When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,32

She glared at me, and then looked at the front window and sang, “Stubborn. Stubborn. Stubborn.”

Tyler curled in on himself and threw his head back, laughing. “You act like kids in my class,” he said, catching his breath.

We cracked up. Just like the good old days, bickering one second and laughing the next.

“Sometimes your auntie acts like one.”

“And so does your mother.” I turned on the radio and we three fa-la-la-la-la’d all the way home.

Chapter Fourteen — Movie Night

Abby zipped up her jeans in the bathroom, tucked in her tank top, and shoved her arms through the sleeves of the matching magenta cardigan.

Her light makeup enhanced her brown eyes, high cheekbones, and plump lips.

“You look pretty, Mom.” Tyler peered up at her, blinking his long eyelashes, and plopped on Abby’s bed.

“Thanks, Ty. You look handsome.” Abby glanced at the mirror and pushed back a loose strand she had curled.

I wanted him to look his best for the Movie and Popcorn event, so after dinner, I had gelled his hair back and outfitted him with jeans and a button-up blue and black plaid shirt. Yes, I had a competitive side. If what’s-her-name was going to doll up Jarrad then I would do the same to Tyler.

Abby came out of the bathroom and reached down to kiss him.

Tyler backed away. “No, Mom. You have on lipstick. I don’t want you to mark my face.”

Abby frowned. “Fine.”

“I’m not wearing any lipstick.” I went to the other side of the bed, grabbed his face, and kissed him repeatedly as I inhaled vanilla and honey from his hair.

Tyler pushed away and put out a hand. “Auntie Kate. Once is enough.”

I held in a laugh. “Fine.”

“Ready, people?” Abby shouldered the strap of her purse.

“Where are you going?” Tyler slid off the bed and shoved his hands inside his pockets, hiking his shoulders upward.

Abby bent lower to give him her full attention. “I already told you. Out with my friends.”

“I know, but where? To a restaurant, or park, or where adults hang out?”

“To a restaurant to eat. We’re going to eat and talk. Sometimes mommies need time with their friends. You’re okay with Auntie Kate, right?”

Tyler grinned at me. “Yes. I love her.”

“Awww. And I love you too.” I stood beside him and raised my hand to his head.

“Not my hair!” He jerked backward and almost knocked the photo of Steve off the bedside table.

Abby and I exchanged glances and laughed.

“When did he get big enough to care about his hair?” I frowned, making a sad face.

“In the blink of an eye,” Abby said, admiring her son. “Come on. If I don’t take you both now, you’re going to be late.”

We hopped in the minivan. Abby dropped us off at the community center after a quick ride and left to go meet her friends.

Not a cloud in the sky. Countless stars twinkled and dotted the dark canvas. The full moon cast a warm glow over the swaying palm trees and water shimmering like gold glitter.

A rush of cool wind picked up a few strands of my hair as I smelled the ocean scented air. The center sat on a hill, but the tall pampas grass limited some parts of my view of the ocean.

This serene, picturesque moment, I could paint this.

“Let’s go in, Auntie Kate. I don’t want to miss it.” Tyler dashed ahead of me to the ticket booth in front of the entrance.

“Ty, wait. It’s fine. We’re not late.” I speed-walked to catch up as the wind tousled my hair.

Mrs. Hall sat behind a table, collecting tickets at the front of a small line. After a few minutes wait, I pulled out two tickets from my purse and handed them to her.

“Hello, Mrs. Hall.”

“Hello, Tyler. Look at you.” She lowered her glasses. “You look handsome.”

Tyler giggled, but he held up his chin. “Thank you.”

“Where is your mom tonight?”

“She couldn’t make it. This is my Auntie Kate. She’s here from Los Angeles to visit us for Christmas.”

She smiled at me and said, “You have a lovely auntie, Tyler.”

“Thank you,” I said.

I’d curled my long hair and put on some light makeup. I’d worn dark jeans and a long-sleeve pink sweater. It was warm during the day, but it got cooler in the evening. I didn’t look any different than I did every day, but I appreciated the compliment.

“Enjoy the show.” Mrs. Hall smiled and turned to the family behind us as we entered a large square building.

Chairs were lined up in rows in front of a