Page 9 of Best Laid Plans

Tatum bounces on her toes. “Like Elsa?”

“Yup, just like Elsa.”

Ten minutes later, Tatum is admiring her braid in the little entryway mirror. Finally, after checking it from every possible angle, she shoots me a thumbs-up and what I can only assume is a wink. It’s all I can do to suppress a laugh, because the expression on her face makes her look like a hokey used-car salesman you’d see on a billboard somewhere.

* * *

We decide to take advantage of the good weather and walk to the park. Well, I walk. Tatum gallops, hops, and twirls her way down the sidewalk. Her enthusiasm garners us a few stares, coupled with friendly waves from others milling about outside. Being the little ham she is, Tatum eats up the attention.

At the park, Tatum goes straight for the big slide, climbing the rungs of the ladder fearlessly and then launching herself down the shoot.My sweet, brave girl.After about ten minutes she tires of the slide and sets off for the merry-go-round.

“Mama! Come spin me!”

Five spins later, she says she is too dizzy to keep going and we make our way to the swings. When she sees the tandem swing is open, she shouts with glee. “We swing togedder?”

“Sure thing, Tater Tot.”

About an hour later, we have made our rounds through all of the playground equipment. “You ready for lunch?”

“Hmm.” Tatum taps the little dimple in her chin. “I stapose.”

“You suppose? Well, what sounds yummy?”

“Ice cream,” she deadpans.

“Try again kid.”

“Fine. Grilled cheeses?”

“Now that sounds like a plan.”

* * *

Thirty minutes later, we’re both stuffed from our grilled cheeses. Tatum opted for the kid-friendly American cheese and white bread classic while I went with Gouda on sourdough accompanied by bacon, tomatoes, and garlic aioli.

“I eated it all.” Tatum looks at me expectantly while patting her little belly.

“I see that,” I say through a smile.

“So, do I gets ice cream?”

“That depends.”

“On what, Mama? I’ll do anyfing!”

“Anything? Oh, my…” I steeple my fingers under my chin, rubbing the tips against one another like a movie villain. Tatum looks at me with her beautiful green eyes. “How about you help me pick up your toys when we get home and no complaining at bath time?”

My girl nods her head furiously, almost to the point of looking like a bobblehead. “Yes! Yes! I can do that!”

I beam and hold my hand out to her, helping her down from her chair. “Then let’s get to it, pretty girl.”

We hop over to Scoops, which is conveniently located right next door. After placing our orders, Tatum skips over to our usual table near the door while I linger at the counter, waiting for our order. I keep my eyes on her while listening out for our number to be called. By the time I have our sweet treats in hand, she’s all but drooling.

Two bites in and my phone starts buzzing in my purse. I fish it out and check the screen, finding two new texts from Jenny, my work bestie. She and I started at Bayside around the same time, and being the new girls, we stuck together like glue. The fact that she’s ballsy as all get-out, fun, and an all-around good person certainly doesn’t hurt.

I press my right index finger to the sensor and unlock my phone before opening her message.

Jenny: Staff meeting Monday morning. 8 AM. Hiss, boo!

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