Page 11 of The Perils of Pretending
She shrugs. “I liked the colors together.”
“Poppy…” I threaten. The family nicknamed Poppy Soda years ago. (Poppy got shortened to Pop, which became Soda. Why we chose a longer name is unknown, but when I’m not frustrated with her, I still call her Soda.)
Her eyes dart to Max, albeit briefly, but I catch her in the act. What does it mean and what does it have to do with the jewelry and why she won’t answer my question?
“It’s nothing. I swear. Wear it. Don’t wear it. Up to you.”
She’s acting way too casual. “You know I’ll google this if you don’t tell me.”
Poppy adjusts the stack of bracelets on her left wrist. “Good luck figuring out what each stone is.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Are you doing this because you know it will drive me crazy?”
Poppy lets out a laugh that’s as fake as squeeze cheese. “No, but remind me next time to do just that. Your freak-out right now is pretty funny to watch.”
“Ha-ha,” I deadpan. “Thank you, though, for real, for my jewelry. Can I buy these please?”
Poppy grabs the snacks, scanning them. “Chill, Sadie-Bo-Badie. I mean no harm.”
I know she doesn’t want to hurt me, but her keeping back the true meaning bugs me. Why can’t she tell me? “Just hurry it up. I don’t want Max to know I’m buying him something.”
Poppy’s brows rise. “Really? And why is that?”
This time, I shrug, acting nonchalant though I’m well aware of my reason. “Not sure, exactly. Just want to do something nice I guess.” I don’t want to get into how he insulted me earlier about being prepared. If he finds out I’m prepping for him now, he’ll make more judgy comments about him being able to take care of himself. He is a big boy, I get that, but there’s something eating me inside that won’t allow me to let this go until I have what he might need.
“I see.” She nods. “That’s sweet of you.”
Brody approaches, cutting off my response. “Are you done? Can I see what Poppy got me?”
I scoot over, tapping my card against the reader as Poppy hands me a bag with the snacks in it.
Poppy takes a small clear bottle from her skirt pocket. The container between her thumb and pointer finger holds little polished chips of black stone. “This is black tourmaline. It will keep you safe as well as remind you you’re a father and need to stay grounded and not act like a reckless frat boy.”
I want to defend Brody and tell Poppy he’s not one for risk taking, but it would be a lie. We both know Brody loves the rush of energy from extreme sports. He never turns down a dare or an opportunity to do something wild like staying in the mountains for a week with only a LifeStraw and pocketknife.
“Daphne will appreciate that. Thank you, Soda. You're the best.”
I punch Brody’s arm.
“Ow!” He rubs his arm. “What was that for?”
“If she’s the best, what does that make me?”
Brody wraps his arm around my shoulder. “No need to get defensive. You’re also the best.”
“Darn right I am.” I look up at Brody, smiling at him. “Soda and Iareamazing.”
“Agreed,” Poppy says, smiling.
Mom pokes her head between Brody and me. “I third that.”
“I feel like I need to fourth that…” Max says, hovering behind us.
Poppy smiles flirtatiously at Max. “You should.”
My stomach does a weird flip. Must have been the eggs I scarfed for breakfast. “Were you able to find anything for Max?”
Poppy crouches to reach below the counter. A drawer opens and closes. Poppy pops back up. “I know this is a feminine ring. It isn’t for you to wear, but something you will need during your travels. You’ll know when it’s the right time to use it.”
