“My lips are sealed.”
Someone called out to her in the background.“Sorry,guapa, I have to go.I’ll see you tomorrow at the office.”
“See you tomorrow.”
We hung up, and I sank back into the seat.Since the outdoor furniture was pretty much new, I should be able to get money for it.And there was no time like the present, so I snapped a few pictures of it, then posted them online.The outdoor playset was next, followed by most of the tools in the shed.I had no use for a lawn mower or wheelbarrow.And I needed the money, so the more I could sell, the better.
I still had a few designer dresses and one or two handbags, so while the kids were busy, I posted them online as well.I’d researched a few websites that specialized in selling secondhand designer clothes and hoped I’d be able to sell them quickly.
I’d already gotten rid of the furniture in the unused sitting room and planned on selling some of my kitchen appliances as well.
The girls came rushing back in, Orange slowly following.“We’re hungry,” they announced at the same time.
I mentally cataloged the sorry state of my pantry and fridge.“How about mac and cheese?”
Elana shook her head.“Tammy says pasta is bad for you.”
“A moment on your lips, forever on your hips,” Addy singsonged.
“Excuse me, what?”I sputtered, my brain unable to compute what had come out of their mouths.
Elana climbed up onto the barstool that I’d sold this morning.Someone would be picking it up tomorrow.“Dad doesn’t eat carobs anymore.”
“Carbs,” I automatically corrected her.“You’re still growing.You need carbs.”
“Tammy said—”
“Okay, okay, I know Tammy doesn’t agree with me.But how about we eat what we want while you’re with me, and then you eat what your dad and Tammy make for you while you’re there.”
“Tammy doesn’t cook.Anja does,” Elana stated matter-of-factly.
“Who’s Anja?”
“She cooks for them.And she cleans the house.She even washed my dress when I spilled something green on it.”
Addy giggled.“You mean when you spit out the spinach and it dribbled down your chin and onto your clothes.”
Elana growled at her sister.“It tasted like my socks.”
“No fighting.”I waved the box of macaroni at them.“Now, who wants to help me make mac and cheese?”
They both rushed around the counter, pushing each other out of the way.Orange joined us, having finally made his way inside, settling down in front of the stove in a way I knew meant he’d only move if promised food.
But since he’d been put on a diet by the vet, there wouldn’t be any treats for him unless they were carrots.And he definitely wouldn’t move for carrots.
Lucky for him, the kids spilled plenty of cheese and pasta on him.
And thankfully, nobody shared any more Tammy wisdoms.
I knew I had to talk to Cockalorum about what she’d said.But for now, I preferred to go to bed, cuddling with Orange and pretending everything was okay.Because manifestation was a thing apparently, and at this stage, I’d try anything to turn my life and that of my girls around.
Only positive thoughts allowed.
Chapter seven
“You’redoingitallwrong.It says to put the corner in there.”
Addy threw her hands up in frustration.We’d been at this since she got home from school, and I was no closer to folding an origami star than I was when we started.She’d grown obsessed with origami but still needed help.Unfortunately, it turned out I had no talent whatsoever.
