Chapter 11 Summary

The next morning Penny finds her mother cooking in the kitchen - something she only does when company is coming. She tells Penny Mr. Mulligan is coming for dinner and warns both Penny and Pop-pop to be on their best behavior. Penny goes to play baseball with Frankie, who asks her to play shortstop as they are short a player. Penny does, and Veronica and her group show up. They sit right behind Penny and begin needling her. Penny ignores her at first, but Veronica won't stop. When she starts in on Uncle Dominic, calling him crazy, Penny snaps. Before anyone can stop her, she slugs Veronica in the nose. Frankie comes running and Veronica hits Penny back, giving her a shiner. The game is over.

Penny's mother is less than pleased as she tries to clean up the bruises and scrapes on...