There were more people around this side of the parking lot now, so I made the decision to get the stuff into the car first, before I tended to Rey’s needs.
The fire pit was heavy, but I managed to wrestle it into the back of the SUV, thanking the universe for Toby having such a spacious vehicle.
Then I lifted the two bags and put them next to the big box, before closing the door carefully without slamming it. I turned around to take the cart back, when a family of three was about to walk past me.
“Hey guys? You need a cart?”
The man’s gaze snapped to mine, immediately suspicious as he took in my appearance.
“It’s either that or I’ll walk it back to the cart return.” I shrugged in a “your pick, man” kind of way, despite vibrating with anxiety on the inside.
The woman gave the guy a glare, and he dropped his tough guy act. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” I wiggled my fingers at the toddler on the woman’s hip, and they smiled at me, blowing a few bubbles.
I tried not to look like a total unhinged freak as I dashed to the side of the SUV. I peered in, seeing a Rey-shaped mound on the back seat. He had my winter coat over his head and most of his upper body.
I carefully opened the door as much as I could. Someone had parked way too close for comfort. On both fucking sides.
“Rey?” I pushed a hand under the coat and felt his hair. I scratched his scalp gently. “Can you hang tight until we get back home?”
He was trembling in these sad waves, and for a moment I thought maybe he wouldn’t answer. Then, he wrapped his fingers around my wrist and squeezed.
“Once for yes, two for no,” I murmured. “Okay to drive home?”
He squeezed once, albeit weakly.
“Okay. You just hang tight.”
The urge to force myself through the gap to go collect him in my arms was so strong I had to force myself to pull away and close the door.
I could barely squeeze into the driver’s seat, and I fucking hated people even more right then.
I started the car. “Just…tell me if you need me to stop for any reason, okay?”
Then I maneuvered us out of the lot and all the people doing last minute shopping for tomorrow’s festivities. It felt petty to feel so offended by the mass of others at the store, mostly because we were celebrating too, just not the same day most of those people would.
At least the traffic wasn’t horrible, and I managed to get us home within twenty minutes or so.
I drove the big car next to the front door, not caring about the state of the lawn at all.
“Okay, we’re home,” I said, turning to glance back.
The front door opened and Lake and Toby peered out. I shook my head, gesturing to the back seat.
Lake did the “call me” gesture, before retreating inside.
Since I could, I got out of the car and opened the back door, then awkwardly climbed in while at the same time lifting Rey so I could fit there better.
We ended up with his top half on my lap, still under the jacket. I didn’t remove it, just put my hands underneath and began to pet him like a spooked animal.
“We’re in front of the house,” I murmured. “Whenever you’re ready, we’ll get you inside.”
When he didn’t say anything, I continued talking. “We can sit here all afternoon if you want. Hell, until I have dinner prep to do, I’m free. That’ll give us a few hours yet.” After a while, I asked, “Do you mind if the guys come and unload the stuff I bought?”
I felt his fingers wrap around my hand and he squeezed once.
“Okay, I’ll text Lake.” Then I realized my phone was on the front seat still. “Crap. Uh…do you think you could reach for my phone? It’s right there on the front seat.”
