I rolled my eyes. “Harvey barely wears the coat he’s got. But I need to keep a budget in mind. One of the parents at work told me about an opportunity where I might be able to host kids' parties as Sugarplum, assuming I can keep some cutesy outfits around. I need to see how much it would cost.”
They started unleashing questions about money and safety, so I held up a hand. “I’m still doing preliminary research. But that’s where I’m going.”
Career research was easier for them to accept than me wanting space or doing something nice for my boyfriend. Harvey was more than an escape or companion, though. He was my person, my lover, a new best friend who cared about me, and my Daddy. And now, he’d done something great. I needed to give him more than some cookies we were going to bake anyway.
I got my stuff and went outside. The door clanged open behind me. I rocked my head back and sighed, twisting around. It was Zack.
“Did they send you to spy on me?” I asked.
“No, I was going to shovel. But I also wanted to check on you. Are you okay?”
I crossed my arms. “Generally.” Didn't I look okay?
He grabbed the shovel and gestured for me to follow him. He scraped the driveway as he cleared a path, creating a noise cover if I wanted to share anything.
“I guess I’m just tired of everyone hanging all over me. I can’t do anything right if I’m not doing exactly what they want of me,” I said.
He snorted. “I know what you mean.”
“Don’t you ever want to get away?” I flapped my arms, but I had just as good a chance of Mr. Waddles at flying out of here.
Zack frowned at the tire tracks on the now-packed snow. “Yeah, but they’re family.”
I laughed and pushed his arm. “I’m not saying abandon them forever. I mean, move out of your mom’s house. Isn’t that something people our age do?”
“Yeah,” he grumbled, resuming his efforts. “But all the studio apartments are taken. Only two bedrooms as far as the eye can see.”
“You’ve been looking?”
He paused and turned to me with wide eyes. “Uh, not really. I'm browsing. Casually.”
“I get it.” I scooted some lower snow banks aside. “Roommates might not be the worst thing."
Scoffing, he dug deep. “Yeah, but the ones you meet online can be kind of sketchy. They could have untrained pets. Or they don’t clean.”
“Maybe we…” I bit my lip.Don’t get ahead of yourself, Shelby.Zack usually found me annoying, and our parents were still keeping an eye on us through the window. I cleared my throatand patted his arm. “Maybe you’ll find someone special to share it with.”
He snorted and slumped against the shovel handle. “I’m not holding my breath.”
“It doesn’t have to be romantic. It could be a new band member. Or a coworker at a new job. Or, you know, family.” I twisted my hair and looked away, as innocent as could be.
He studied me, his brows knit. “Aren’t you about to be unemployed?”
With a cry of indignation, I shoved his arm. “Thanks for reminding me.”
He raised his shoulders. “I’m just saying."
“Yeah, well, say all you want. I’m leaving.” I had to, if I wanted any peace.
33
Celebration
Once I got to the mall, I meandered through the shops looking for something special for Harvey. A tiara kept sparkling and tempting me. It would be great for a party. I tried it on and sought my reflection. I was a princess, radiant and sweet. But my puffy coat kinda spoiled the mirage. I didn’t have a princess gown, nor a tutu, nor fairy wings. Maybe my party career was a pipe dream. Or a hobby.
I put the tiara back, noted the price, then thinned my lips. I didn’t need any accessories to be Sugarplum–or to be the best version of me. But I did need them for parties.
Regardless, after some more browsing, I had an idea of what to get Harvey.
