Read Online Pewter Angels by Henry K. Ripplinger - Free Book Online Page B

My, my, Henry. In all the fourteen years I have owned this store, this storage room has never looked so good. I am very proud of you. Thank you for a job well done. I hope Anna is well enough to come down and look at what you have accomplished. It will make her very happy.”
    Mr. Engelmann smiled. He surveyed the shelves once more and when he looked back at Henry, Henry was surprised to see tears welling in the old man’s eyes. Unaccustomed to seeing a grown man display such emotion, Henry quickly looked down. “Thank you, Henry,” Mr. Engelmann stuck out his hand towards his new employee.
    Henry met the watery gaze. “You’re welcome, Mr. Engelmann.” He shook the trembling hand, unbidden tears in his eyes too. “Well, I better get going. See you tomorrow.” Henry turned and literally floated out of the store.
    Since he wouldn’t see Jenny until after supper now, he took his time biking home, his mind flip-flopping between Jenny and Mr. Engelmann and how amazing it was that he’d had two great experiences two days in a row. He felt like he’d known Jenny for a lifetime and he could hardly wait to share his success at Mr. Engelmann’s store with her.
    As his house came into view down the block, Henry remembered he had promised Timmy they could hang out together after work. Tim would go ape if he avoided him again. Until Jenny’s arrival, Timmy had been one of his best friends. It would be wrong to simply abandon him now.
    As Henry pulled up to his house, he was so deep in thought he didn’t notice Jenny standing at her fence gate with Timmy Linder until the very last second. His heart lurched. Was Timmy making time with his girl? Henry sincerely hoped not. They turned towards him as he pulled up.
    “Hey, Hank, come on over,” Timmy shouted. “How’s Mr. Businessman? How many old ladies did you coo and woo today? And how was the old geezer? You get a raise already?”
    “Timmy, you’re awful,” Jenny scolded with a smile. “You’re just awful,” she said again, seeing that he had not taken any offense and rather enjoyed her reaction.
    “Oh, never mind him, Jenny, that’s just Timmy’s way. How was school today, Tim?”
    “Man, it’s a drag and now I have to stay in tonight and study for a test tomorrow. The whole thing’s stupid. I hate it, and I can’t stand Mr. Morgan. I’ll be so glad when this is all over.” After a brief pause to shake off those ugly thoughts, he added, “By the way, Hank, my mom and dad want to go to the beach tomorrow as soon as my class is over. Wanna come along?”
    Henry inwardly sighed with relief that Timmy had homework tonight and wouldn’t be around the next day. It would leave him free to be with Jenny without Timmy tagging along. “Nah, I can’t,” Henry said, feigning a sorrowful tone to hide his elation. “I promised Mr. Engelmann I would work tomorrow and Saturday at his store.”
    “Geez, Hank, you’re not going to work for him again are you?
    This is summer holidays. Time to have fun and relax. What’s wrong with you? You’re spoiling everything.”
    “Well, Tim,” Henry began, “Mr. Engelmann needs my help and—”
    “Needs your help?” Timmy spluttered. “Who are you trying to kid? What can you do that’s so important and helpful?”
    “Well, I think it’s wonderful, Henry,” Jenny interjected.
    “So, I see you two met,” Henry said to Timmy, trying to change the subject.
    “Yeah, I saw this beautiful blond sitting on the steps and I just knew she’d want to meet me.” Henry knew Timmy was trying to be funny, but knew his friend well enough to realize that Timmy probably meant it, too. “So, I took it upon myself to come over and introduce her to the man of her dreams.”
    “Yes, it was very nice of Tim to come over and introduce himself like every good neighbour should. And I do appreciate—”
    “Timmy! Tim!” came Timmy’s mother’s voice. “Time for dinner, and don’t forget you have to study tonight and pack for the