Page 88 of A Little Naughty

“Whatever that means,” I laugh.

We’re attaching the leash when Annabelle strolls past holding Bo’s leash. “Hi, Nikki. I like your dog float.”

She’s less elementary-school it-girl today in simple jeans and a Mardi Gras sweatshirt, and I hold my breath, waiting to see what will happen.

“Hi, Annabelle.” Nikki is very casual, giving Porkchop another hug before standing. “Edward’s going use it. We’re walking with the queens.”

Annabelle glances to where Monay towers over Pinky, who is completely preoccupied with Angie Dickinson.

“Cool,” she says, continuing on her way.

My eyes slide to Nikki. “That was… good?”

“She’s okay, I guess. We decided to be friends.”

Pressing my lips together, I nod slowly as Piper joins us. She’s dressed in Mardi Gras regalia like everyone else, and her face is flushed from running around.

“Doug’s ready with the music, and Harold has the mic. Let’s get this doggy parade rolling!”

I kiss Raif’s cheek. “Looks like you’ve got everything under control. I have to lead us off with Piper.”

“We’ll be right behind you.”

I wave to the queens, who are practicing their arm movements. I pass Holly with Myrtle and all her piglets out in tutus and tiaras. They’re assorted colors, and some are bigger than others. Some have a bit of a wild look about them, and Holly has been making cracks about Raif’s float being offensive.

I lean into Piper’s ear and whisper, “I thought this was adogparade.”

“Myrtle is as smart as a dog, haven’t you heard?” Piper winks. “Plus, she’s a celebrity.”

“Who got knocked up by a hog from the wrong side of the tracks.” I start to laugh.

“As long as she paid the walking fee, we’re not judging.”

A trumpet blasts, and the second-line song begins. A cheer rises from the crowd, and it send a thrill through my chest.

Harold launches into his welcome speech, thanking everyone for coming out to the inaugural Mardi Gras dog parade, and the wagons start to roll.

Piper and I each have baskets of beads we hand to the children and shiny Mardi-Gras doubloons. The parade only goes around town square, but it’s impressive to see the number of people crowding the grassy field and lining the sidewalks in front of the local businesses.

Adam joins us as we pass El Rio. “Herve said he’s sold a record number of hurricanes and margaritas just since noon.” He hands decorated cups to Piper and me. “Virgin margarita for you, and a fully leaded hurricane for you.”

I take a sip of the bright red drink adorned with cherries and slices of orange. “This is a dangerous drink. I can’t taste any alcohol at all!”

“Take it easy. I watched him make it.”

Adam takes the basket of doubloons and helps me hand them to the kids as we round the first corner. We’re walking slowly to be sure none of the dogs—or pigs—get spooked. It’s not a long route, so everyone should make it to the end.

I walk closer to the sidewalk, handing beads to children on parents’ shoulders, when I notice a guy with dark hair watching me. He has a scar on his lip and tattoos on his neck, and he’s not smiling.

Turning away quickly, I scoot back to where Adam is helping Piper pick up a fallen dog’s hat.

“It’s not that bending over is hard,” she laughs, holding her growing baby bump, “It’s just awkward in all this regalia.”

“Let me help.” I toss the rest of my drink into a trash can as we pass, feeling uneasy about the strange man watching me.

I take her beads and hand them to the spectators. Glancing over my shoulder, I’ve lost sight of him, but my eye catches Raif’s from where he’s several yards behind us with Owen and Nikki.

The queens are behind him waving and blowing kisses as they lead their dogs, and Pinky prances with Angie Dickinson under her arm doing the same. Nikki is behind them holding Porkchop’s leash, and at a glance, it looks like heisgetting better at staying with her. It’s gratifying with how consistently she’s been working with him.

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