Page 125 of Finders Keepers

“I sure did, baby. You’re becoming quite the little rider.” I help her buckle into her car seat, making sure it’s secure.

“Where did Gavin go?” Her question makes my stomach clench. He’d gotten an emergency call about a horse in distress halfway through her lesson. The look of reluctance on his face when he had to leave still sits with me.

“He had to go help a sick horse.” I say turning the AC to full blast and adjust the rearview mirror, scanning the area out of habit. “That’s what veterinarians do.”

The car starts to cool down as we pull away from Ms. Lucy’s. My hands grip the steering wheel tighter than necessary, but I can’t help it. Being out in the open makes my skin crawl and seeing our tiny little house sends a shiver down my spine. Matt tainted that little piece of sanctuary for us.

“Mommy?” Sophie’s voice pipes up from the backseat.

“Yes, baby?”

“I’m hot.” She drags out the word ‘hot’ into multiple syllables. “Texas is super hot. Like, super-duper hot.”

I glance at her in the mirror. Her hair is still sticking to her forehead despite the AC. “We’ll be back at Gavin’s soon, sweetie.”

“But Mommy…” Here it comes. I recognize that tone. “Can we get ice cream? Please? Pretty please with sprinkles on top?”

My first instinct is to say no. We should head straight back to Gavin’s house where I can arm the house. Where I can breathe easier. Where-

“Please, Mommy? I did good with Buttercup today. And it’s so hot. Like, hotter than the sun!”

I bite my lip, warring with myself. She did do amazing today, and it is getting hotter…

“Pretty please? With cherries AND sprinkles?” She begs, folding her hands together.

“Okay.” The word slips out before I can stop it. “But just a quick stop, alright?”

Her giggle of delight almost makes the anxiety worth it. Almost.

I turn onto Main Street, and then drive to Scoops parking lot.

It’s nearly empty, which both relieves and unnerves me.

Stop it, Bailey. Be strong for Sophie.

“Can I get chocolate? With rainbow sprinkles?” She’s already unbuckling herself as I park.

“Hold on there, speed racer.” I climb out and open her door. “Let Mommy help you.”

We push through the door of Scoops and the sweet smell of waffle cones fills my senses. The same teenage boy who served me and Gavin on our first date greets us from behind the counter, and a teenage girl is sweeping near the window.

“Welcome to Scoops!” The boy smiles. “What can I whip up for you two today?”

Sophie presses against my leg, suddenly shy around the stranger. I rest my hand on her shoulder.

“Can we get a chocolate cup with rainbow sprinkles, please?” I pause. “Make that two actually,” I add, figuring I might as well join her. Maybe it’ll help calm my nerves.

“Coming right up!”

While he scoops our ice cream, I scan the shop again. The teenage girl has moved to wiping tables. There’s a couple playing a card game at one high top table. A family of four is playing Trouble and another family plays Go Fish.

Nothing suspicious. No one watching us.

“Here you go, sweetheart.” The boy hands Sophie her cup, rainbow sprinkles scattered like confetti over the ice cream. “Be careful, it’s a bit melty today.” And then he hands me mine.

Her face lights up as she scoops her pink spoon into her treat. “Thank you!”

I pay quickly, and we find a small table near the back corner with a Guess Who? game on it, and I position myself so I can see both the door and the parking lot.

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