Lib Novel Page 124
“Duh.”
I accept that was an obvious statement.
“Well, if anyone is extra annoying, tell me.”
“Yeah, sure.” It’s a blow-off statement if I’ve ever heard one. “What should we get?”
We’re close enough to read the menu now, and while I read the options, I wonder if there’s a career day or something I could go to at Chelsea’s school for the sole purpose of putting the fear of Mad Dog into the hearts of any boy who might dream of even talking to her.
When it’s our turn, we decide on the bucket.
I make Chelsea carry it so I’m not tempted to eat them by the handful, then guide her back the way we came.
As we walk away, Ken shouts, “The Biters suck!”
Chelsea spins around, looking ready to throw down, and before I can stop her, she shouts back, “Your science project sucked!”
A laugh barks out of me, but I try to cover it with a cough.
“Smidge, that wasn’t nice.” It’s hard to chastise her when I’m still trying not to laugh, and now I appreciate all the times I’ve witnessed Hannah in this same position even more.
“He deserved it.”
“I trust your judgment.” I hold my hand out. “Give me a donut, and I’ll pretend I didn’t hear you insulting that kid’s schoolwork.”
Chelsea holds up the bucket.
I take two and shove them both in my mouth.
When I look down, Chelsea is making a face at me.
“What?” I ask, mouth still full.
“Are you gonna marry Aunt Hannah?”
I swallow the rest of my donut.
I wasn’t expecting her to ask that. But a direct question deserves a direct answer. “I’d like to. You okay with that?”
She purses her lips, then shrugs. “Yeah. You’re alright.”
Her easy acceptance warms my whole damn soul.
“Stop it.” I hunch my shoulders. “You’re gonna make me blush.”
Smidge shakes her head. “I take it back. You’re a dork.”
I mock gasp. “You wound me.”
Instead of apologizing, she holds up the donuts, and I take two more.
This kid gets me.
Then I spot the perfect thing.
“Hold up.” I grip her sleeve, pulling her off to the side. “One more stop before the slushies.”
EIGHTY-ONE