“Not at all. I’m talking about a teacher’s aide job at Kiddie Korner. Janice Cox needs a helper, and it’s only Monday through Friday in the afternoons. Sue would work from noon to four, and Kevin would come along to play with the other kids in Janice’s class.”

Phil leaned back and blinked. “That sounds ideal for Sue. But isn’t Kevin too young for Kiddie Korner?”

“Yes, he is. Janice would never take him as a regular student, especially for all day. But she thinks it would be good for the other kids to have a toddler around in the afternoons. It would be like a play date for Kevin, but with older children.”

Phil took another sip of his coffee. “That sounds good, Hannah. I know Sue likes Janice. They talk after church practically every Sunday. I’m sure she’d like to help Janice out, and it would be something new she could do with Kevin, something that gets her out and away from the condo.”

“Exactly. Did I mention that there’s a salary?”

“Sue gets out of the house, Kevin gets new friends, and there’s a salary?”

Hannah laughed at the utterly amazed look on Phil’s face. “That’s right. I don’t know how much the salary is, but it’s something. And whatever it is, Sue can have a little money of her own.”

“Egg money.”

“Exactly. I know you earn good money, Phil. And I know you tell Sue that it’s her money, too. I’ve heard you say it. But Sue might like to have a little something of her own to spend.”

“I can understand that. I’d feel that way if Sue had the job and I stayed home with Kevin. It would be a little strange to have to ask my wife for money to buy her a birthday present.”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” Hannah gave him a big smile. “Janice told me she’ll call Sue tonight and make her a formal offer…if it’s okay with you, that is.”

“You bet it’s okay. When would Janice want Sue to start?”

“Yesterday. She’s really shorthanded all by herself. I know she’s been advertising the position, and a few people have applied, but most of them want full-time work.”

“Well, part-time is perfect for Sue.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“I’m going to do my best to talk Sue into it.” Phil got to his feet and picked up the box with Sue’s cookie. “Not that she’ll need much encouragement from me. This is just perfect for her.”

“Tell her I’ll see her down at Kiddie Korner one of these days. I promised I’d bring more cookies.”

“Okay. Thanks again, Hannah. You really ought to hang out a shingle and charge for solving problems right along with your cookies.”

MINTY MELTS