Page 115 of A Little Naughty

I’m finishing up a layout on the big computer at the front of theGazetteoffice. It’s getting close to Easter, and we’ve got pictures of babies and preschoolers coming in like crazy, all in gingham and white holding baskets and bunnies. It’s another of myfun-draisers, emphasis on the fun, I tell Piper.

Glancing over at the two of them and Angie Dickinson in her little bed, I think about how our special family has grown in the last several weeks. Raif’s dad has started joining us for dinner, and he’s so deferential and kind. He reminds me so much of his son.

The first time Thad showed up at our door, Raif hugged him so long I had to dry my eyes. It was such a gift. I imagine it’s how I would’ve felt if I’d ever been able to help my mom, and now he checks on him all the time. It’s such a win.

I drag another photo onto the page and arrange it with the caption beneath. “Was there a baby boom in town I didn’t know about?”

“How in the world would I know something like that?” Monay rolls her eyes, then puts the stack of cards on the table. “What do you mean byeasily influenced?”

“He ran his dog for mayor last year against Mrs. Edna because Drake Redford was trying to bully her into approving a golf resort.”

She speaks to Nikki. “Cut them.” Nikki does as she’s told, and Monay waves a hand at me. “We talked about that. He thought Drake was being pro-business, then he realized he was just being pro-Drake.”

“Cass could’ve told him that.”

“Anyway, since his little niece went back to Greenville, he’s got more time?—”

“Wait…” I look at Nikki. “Annabelle left? You didn’t tell me.”

She shrugs. “She wanted to be with her dad.”

“And you’re not sad or anything?” I watch her closely for any sign of regret over losing her new friend…ish?

“I mean, I miss her. But we text and stuff, and it’s her dad. Of course, she wants to be with him.”

“Okay…” My voice is quiet, until I open the next photo and squeal. “Oh no!”

“What?” Nikki cries excitedly, and the two of them jump up and rush to where I’m working.

I cup my hands over my mouth, but I can’t stop laughing. “The poor babies!”

It’s a photo of two little boys sitting on the lap of someone dressed in the ugliest, scariest Easter bunny costume I’ve ever seen. The rabbit’s mouth is stretched in a hideous, pink smile, and the eyes are wild.

One little boy’s eyes are huge, and the other is screaming so hard, his entire face looks like a tomato.

“Those boys are going to need some serious therapy.” Monay dismisses it with a wave, but I have to tap the tears out of my eyes.

“Promise you won’t ever do that to me!” Nikki whispers, and I can tell she’s empathizing a little too much with these poor kids.

“I promise.” I give her a hug, sniffing as I arrange the photo into the layout. “I might have to put that one on the front page with a warning.”

“The things parents do to their kids.” Monay carefully arranges the cards on the table, telling Nikki, “Hold your intention in your mind.”

“What’s my intention?” Nikki frowns at her.

“It’s something you want to happen.”

Nikki presses her lips together, and she seems to be thinking very hard. “Okay,” she finally says.

Monay and I exchange a look, and she turns them over slowly, explaining each one as she does. “The tower means a visitor is coming… Pentacles means you’ll find something you lost—maybe money!” She raises her eyebrows at Nikki. “And finally… the empress?—”

“I’m going to find a bunch of money and become a queen?” Nikki jumps out of her chair and does a little dance.

Angie Dickinson stands in her bed and shakes her tiny butt along with her, and Nikki grabs her under her arm. “Did you hear that Ang? I’m going to be fancy like you!”

She swans around in front of the desk, holding up her arm and waving her cupped hand like Queen Elizabeth II. I shake my head, returning to the layout.

Monay pokes out her lips and shrugs. “The empress usually has something to do with mothers or motherhood, but sure, let’s go with that.”

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