Free Beware False Profits by Emilie Richards

way their relationship always worked.
    “Better a little waste than people who need food going without it,” Ed said.
    “We have people taking food who don’t need it. I’m convinced of it, and I’m going to stop it. The regulations need to be stricter. I can tell you there are some other big developments in the wind for Helping Hands. I’m going to make sure that nothing is hidden anymore.”
    “Why don’t you let me see your palm,” Junie said, “and I’ll tell you if you’re about to get your heart’s desire. We can’t always be certain, can we, that we’re on the right path?”
    Before Hazel could refuse, Junie lifted her hand and turned it to see Hazel’s palm.
    I glanced at Ed. For the first time since we’d approached the Kefauvers he was smiling. I wondered what he hoped Junie would tell Hazel.
    Hazel looked as if she wanted to snatch her hand back. But Junie, soft and cuddly though she is, has traveled the country back and forth subduing recalcitrant RVs, putting up and taking down vendor’s booths, and raising three scrappy daughters. Hazel might best her if they arm wrestled, but not by much.
    “First your heart line…” Junie looked up and smiled. “You’re a sexy woman, Hazel. You sly thing.”
    Brownie looked astonished, and Hazel was outraged. “I really don’t believe in this nonsense!”
    “And you have a strong will, but you have a softer side. You take on these projects, like the food bank, because deep inside you want so badly to help the less fortunate.”
    “Hmph!” Hazel sputtered, and she tried to jerk her hand away, but Junie wasn’t quite finished.
    “And you have a marvelous life line,” Junie said. “I think you’ll live to be ninety. Maybe older. That’s a lot of time left to do good works.” She let Hazel take back her hand. Then Junie smiled. “Was that quick enough for you, dear?”
    I always love my mother. Right now I loved her a little more than usual. I tried not to smile.
    Hazel turned to go, but Junie touched her hand. “Just one more thing? Your hand is like ice, and your skin is much too dry. I’d recommend a sweater and having your circulation checked. We don’t want you catching your death of cold. There’s still a nip in the air.”
    “There’s nothing wrong with my circulation,” Hazel said haughtily.
    “Then maybe there’s something wrong with your heart. I’d consider the possibility.”
    They were gone before Ed spoke. “You know, if you weren’t my mother-in-law, Junie, I think I’d adopt you.”
    Together we leaned over and kissed her cheeks.

5
    Since I was certain Teddy would be bored silly by a VIP tour, I promised she could stay with Junie if she promised not to raise the table. In the hour before we met the other VIPs, Ed, Teddy, and I knocked down bowling pins with baseballs and reeled in plastic fish, cheerfully accepting our candy bar prizes. Holding hands we watched Teddy make three circuits on a pony named Snapper.
    While Teddy and I waited at the end of the line for circuit number four, Ed wandered off to try his swing in the batting cage. It was Teddy’s last ride since the tour was due to start in fifteen minutes.
    She nodded toward the cotton candy vendor. “Miss Hollins is over there.”
    Jennifer Hollins is Teddy’s first grade teacher, and our relationship has been less than stellar. My attempts to be a supportive, thoughtful parent have been met with skepticism. Recently I’ve kept the lowest possible profile, but now, as she headed our way, I was trapped.
    “Good afternoon, Teddy.” She leaned over to look Teddy right in the eye. In her loose, flowered dress, Mary Janes, and brown hair fastened on both sides with barrettes, Miss Hollins didn’t look much older than my daughter.
    “I’m riding ponies.”
    “I don’t blame you. I’d ride them, too, if they’d let me.”
    Teddy giggled. She liked her teacher, and I thought the feeling was mutual.
    Miss Hollins straightened and smiled at me. With a