"Like a library book?"
"Exactly like that."
I lean down slightly. "Does that mean I come with a late fee?"
Jillie considers this seriously. "Only if you don't bring cookies back."
"Strong policy."
We start moving because standing still in Briar Cove with Mrs. Bellamy nearby is basically volunteering to become news.
Unfortunately, moving does not help.
The moment Sadie and I begin walking in the same direction, the entire store reacts.
Not loudly.
Worse.
Quietly.
An older couple near the soup cans exchange a look. Two teenage girls near the freezer section whisper. A man comparing pasta sauce turns his cart around so slowly he might as well be wearing a sign that says I want to see where this goes.
Sadie keeps her chin high.
Jillie swings between us, chattering about cereal like our accidental grocery parade is completely normal.
"Mom says we can get one fun cereal and one responsible cereal."
"Responsible cereal?" I ask.
"The square kind that tastes like cardboard with feelings."
Sadie sighs. "It's whole grain."
"That's what I said."
We reach the cereal aisle.
Jillie immediately points to a box with cartoon penguins and marshmallow snowflakes.
"This one."
"That is dessert wearing a cereal costume," Sadie says.
"But it's winter themed."
"So is frostbite. We don't eat that either."
I pick up the box and read the label.
"It says here it's an excellent source of twelve vitamins."
Sadie looks at me like I have betrayed democracy.
"Do not join her legal team."
"I'm simply presenting evidence."
