“You’re wearing that?” she asked, her tone neutral, but the words undercutting the sentiment.
“Why?” Frankie glanced down to tug the ruche at her chest. I swallowed.
“No. No. If you think it suits your coloring. I mean, I just wouldn’t want you to look washed out,” Joey said.
“You look incredible. That color suits you wonderfully,” I said, holding her gaze.
Frankie started to smile, but her gaze flicked to her sister. The smile faded as Joey cleared her throat.
I stood and collected my keys. “Ready?” I interjected before Joey got any more jabs in. And before I lost my cool.
“Yeah.” She grabbed a water bottle and added it to the bag. She turned to Joey. “Okay. Just make sure you don’t leave George. Or take him with if you leave. But make sure he isn’t in the sun too long. And bring snacks. And make sure Collette washes her hands if she—”
I tugged her elbow to bring her out to her car.
“She can figure it out,” I mumbled in her ear.
She blinked up at me.
“I am her mother you know,” Joey said.
Frankie flinched. “I know. Sorry. Of course. You got this.” She took a deep breath in and out. “Okay. Just call if you need anything.”
I felt her restraining herself from going to hug Collette goodbye as she would have every other time. Collette took the liberty and launched herself at Frankie’s legs.
“Love you,” Collette said.
“Love you too,” she said quietly.
“Bring me back something.”
Frankie smiled down at Collette. “If they have anything for kids, I’ll try.”
Joey stood to collect her daughter by the shoulders. “You two go have a nice time.” She squeezed Collette’s shoulders. “We’re gonna have the best mother-daughter day ever, aren’t we, sweetie?”
Collette looked up at her and nodded eagerly. “We can get ice cream, right?”
“Not too much sugar—” Frankie started, but I pulled her out the front door before she could give any more instructions.
“They’re gonna be fine,” I said.
“No. I know. Of course. She’s her mother,” Frankie said as she tucked herself in the passenger seat of my car.
“Really. They’ll be okay. George and Collette will be there to make sure.”
She relaxed her shoulders and let a long breath out. “Okay. You’re right. I’m worrying for nothing.”
I went around to my side, noting her furrowed, worried expression hadn’t quite melted.
The closest spot I could find to the event was a few blocks away from the park where the event was being held, and so we walked in with a large group queuing up for tickets.
“What’s the big plan here?” she asked.
“How do you mean?” I used the excuse of the crowd to press myself closer to her side. She smelled like vanilla and warm weather and a little bit of sun lotion.
“I didn’t think events with a bunch of people would be your thing. You know, with the fame and all that.”
“Actually, it’s pretty easy to be in larger groups without being noticed. Most people don’t expect anybody of notoriety to be strolling about.”
