When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,31

“I’ve taken him to school fundraiser events before, but we never stayed long. So thank you.”

“What are sisters for?” I gave her a pointed look.

I understood Abby not wanting to socialize. Having to be polite while she explained repeatedly that her husband was dead would be torture.

Tyler tugged on Abby’s shirt, leading her out the door.

Abby turned to me to whisper, “Ty won’t hold my hand at school.” Then grabbed his arm to prevent him from bumping into another parent. “Whoa, hold on Ty. Why are you in such a hurry?”

“Well, hello there,” a sultry voice said.

A gorgeous woman and a handsome boy were also heading to the parking lot.

Tyler scowled.

“Oh, hi Jessica,” Abby said nonchalantly. “This is my sister, Kaitlyn.”

When she introduced me as Kaitlyn, I knew she didn’t like this woman. It had been our secret code since high school.

Jessica’s auburn bobbed hair was immaculate, not a strand out of place. The flawless makeup brought out her blue eyes, and the red dress fitted to her curvy body made her look like a Victoria’s Secret model.

“Nice to meet you, Kaitlyn.” Jessica eyed me from head to toe.

Her scrutiny unnerved me. When she raised her eyebrows, I knew she didn’t approve of my faded jeans and loose-fitting T-shirt.

“Same here.” I gave her a polite nod.

“Oh, this is my son, Jarrad.” She laid a hand on his head proudly. “We’re going shopping for the movie night. He’s so excited. He wants to wear a new outfit. He’s so mature for his age.” She giggled. “Will you both be there?”

Jarrad wants new clothes, or you do? Seriously, who shops for new clothes for a movie night?

“I-I—” Abby seemed lost for words.

“I’m taking Tyler. Abby already made plans,” I interjected.

“Oh. Okay. Then I’ll see you, Kaitlyn. Have a nice evening to both of you and ...” She finally looked at my nephew. “And him.”

“Tyler,” I said, accentuating his name.

“Yes, of course, Tyler.” With that, she strutted to a shiny black Mercedes-Benz.

“Wow. Nice friend.” I rolled my eyes as we headed to Abby’s minivan.

Abby gave me an evil eye. “Not my friend, but I can see you two becoming best friends.” She opened the rear door for Tyler.

“You’re funny.” I faked a laugh.

“I don’t like Jarrad,” Tyler grumbled and climbed into the car seat.

Abby clicked Tyler’s seat harness and tugged at it. “I told you this before, Ty, but you don’t have to like everyone. Just treat others as you would like to be treated. Remember that?”

He scrunched his face into a sour expression.

I squeezed my shoulder behind Abby to get a better look at him. “Is he bothering you? Did he say anything to you?”

I swore if Jarred was bullying him I was going to raise Cain. Sure, I wasn’t his mother, but I could be the bad cop when Abby might feel pressure to be nice. No child should ever feel unsafe.

Tyler crossed his arms and scowled. “No. But he likes to show off his new toys and tries to get Bridget’s attention.”

Abby sighed and patted Tyler’s thigh. “You can all play together. We discussed this already.”

He let out a huff. “I know, but he only wants to play with Bridget. He doesn’t want to play with me.”

“What about Jace?” his mom asked.

“Jace ignores him.”

“Then you should do the same.”

It wasn’t my place to tell him what to do, but I felt defensive on Tyler’s behalf. “Forget him, Ty. He doesn’t deserve your friendship. You’re better off without someone like him. Play with nice humble kids. Play with kids like you.”

Tyler bopped his shoulders. “Okay.”

Just like that, all seemed fine.

Abby turned to face me. “Why does he comply when you say it, but when I say it, it’s not okay?”

I hiked a shoulder and smirked. “Because I’m the cool aunt.”

She shook her head as she closed the door, and went around to hop in.

Abby started the engine. “Ty. Do you know anyone named Roselyn at your school? Maybe someone’s nickname?”

“Roselyn?” Tyler squinted in the sunlight beaming on him and pulled back. “No. Is she going to go to my school?”

Abby looked over her shoulder at Tyler and backed out of her parking spot. “No. I was just wondering. Never mind.”

I clicked my seatbelt and released an annoyed sigh. “There are reasonable explanations. I’m still going.”

“Stubborn,” she said and slid into the lane with oncoming traffic.

I flicked her cheek and leaned back against the door. She knew how much I disliked being called that, just as much as she hated being flicked.

“Ouch.”