I try really hard not to laugh. “Yes, you could. But you’re not going to, because you promised Auntie May and Mama that you wouldn’t cut anything. Remember, you are not allowed to touch anything in this room.”
I start to wonder why on earth they would have a room full of such dangerous things lying around when Dev has a child; he must bring his son here from time to time, right? But then, it might make perfect sense to have the swords here rather than at his house. The more I think about it, the more it appears to be a very good parenting decision to have the swords here, yet a very bad parenting decision to have my kid here. That Mom of the Year award is definitely moving further and further from my grasp.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
May walks into the next room, holding the door open so we can pass through. Sammy starts heading off toward one of the swords instead, so I rush forward and take him by the shoulders, shifting him in the other direction. “Here we go, this way. Let’s go see Felix. Won’t that be fun?” I’m really trying to sell it, like hanging out with Felix is better than candy. Better than ninja swords, even.
Sammy remembers his buddy and shifts focus, moving to follow his Auntie May. “Where are we going?” he asks.
“We’re going where they have cookies,” says May.
I shake my head at her and whisper as he walks past. “He’s already ingested an entire box of animal cracker cookies this morning for breakfast.”
She gives me a sly grin. “Shooting for Mom of the Year, are we?”
“Judge not, lest you have children and be judged. God saves his most special mommy-curses for critical kid-judgers, you know.”
“Hey, it’s cool with me. You know whenever I’m in charge they eat lots of cookies.”
I wave her off. “Shush, I don’t want to know.”
Goofing around with my sister about her Vegas rules is making this event easier to handle than I thought it would be. I could be fretting about what these people will think of me, but instead I’m thinking about kid-Vegas. What happens at Auntie May’s house, stays at Auntie May’s house. Vegas rules apply whenever she babysits, no matter where or when it is. It’s the best way I know to allow my kids a little spoiling without making it a regular part of their lives.
“There she is,” says a bright voice from inside the kitchen area. As I come around the corner I see the man who said it—Thibault, along with his Cajun accent and his friendly smile.
I smile back. “Hey, Thibault. How’ve you been?”
“Never better. Welcome.”
“Thanks.” I look around the room. Everyone but Dev is here, including a woman who I haven’t met yet. But I don’t need an introduction because I already know who she is: Little Miss Kickass. My sister’s description of Toni couldn’t have been more perfect. I would not want to get on this girl’s bad side. Even though she’s smaller than I am, she looks like she could definitely take me down.
The woman stands up and walks over, her high-heeled boots making sharp noises on the floor. When she’s in front of me, she stops and holds out her hand forcefully, with almost military precision.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Toni.” There’s no smile there, but I’m not getting the vibe that she’s unfriendly toward me; she’s just all business. I can respect that. I’m a Wonder Woman fan.
I take her hand in mine and give her a firm shake. “Nice to meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Toni’s right eyebrow goes up. “Do I want to know?”
My smile is suddenly warmer at what appears to be the tiniest hint of insecurity on her part. “It’s all good, I promise. You really impressed my sister, so you must be somebody special.”
I detect a very slight softening of Toni’s features, or at least I think I do. “Good to know,” she says, letting my hand go.
“This is my son, Sammy.”
Toni looks down at him. The tiniest hint of a smile quirks up the side of her lips as she shakes his proffered hand. “Nice to meet you, Sammy.”
“Nitht to meet you too, Mith Toni.” His little hand falls to his side and he immediately starts scanning the space under the table, looking for Felix. I take hold of his shoulders to keep him from dropping onto all fours.
Toni turns, goes back to her chair, and resumes her seat.
May speaks up. “You’ve met Lucky and Ozzie, of course.”
I nod. “Yep. Great to see all of you again.” I finally allow my gaze to be drawn over to Ozzie. My face heats up once more as I wait for his judgment to be cast.
He nods at me, no signs of judgment anywhere. “Thanks for coming. You’re really helping us out of a bind.”
It always feels good to be needed. I wonder if Ozzie knows that well enough to use it to his advantage. He seems very cool and relaxed, but I think he’s a hell of a lot wilier than he appears. I won’t hold it against him if he’s purposely buttering me up, though. I like butter.
“Well, I don’t know for sure if I can help you, but I’m willing to give it a shot.”
Lucky pulls out the empty chair next to him. “Why don’t you have a seat here, and I’ll show you what we’re looking at.”