Their dinner was almost finished.
They hadn't expected Abbie to show. Her schedule was crazy nowadays. Crime, supernatural or otherwise, never took a holiday. But in she walked, sliding quickly into the booth next to Joe. She smiled as she stole a fry from Jenny's plate.
" Hey , didn't think you'd make it Abs", Jenny said.
" I wouldn't miss this, Jen. Not on his birthday."
" Where's your other half?" Joe asked
" He's studying for the citizenship test. He wants to get a perfect score." Abbie explained
" That shouldn't be hard for Mr. eidetic memory, " Jenny smirked .
" You know Crane . He's not taking any chances. Anyway , what did I miss?"
" Just a lot of memory laning", Jenny replied. "
" I can't believe he's been gone almost 5 years now", Abbie sighed.
" What do you think he'd say if he saw us together , after all that's happened?"Joe wondered.
" I can hear him now. " Jenny smiled and mimicked his voice " it's about time the three of you sat down together ! Sure took you long enough".
"Sounds just like him, " Joe laughed .
The conversation continued with smatterings of " Remember the time",
" I'll never forget when", ... " " He always used to say ...
Their reminiscing continued, until they were interrupted by Maddie , the waitress . She was holding a tray containing an apple pie with a candle and a pint of ice cream .
" Hey, this is my treat kids" .
" Maddie you don't have to" Abbie said.
" Hush. I know what I don't have to do. Maddie replied. I knew that man before The three of you were born. Believe me, men like that are few and far between."
" So let me do this . Now somebody better blow this out before the candle burns down. No one likes wax in their pie." She placed the Pie on the table. The trio paused in a silent wish , and blew. Maddie, smiled and handed Abbie a knife.
" Are you having a piece Maddie? " Abbie asked
" No honey. This is your celebration. I'll tell you though, the three of you sitting together is a sight for sore eyes . I'm sure he's smiling down on you right now."
Maddie looked away and sighed as she left their table.
Jenny, Joe and Abbie tucked in to savor the sweet dessert and the memory of a man , named August Corbin.