With a sly smile, Albert takes off fast. Mr. Pinbuckle tries to follow close behind. As they cross a stream, Mr. Pinbuckle slips a bit and gets his nice shoes wet. When they go through a thicket, he rips his expensive suit. He’s not happy about any of this, but keeps up with Albert the best he can. He’s breathing heavy and about to give up when they get to a clearing in the woods. Larue is there with Marvin, Daffodil and Marla.
Albert announces, “Hey everybody. This is Mr. Walter Pinbuckle from the Big City Pie Company.”
Mr. Pinbuckle brushes some dirt from his suit, clears his throat and says, “Hello. It’s nice to meet all of you. I’m here to find Larue, the winner of pie baking contest.”
With hesitation, Larue says, “That’s me.”
Mr. Pinbuckle says, “Well Larue. It’s a pleasure to meet you. As Albert said, I’m Mr. Walter Pinbuckle from the Big City Pie Company. I saw the story in the paper about you winning the contest. The Big City Pie Company is looking for a new pie to put in stores across the country. Larue, that could be your bean pie.”
All she can manage to say is, “Wow.”
“Yes. You’re right Laure,” continues Mr. Pinbuckle, “This is all very exciting. Let’s go make one of your bean pies. Then I’ll give it a taste test. If I like it, I’ll take your recipe and make some pies at my factory. I’ll return in a week with one for you to sample. Then we’ll sign some paperwork and I’ll make you rich and famous. What do you say we go bake a bean pie?”
They all go to Larue’s kitchen where Marvin, Daffodil, Albert and Marla help her make the pie. Mr. Pinbuckle takes notes of each step along the way.
He says, “If the Big City Pie Company is going to make your bean pies, we need to make them perfect.”
When the pie is finally baked and cooled down, he tries a small slice. They anxiously watch as he eats it.
After finishing, he rubs his belly and says, “That was one of the most delicious pies I’ve ever tasted. I’ll take the rest of this pie with me and return in one week. We’ll meet here next Saturday afternoon at one o’clock. Larue, I’ll see you then.”
Larue exclaims, “Wow! I’m so happy you like it Mr. Pinbuckle. Remember, the two most important ingredients are friendship and love. My Mama Grazie would be very proud of me. I want them to be called Mama Grazie’s bean pies. That would make her happy.”
Mr. Pinbuckle says, “I’ll take note of that, but remember, this is business. It’s all about making money.”
He quickly packs his things and is on his way.
The Adventures of Marvin Theodore Harvey: Award Winning Bean Pies Page 2