[Penny did not have the luxury of comfort anywhere it seemed. New York was close to home as she could get, but she didn't have people around save for Cris who was not exactly around. And had made it perfectly clear that he was calling on her but her calling on him was likely for something bullshit related. And maybe that was unfair of her to keep harping on, and she knew it was. But she could be real grumpy when she didn't get enough sleep, and had plenty of stress. And as for Graham, well frankly he wasn't much better. She was making a friend in Clementine, and that was something. But she wanted to go home. Home home. But for now she'd have settled for her big empty duplex in Queens. Which was nowhere in sight.
Just the same she smiled real wide when Louis introduced himself. Adult company. That was a nice change. She remembered the new partner. New old partner? Whatever it was she smiled and nodded.] I am yes. And I have heard your name, it's nice to put a face to it. [Her accent, which had never faded despite years of world travel with the army, living in New York all this time, she was southern from head to toe from blonde hair to the tips of her toes it was pouring out of her pores and Alabama deep south hung on every syllable. She didn't even bother to try and hide it anymore.
And then he asked about the food. Which had her about as happy as can be.] Fried chicken and waffles. You hungry? Come on and eat there's plenty. I mean plenty. Let's clog some arteries and shoot the shit.