Page 46 of The Alien Reindeer's Bounty
“Will they come back?”
Shoot. Give that gold star back.
“I think we scared them away and Mads is going to keep an eye out for us.” Odessa didn’t expect to get a wink of sleep. Nerves would have her jumping at every creak and groan in the old house. As much as the independent streak in her chafed at having Mads swoop in and play her gallant defender, his presence eased the anxiety squeezing her chest. “Did you have a good day?” she asked, steering the subject to something positive.
Ruby nodded.
“Did you like ice skating?”
Another nod. “I like Mads. Are you dating now? Is he going to be my daddy?”
Tricky waters, but Odessa would rather talk about her possible love life than dwell on their intruder.
“We’re not there yet,” she said. “Mads was my best friend when I was your age.”
“But do you want to kiss him?”
Yes. Earlier in the day, she felt a connection between them and hoped for some making out on the sofa when they got home, but that mood had been ruined.
“Definitely not there yet, but would it be okay if we saw more of Mads?”
Ruby shrugged. “I dunno. I guess. Sally Jean, at school, her mom has a boyfriend and he’s always buying her new toys so Sally Jean will like him. Will Mads buy me a new pony?”
Odessa swallowed a laugh. “You’re quite the little mercenary, aren’t you?”
“Take Cotton Fluffybutt with you,” Ruby said, pointing to the floppy-eared bunny sitting on her dresser. “He’ll help you keep watch.”
“Oh, thank you, goblin, but doesn’t he need to watch over you?”
“He got a promotion. He’s the regional manager now. He doesn’t like to brag about it.” Then, Ruby added in a whisper. “Sparkles was up for the same promotion, but she didn’t get it.”
“I think Sparkles will do a good job watching over you while Mr. Fluffybutt helps me.” Odessa planted a sloppy kiss on Ruby’s forehead, causing the girl to wiggle and wipe her hand across her brow as if she could ever possibly clean up her mother’s love. Nope. That crud went deep and could never be wiped away. “Night, goblin.”
Odessa carried the stuffed bunny downstairs.
“I have so many questions,” Mads said.
“Cotton Fluffybutt was recently promoted to regional manager, I’ll have you know,” she said in a lofty tone, “so he’s supervising us tonight.”
“Because we need supervising?” He grinned, full of mischief.
That grin had gotten her into so much trouble in the past.
“I don’t think you’re respecting the bunny’s authority because he’s wearing a bowtie.”
“He’s a bunny,” Mads said.
“He’s your boss,” Odessa clarified. “God, I need a drink.”
She pulled two hard apple ciders from the fridge, twisted the caps off, and handed one to Mads. He had that smartass expression on his mug so she stopped him before he could start. “Don’t. I’m not a big drinker. This is about all that I can handle.”
“I’m not mocking. The bottles seem fancy.” He accepted the drink and settled on the couch.
“I used to get the kind in cans but once Ruby helped herself to ‘Mommy’s special apple juice’ and that was the end of that. We only have bottles that a kid can’t mistake for soda in this house.” Ruby only had a sip before complaining that the soda tasted bad and Odessa caught the mistake. She searchedhow much apple cider will make a child drunkon her phone and spent the rest of the day terrified that protective services would come knocking.
“She’s a delight. I like her,” he said.
“Hmm. Ruby’s reserving her judgment. I think it’s going to hinge on how many ponies you buy her.”
