“Is that a threat?” Scott goes on, ready to bust out his go-to line of contacting his lawyer, I’m sure.
Ruby smiles sweetly. “It’s a promise.”
Fuck, yes, Ruby. I turn and give Scott a smug smile right as Vanessa, one of the store employees, comes up with her sister and nephews. They’re dressed as Batman and Superman, and want to take a picture with me. The older one jokes about how he’s going to put this photo in his locker and make all his friends jealous for getting to pose with “the hot Wonder Woman” and I can tell just how much this is killing Scott.
I have a life here. A really fucking good one. The Martins’ hate for me ran deep, deep enough to sell an eight-year-old girl like a pig to the slaughter. But I rose from the ashes. Look at me now, fucker. Lucas rests his hand on the small of my back and I look up, smiling when our eyes meet.
“We need to get going if we want to finish the treat route before it gets too late,” Ruby says, taking Brooklyn’s hand. “I’ll see you later.”
“I’ll be there,” I tell her.
“It was nice seeing you again,” Ruby tells Abby and Phil. “I’m sure I’ll see you again in the not-so-distant future.”
“Yeah,” Abby says, face still beet red. Why is Scott such an entitled asshole? He only thinks of himself. “I’m sure.”
Penny bobs the blow-up cat, giggling when it rocks back and slowly comes forward. It’s a cute moment and helps ease some of the tension.
“Can I get a picture of us together?” Abby asks. “Of the three of us, I mean?”
“Of course!”
“I was secretly hoping you’d have Binx with you,” Abby admits and peels Penny away from the blow-up cat. The poor girl starts to fuss and cry.
“I almost brought him. And the others. But then I feel bad for leaving Scarlet alone in the house and she’s kind of a handful to bring in public. She’d get way too excited to be around all these people.”
Penny is struggling to get out of Abby’s arms, wanting to go back to the cat. “I think you need to get her a pet,” I say and hold out my arms, taking her from Abby to try and help calm her down. She’s fascinated with my headpiece and gives up her fight to go back to the cat.
Phil takes a few pictures of us and I have Lucas get out his phone and do the same. I know a few photos were taken of me with Abby at my wedding, but those are the only ones I have of us together. I should start taking more pictures in general. It’ll be nice to have something to show my own daughter or son someday.
“I’ll be here until nine-ish,” I tell Abby. “So if you want to stop and use the bathroom before you leave, feel free.”
“Thank you, and I’m sure we will. She’s getting difficult to do diaper changes on now and most public bathrooms gross me out.”
“Hah. I don’t blame you there.” I give Penny another chocolate bar. “I’m really glad you guys came tonight.”
“Me too,” Abby says. “This is fun. I think we’ll come every year.”
“Next year you guys need to participate in the store’s costume contest. You dress like a character from a book.”
“Ohhh, that does sound fun.” Abby looks at Phil. “We should do a family costume.”
Phil shakes his head, and Lucas grumbles about how I tried to get him to dress up like Superman.
“I’ve never seen the store before,” Phil starts. “Abby’s told me about it, and I agree. It’s impressive.”
“Thanks. I love it, of course.”
“It could be on a postcard,” Abby compliments. “I’ll text you later. You’ve leaving for Florida soon, though, right?”
“Right, next week. I’m so excited.”
“I bet!” She turns, trying to put Penny in the stroller, but she’s just not having it.
Nancy shuffles forward, eyes glossing over. She’s looking at me, gaze unwavering. Lucas rests his hand on my back, protectively moving closer.
“Hi, Callie,” she says meekly, and I completely ignore her. Betty watches me from the corner of her eye, no doubt wondering why I’m ignoring this woman. Hah. If only she knew.
“What size does Penny wear?” I ask, sticking with my original plan to totally ignore the Martins. “I might go a little crazy buying her princesses dresses.”
“She’s in eighteenth-month clothes now. She’s little.” Abby looks lovingly at her daughter. “Don’t go too crazy, we have so much stuff already.”
“I can’t make any promises,” I laugh. “I’ll see you guys later!”
“Bye!” Abby gives me a hug and Phil waves to Lucas, saying they have to go look at cars soon.
“Un-fucking-believable,” Scott grumbles, earning a jab in the ribs from Abby as they walk off. Nancy’s eyes linger on me, and the guilt is obvious on her face.