Page 19 of Tuesday

She grins at Pops then points to my dad, poking him in the chest. “Doggy!”

Pops’ hands spring back, like he’s been burned, shock on his face.

“Doggy!”

“Yeah, sweetheart,” Pops swallows and clears his throat, “yeah, that’s Mad Dog.” Laney grins and leans her head on Dad’s shoulder.

He stares for a moment longer, eyes getting narrower and narrower the longer he stares at my father.

“You OK there Sid?” Dad asks, looking concerned.

“Oh yeah, just…thinking.” He leans around Mad Dog and Laney. “Elio, mind giving me a hand with…something?” His eyes dart to Dad, then back to Elio who carefully places a bookmark into the book he was reading, and places the book back on the shelf, before coming toward us.

“Explosions?” he asks, looking up at Pops, ignoring everyone else in the room.

Pops’ eyes flick to Mad Dog, then back, “No, not just yet. Let’s go brainstorm.” He turns stiffly, then throws a wave over his shoulder, bustling out, Elio hot on his heels.

We watch him leave and then Dad turns to me, “Son, I know I’ve been away for a while but holy shit, this place is chaos.”

I throw my head back and laugh, he has no fucking idea.

Chapter 7

Chewy

I’m feeling triumphant and have decided that mine and Rhodie’s child really is superior to other children. Thanks to the routine I have implemented Laney managed to do her reading, have structured play time, spend time with family and friends, a short brain break with a power nap and now I have successfully unfolded her pushchair from the back of the SUV and strapped her into it. I timed it so I arrived at Girl Gang Moms group exactly on time, but I can see walking through the doors that not everyone is here yet.

“Over here Chewy!” Mira waves enthusiastically.

To begin with I was unsure about Mira. She is very bubbly and warm and not really into murder in real life, however I got to know her and I appreciated the warmth she brings. Each of the Girl Gang brings new skills to share with the group and I feel that’s a good thing. Glancing at Lovely, I note how much she has changed since being a Girl Gang member. Our skills are rubbing off on her and vice versa. It’s a good thing.

“Sorry I’m late! Jr slept late,” Ana says, rushing in with her designer buggy and her silky blouse. She is very fancy. And not good at keeping a sleep schedule, obviously. “So, who are we waiting on?”

“No one, we’re all here. Kaia, the new owner, will be bringing us a selection of new muffins to try,” Remy says, excitedly.

I look forward to meeting this Kaia woman. I’m not sure what all happened but when we were surveilling this place Judge and her had some type of interaction that made the brother even quieter than usual. And he refuses to come here.

“Ladies, I have been usurped,” Pops sighs dramatically after his big announcement.

There are gasps and giggles around the table before Remy asks, in a concerned voice, “By who?”

“Mad Dog,” he grumbles under his breath.

“Huh?” Nat asks.

“Mad Dog. Rhodie’s father. My darling granddaughter has ditched me.” His shoulders slump as he fiddles with a napkin, tearing it to pieces.

“Sage?” Blanche asks.

“No, not that sweet baby girl. She’s a good girl. All she does is study and look after her old Pops.”

I side eye Pops. More often than not Sage is mooning over Takoda, Chef as he’s now called. It’s not subtle if evenIcan pick up on it.

“Cove then?” Ana asks, trying to hide her smile.

“Or Bee or Rosie?”

“No, not those sweet babies either.” His eyes dart toward me and Laney. “It’s Chewy’s kid that has forsaken me.”

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