and decides to list her home, aiming to protect her neighbors and family by removing the trouble’s focal point.
Summary
Elsie agrees to a playdate for Persephone and her confident friend Delly, enduring teasing as the girls dub her “Grumpy Granny.” Despite her gruff exterior, she warms to their energy and bakes an apple pie with them, enjoying the moment while reflecting on past pairings—Cess and Ness, Daphne and herself.
As the girls cook and laugh, Elsie recognizes that being the “best granny” means prioritizing safety over sentiment. She worries that her notoriety now brings danger to Persephone and Roxanne, and that her continued presence may escalate risks to those around her.
After Roxanne collects Persephone and Delly, the remaining slice of pie vanishes—an amusing coda to the visit. Yet Elsie’s mood turns resolute: Kenny Lane no longer feels safe because of the turmoil centered on her, even if it isn’t her fault.
Determined to protect her neighbors and family, Elsie calls R.J. Kenton Real Estate. After speaking with a receptionist named Sailor, she asks for Rebecca Kenton and states her decision: she wants to put her house on the market.
Who Appears
- Elsie (Mabel) FitzpatrickHosts Persephone and Delly, reflects on safety risks, and decides to sell her house to protect others.
- PersephoneEnjoys a playful afternoon with Delly at Elsie’s, helps bake apple pie, affectionately teases Elsie.
- DellyPersephone’s confident friend; nicknames Elsie “Grumpy Granny,” helps bake, likely nabs the last pie slice.
- RoxannePicks up Persephone after the playdate; her and her daughter’s safety weigh on Elsie’s decision.
- SailorReceptionist at R.J. Kenton Real Estate who fields Elsie’s call to list the house.
- Rebecca KentonReal estate agent Elsie asks to speak with about selling the house.
- NuggetElsie’s dog, barks incessantly during the playdate, echoing the household’s chaos.