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“Let me check this straight.” My friend peeks at Baby Belle cradled in my arms. “We’re having an Easter celebration in the bar?”
I nod, all too eager to provide confirmation. “It was my idea. The egg hunt starts in an hour.”
She snorts. “Of that, I have no doubt.”
“We have to compete with Bent Pedal somehow.” The upscale establishment has been making us look like slackers for long enough. Their nonstop festivities are about to get competition.
“Uh-huh, right. And you managed to convince Jerky Jacob to make an appearance as the Easter Bunny.”
“Yes, that’s correct. Although, to be fair, he isn’t that jerky these days.” Not to me at least. Except when I place a special request between the sheets.
Joy whistles. “Wow, your hoo-hoo-ca-choo must have Coors Light on tap. I bet you’re a sex kitten in the sack. Maybe you can give me some pointers on improving my blowjob form. Then we can get Cole to be Santa Claus this Christmas.”
I nudge her with a soft bump, trying not to disrupt the snoozing infant in my hold. “Will you hush? There are children present.”
“Which is entirely your fault.”
“It would be a very different event if kids weren’t involved.” Which could be an interesting concept to explore for our adult patrons once the youngsters are tucked into bed.
She gives me a sideways squint. “Aren’t you worried that Syd will recognize her father pretending to be a beloved holiday figure? That could traumatize and scar her for life.”
I huff off the concern, beginning a bouncy rhythm when Belle fusses. “Already took care of that. We told her the real Easter Bunny can’t be in multiple places at once. Her dad has the honor of filling in for him. Also, the headpiece thingy included with the costume conceals the person’s identity.”
“Ah, not just a dynamite lay.” Joy taps my temple. “You’ve got big brains in there.”
“The whole package right here.” With some clever maneuvering, I gesture down the length of my body.
“Oh, my stars. This child is brilliant.” My mother appears beside me with Sydney flanking her.
“Hi, Mommy.” Syd freezes after delivering the greeting, waiting for my reaction to the title.
It’s difficult to breathe for a moment, but I attempt to act nonchalant for her benefit. This is only the second time she’s referred to me as Mommy and I don’t want to discourage her progression. There’s no hiding the mist gathering in my eyes, though.
I blink against the hot sting. “Hey, superstar. Are you having fun?”
She beams at me while snuggling into my mother. “Uh-huh. Lots and lots. Grandma is gonna take me to a super huge toy store.”
“Spoiling her already?” I tease my mom.
“This little cutie is quite a smooth talker,” she breathes.
“Just like her daddy.” I lift my chin at the large bunny who just entered the scene.
“O. M. G.” Sydney enunciates each letter with extra pizzazz. “It’s the Easter Bunny!” She takes off in his direction as if she believes he’s the real deal.
“Great actress,” Joy muses.
“Runs in the family.” My tone is laced with humor while I watch the shenanigans begin.
Kids quickly swarm him. Jake appeases the crowd like a professional entertainer, pausing for photos and high-fives. The noise level escalates as he weaves through the room. His basket is full of themed goodies to pass out, which he manages to do with the fuzzy gloves on.
“He’s never going to live this down,” Joy cackles.
I join in her amusement. “Absolutely not.”
“We should probably make this an annual tradition.”
“You better hope my hoo-hoo-ca-choo pours Coors Light for that tall order.”
