Page 43 of A Little Naughty

“I was by myself.” I shiver at the memory of quiet wheels creeping up behind me on that dark country road. “It’s all about saving face now. I made him look weak.”

Monay frowns. “So he’s coming back?”

“Most definitely.” My heart beats fast, and all I can think about is protecting that little girl sleeping on the couch. “I am not letting him get his hands on her again.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. None of us are.”

Chewing my lip, I try to decide what to do. I need to talk to my sister. Maybe her super-rich husband can make something happen. I’ve always heard billionaires get whatever they want, although I don’t know if he can convince a judge to let someone like me adopt a little girl.

“Did she talk to you at all tonight?” I look up at my friend. “She seemed unhappy when I left.”

Monay pats my arm, and we sit on the top step of the stairs leading down to the exit. “Have you ever heard of Koala Kups?” I shake my head, and she continues. “Apparently it’s some trendy kid thing she wants.”

Pulling up my bag, I dig out my phone, not even caring if the whole purse crackles with plastic. Nikki is more important than my issues.

“I’m going to find out.” My thumbs fly over the screen, and I make a quick group chat including Cass, Piper, and Britt.

What’s a Koala Kup?

I hit send, and instantly gray dots appear on the screen.

Cass

I take it you’re home safe?

I’m at Monay’s. Nikki said something about a Koala Kup tonight.

Britt

I swear, I’m going to talk to Dr. Bayer and have them banned from school.

Why would they be banned?

I’m so confused.

Britt

Because I’m not paying $35 for an insulated cup that leaks, and I’m sick of the cup-bullies.

She adds the red-face, angry emoji, but I still don’t understand.

Do all the kids have them?

Piper

Yes, but it doesn’t matter. Everywhere is sold out.

Britt

Owen doesn’t have one. See above.

Piper

Adam drove over to Hilton Head, but they don’t even have them there.

I quickly text a thanks, and look at Monay. Her brow arches, and she knows what I’m thinking. “Where are you going to find an overpriced, leaky cup if everywhere is sold out?”

“Amazon?” I open the app on my phone and do a quick search. “Here. They have all kinds.”

---