CHAPTER 24
“That may have beenthe stupidest play I’ve ever seen,” Blythe said as they exited the theater. “And you two laughed like a couple of hyenas.”
“It was hilarious.” Abby linked arms with Blythe and bumped her hip against hers as they walked to the parking garage. “Admit it, you laughed, too.”
“Yeah. At you guys.” Blythe shook her head with exaggerated outrage.
“Don’t be silly, dear,” Ricki said.
Abby burst out laughing, and Blythe groaned at Ricki’s use of an oft-repeated line in the play.
Blythe slapped her hand against her forehead. “You’re going to be quoting that stupid play the rest of the weekend, aren’t you?”
Her disgust was all for show. Having Ricki being playful caused Blythe’s mood to soar.Crisis averted?It remained too early to celebrate, but Ricki was spending time with her and Abby instead of Missy. It was a start.
“Undoubtedly,” Abby answered. “Right, Ricki?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then you’re taking me out for ice cream to soften the blow.” Blythe extracted her arm from Abby’s and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Somebody is quite the pouter tonight,” Ricki said with amusement in her voice.
“Should we reward a pouter with ice cream, or will it just encourage bad behavior?” Abby asked.
“Hmm, good point. We should probably refuse to take her.” Ricki leaned toward Abby. “But we could slip out after she’s asleep and get some.”
Abby chuckled.
“You two are a laugh riot tonight.”
“We are rather amusing, aren’t we?” Abby wrapped her arm around Blythe’s waist. “But I bet this gets me off the hook.”
“You’re gonna bribe me?”
“Maybe.” Abby grinned. “I talked to Winnie last night.”
“Winnie, as in X-Marks the Spot, Winnie?”
“The one and only. She’s been following your videos. She loved the rappelling one and—”
Ricki groaned. “Don’t you know that’s only going to encourage her?”
“Quiet.” Blythe pointed at Ricki. “This is an important conversation.”
They entered the parking garage, and Ricki said, “Stairs or elevator?”
“Stairs.” Abby made a beeline for the staircase.
Blythe hurried to keep up with her. “Aren’t you going to share what Winnie said?”
“That’s why we’re taking the stairs. More time to talk.” Abby threw open the heavy metal door.
Blythe grabbed it and held it open for Abby. “Or we’ll be so out of breath we won’t be able to talk.”
“It’s only six floors. I think you’ll survive.” Ricki ducked under Blythe’s arm and followed Abby, who’d already started up the stairs.
“Hey, wait up.” Blythe let the door slam shut, causing a loud metallic thud. “You’re supposed to be filling me in.”
