Page 48 of Bring me Back

The parents from the family who just took pictures gave me back the costumes with a smile and a thank you. I straightened the clothes and hung it on the rack.

“Easy-peasy.”

“Are we taking pictures of the whole family?”

I shrugged. “If someone asks.”

She watched me work in silence when another family came. I dealt with them, showing all I was doing to her and once they left, Hallie twisted her nose.

“Shouldn’t you be in costume to attract more people?”

“No, thanks.” My answer was direct.

She went to the rack, passing her hands on the costumes. “Don’t you like my costumes?”

I laughed. “Don’t start, Cricket…”

“Don’t start with what?” My brother asked as they came back. Hallie turned, blushing straight away, clearly embarrassed when someone caught her in her teasing mode.

“Hallie thinks I should wear a costume to attract more people,” I told them, just because I wanted them to see her fun side. “This is Hallie, by the way.”

She didn’t have time for a shy wave. April was already jumping up and down. “Yes, Uncle Dan, that’s so cool! Can we match?”

I was about to reply when no one but Hallie interrupted me. “I’m choosing his costume now. Do you want to help me?”

April had no problems in partnering up for my misery. Rose took a second longer, watching the situation unfold, but she eventually stepped closer to them.

“I’m April, and this is my sister Rose,” April promptly introduced.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Hallie.”

I grinned like a fool, whipping my head to the other side just to catch Mark chuckling as Abby made a kissing face to mock me. I rolled my eyes. With those guys, it was like we were back in school.

“I know, right? He would look great in that uniform. What about the bald cap? What do you guys think?” I heard Hallie talking to the girls.

As I looked at them, Hallie was holding aStar Trekuniform in one hand and a bald cap in the other.

I groaned, “I would watch it if I were you. My shift is almost over.”

Hallie fluttered her eyelashes. “I thought you could walk around in costume and call people to our booth.”

She delivered in such an innocent tone, I believed it for a second. It was Abby who laughed first, clapping her hand, delighted with herself.

“Oh, I like her!” she chuckled.

I pointed at my sister-in-law. “Traitor.” And I called Hallie, “Come say hi to Abby, the reason why this is here.”

“Ok, you guys keep our search going.” She directed the girls in a serious tone. They nodded, accepting her as their leader, and I tried my best not to fall in love with Hallie Delos Santos.

“Hi, sorry I got caught up with…” Hallie tried to explain herself, jerking her thumb toward the girls.

Abby had the biggest, craziest smile. “Don’t you apologize. I’m so excited to meet you!”

She shrieked.

I watched for Hallie’s reaction. Abby was overwhelming, actually the whole family was a lot to take in at once. I was on the edge, afraid Hallie would feel cornered. But she smiled at Abby. “Nice to meet you. The girls are amazing.”

“I’m Mark, Dan’s brother. The good-looking one.”

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