Page 119 of Safe and Sound

“Um, it’s…” Christ on a cross. How was I going to get out of this one? When I threw a panicked glance at Ava, she shook her head like I was all on my own.

“We’re here!” Thomas pronounced a little more forcefully than he needed to.

I’d never been more thankful to see an oversized bowling shoe sign in all my life. Piper forgot all about what a vasectomy was at the sight of the Bowelrama. Bouncing in her seat, she squealed as she glanced around the packed parking lot.

Once we were parked, I reached over to unbuckle Piper from the car seat contraption, but I found I couldn’t make it. Ava opened my door. “Here I’ll get it.”

“Okay.”

After hopping out of my seat, Ava took my place. Of course, she managed to get Piper undone with one hand. “Show off,” I teased.

She laughed. “It just takes practice.

While we started into Bowlerama, Thomas kept his hand in his coat and his eyes bouncing around. The moment we stepped inside, I knew why Ava hadn’t been excited with the prospect. It was a sensory overload of loud music, flashing lights, and screeching kids. “Jaysus, Mary, and Joseph,” I muttered.

“I tried to tell you.”

“As much as I hate it, I’d do it for her,” I replied, pointing to Piper who was already dancing to the music.

“What kind of pizza do you want?” I yelled.

“I want supreme, but Piper only likes cheese.”

“Go ahead and get a table, and I’ll take care of the food.”

“I didn’t mean for you to pay.”

“It’s okay. I want to.”

“I mean, you could get Piper’s, but I can get mine.”

Chuckling, I replied, “I think I owe you a shite-ton of child support, so let me get some cheap pizza and drinks.”

“Well, if you put it that way, then it’s okay,” she replied with a smile.

After taking Piper’s hand, she led them over to where the tables and booths were. It had been a long time since I’d ordered my own food. I made sure to get a few slices for Thomas as well, even though I knew he would refuse to eat with us. Instead, he’d been skulking about dark corners keeping an eye on things.

Once our food was ready, I grabbed the tray and started craning my neck to try and find Ava and Piper. When I found them, I eased my way through the crowd to sit down. Ava had picked a booth, and she and Piper were on one side together.

I don’t know why it bothered me. It wasn’t like I would’ve wanted Piper sitting by herself. But I wouldn’t have minded being given the chance to sit with Ava. Although I suppose I should’ve wanted to sit next to Piper.

After distributing the food and drinks, we dug in. I was hungrier than I thought, and surprisingly, the pizza was actually good. I mean, I’m sure Caterina and her brothers would have thought it was absolute shite considering their heritage but it was good enough.

At the thought of my sister-in-law, I couldn’t help thinking of her past as a novice nun. So, I asked Piper, “Do you go to church?”

Ava’s hand froze in bringing her pizza to her mouth. “You’re not seriously asking her that, are you?”

“What’s wrong with it?”

Narrowing her eyes at me, Ava challenged, “It’s just an interesting question from a man like you.”

“Easy with the claws in front of the child,” I shot back with a shark-like smile.

“I’m serious.”

“I’m at mass every week.”

“Good for you,” she snapped.

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