“We watch YoYo, you’re gonna start in on me about getting a damn dog again and I’ve made myself clear on this subject about a million times,” Buddy replied.
“Excuse me but I can’t wear the cute doggie sweaters I bought online. We have to get a dog so I can dress her up in those sweaters,” Ralphie threw in.
“I told you not to buy those sweaters. Why would anyone buy doggie sweaters when they don’t have a dog?” Buddy was losing patience.
“I love dogs. I’m always telling you a house isn’t a home without a pet. And anyway, I’m Queen Accoutrement, Expert at All Things Accessory. I need a dog. Dogs are the end all, be all, new, hip accessory.” Ralphie didn’t care that Buddy was losing patience (he never did).
They were now both behind me, propelling me forward and I was laughing straight out.
That was until my eyes adjusted to the dark light of the bar and I saw front and center at a bunch of tables pushed together all the Rock Chicks. Every one of them. Including a black-haired lady I hadn’t met.
And also including Daisy.
I stopped dead and the smile disappeared from my face.
Ralphie ran into me and said. “Sadie, sweets, get a move on, I need a cocktail.”
I didn’t get a move on. I stood rooted to the spot, staring at the Rock Chicks.
Then it hit me. They hadn’t seen me yet so I still had a chance to escape!
I was about to whirl when my eyes caught on something all the way across the bar.
Lounging, shoulders against the wall, was Lee Nightingale. Next to him, at first horrified glance, I thought was Hector. Staring in shock, I realized it wasn’t, it was someone who looked like Hector but was just a shade less rough around the edges. By the look of him he had to be related to Hector however. There was no way they weren’t blood.
The Rock Chicks hadn’t seen me but Lee and his companion most definitely did. Both of their eyes were locked on me and after a second Lee started to push away from the wall.
I decided it was time to go.
I whirled. “We have to go,” I said to Buddy and Ralphie.
They were both stopped just inside the door, looking down at me and I saw the surprise hit their faces.
“Go? Why? We just got here,” Ralphie said.
I put my hand to his chest and leaned in. “We have to go. Now. Just go.”
Ralphie resisted the lean, his eyes scanning the bar as Buddy asked me, “Are you okay?”
No, I wasn’t okay. But I wasn’t going to explain it, not now. Maybe I’d do it later, like tomorrow or, say, when I could explain it (which might be never).
I knew the moment Ralphie saw the Rock Chicks, I saw his face register recognition. He smiled over my shoulder then he waved.
I grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand down. “Don’t do that! Turn around and go!”
“What’s goin’ on?” Buddy asked.
“We are not going,” Ralphie said to me, his voice telling me he was digging deep into his battle trenches and when Ralphie dug in, Ms. Townsend, Ice Princess or even Sorceress of the Antarctic would never win the battle.
“What’s goin’ on?” Buddy repeated.
I didn’t give up. No, actually, I couldn’t give up. Too much was at stake.
“We’re going,” I said to Ralphie.
“Are not,” Ralphie returned.
“Are so.”