No… but I need help, and if I’m really trying this friend thing out… figured I’d give you a shot. ONE SHOT, to be clear.
Alright, bet… I’m a lot of things, Sade, but a loser ain’t one of them. Do your worst.
Sadie/Smart/Witty/Maybe Cursed?
Solve this clue, give me one word.
A very useful toolbox: Like a good neighbor.
I don’t hesitate.
Statefarm
Sadie/Smart/Witty/Maybe Cursed?
That’s two words, even if you smash them together and pretend it’s not. Try again.
Thought I only got one chance?
While I wait for her response, I rack my brain for what the answer could be. I really thought I had it the first time, but overconfidence is a personality trait. It’s probably something simple, like helpful. But wouldn’t she have gotten that? I quickly Google synonyms for the word, but then decide to just go with my first instinct. I mean, that’s what I'm doing here—being helpful to her.
Sadie/Smart/Witty/Maybe Cursed?
I’m feeling generous.
Helpful
Sadie/Smart/Witty/Maybe Cursed?
Thank you!
eleven
Sadie
A Knight in Shining Armor
"Okay, ladies." I hitch the diaper bag higher onto my shoulder, trying not to squish Marigold's tiny hand where it rests on my side. She’s strapped to my front, like a baby kangaroo hanging in its mother’s pouch, sound asleep. "Let’s grab our trash and head back to the car."
Lily collects the ice cream-soiled napkins from our table, while Poppy and Magnolia look at me like I’m speaking a foreign language.
"You can’t expect others to clean up your mess… move it." I wave my hand at the girls and attempt a stern face. Instead of being intimidated, they fall into a fit of giggles, and Lily rolls her eyes.
Mallory started a candle company a few years ago—one that specializes in custom scents and branding for businesses. She called to say a new mercantile is considering placing a large order today, but only if she comes to their store, so I knew I needed to help. Sebastian is working, and Mom has a doctor's appointment—I’m the only viable option, but I didn’t know what I was signing up for. What was supposed to be a quiet morning of reading followed by lunch and naps at home, turned into a bit of a shitshow.
Ten minutes after walking into the library, Marigold had a blowout, which resulted in the other girls running amuck while I changed her. Mrs. Rawlings, the head librarian, attempted to settle them for me, but when Poppy decided she no longer felt the need to wear clothes, we were asked to leave. Ice cream wasn’t really a reward for them—it was more for me—a sugar cone with caramel pecan to save the day.
I swipe the lone napkin left in the holder and finish wiping the table before grabbing the two remaining bowls and depositing them in the trash. Turning to the three girls, I put my hands on my hips.
"Okay, we need to make it to the van with no issues or it’s straight to bed at Grannie’s." I blow out a breath, knowing that wrangling four kids while weaving through the event setup in Mage Square will not be ideal. Lobster Fest starts this coming weekend, and navigating the square was precarious the first go-round. That was two hours and three forklifts ago.
The girls stand from their seats, nodding that they understand. "Magnolia and Poppy, you need to hold hands the whole way. Lily will be our line leader, and Marigold and I will be the caboose." This makes them giggle uncontrollably.
"Aunt Sadie said caboose!" Magnolia shouts, shaking her booty around.
I glance around the parlor, only to be met with sympathetic eyes from worn mothers and a few frowns from the Red-Hat ladies. I nod at Lily, and she starts toward the door.
When we make it onto the sidewalk, the girls do as I instructed, and we head toward my sister's van. It’s parked about two blocks down, and we don’t need to cross the street—I’ve got this. Everything will be fine.