Page 114 of Last Call

“Iknowwhat it is!” Riley shrieked, hopping backward. “It’sonme!”

The toad seemed unbothered. It did a slow bounce toward the porch railing.

Andi lunged for it and missed.

Riley scrambled onto the nearest chair like the floor had turned into lava. “I swear to God, if that thing jumps on me again...”

“I got it!” Andi called triumphantly, cradling the toad in her hands.

Riley pointed. “Great. You can keep it right there."

“Mommy scared him!” Owen declared.

“No. He scaredme!” Riley said.

Fallon had to lean against the railing to keep herself upright. Billie was practically crying with laughter.

Pete’s voice drifted up from the yard. “Everything okay up there?”

"No" and "Yes" served as Fallon and Riley's simultaneous replies.

“New birthday tradition,” Billie said, trying to catch her breath. “Next year, maybe a snake?”

“I willnotcome,” Riley warned.

"It's your house," Fallon reminded her.

Andi gently handed the toad back to Owen, who cupped it like treasure.

“You’re not keeping him,” Fallon said firmly.

"He can have cake,” Owen bargained.

Billie smirked.

"Please?" Owen asked.

Fallon groaned. "Just until the end of the party," she said. "I'll get him a box. You have to set him free after that. Okay?"

Owen nodded happily.

"Sucker," Billie whispered.

"Now, we have toads?" Riley asked, finding her feet again. "The next one had better be a girl," she muttered, catching everyone's attention.

Ida shrugged. "Better hope she takes after you and not Fallon. Fallon had a creature emporium in her bedroom."

Riley's horrified expression set off another round of giggles.

"It could be worse," Andi said.

"Worse than worms, toads, and slithery things?"

"She could make you listen toMy Heart Will Go On—on repeat," Andi offered.

"I think I'd take that over the emporium."

"You think so?" Ida asked. "Try it."

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