“That’s still around?” April wonders. “I used to go there as a kid.”
Fuck. It’s Saturday, which means Pioneer Park will be packed with little heathens that I can’t stand. I only like select children who tend to have parents whom I know.
“Can we?” Hadley brings her hands together as she pleads and bounces in her spot.
“Oh, sounds fun," April says, taking pleasure in this. "Merry-go-rounds, weekend parking, kids, people, autographs, farm animals, more people, all the things your daddy loves.”
A sly smile spreads on my mouth. “Sure. Pioneer Park it is,anda special guest of honor will join us.”
“Really? Who?” Hadley’s face lights up.
“Princess Sparkly Powder herself,” I declare.
It grabs April’s attention, and she turns to face me with a tight smile. “I’m joining in?”
“For crowds, candied apples, more kids, and people in costumes? Not to mention proof that I’m an attentive parent.Absolutely.” I don’t blink, as April and I are in a locked gaze.
April takes a deep breath. “Fine. But we are stopping at Jolly Joe’s for my coffee, so sign me up for this adventure.”
Hadley is already running off, listing what she will wear, leaving me in her wake to look at the woman who wants to challenge me on everything.
“Might want to wear a sweater. It might get nippy out, and we know how your nipples get,” I suggest with a satisfied smirk.
She begins to untie the knot of her towel above her perky tits. “Sure. I’ll just get naked first. Are you going to turn around or pull out your phone that you don’t know how to use?”
April turns around, dropping the towel to reveal a very naked back and a black thong. She takes pleasure in teasing me because that’s what it is. There is nothing about the last five seconds that I hate.
She is a willing participant in the image that will now haunt me all day for our impromptu group outing.
9
SPENCER
My head lolls to the side against the driver's seat headrest. I blow out an exhausted breath as April gives me a knowing look.
“What? Your beast of a car could totally fit in that spot back there.”
I look at her like she's crazy. “No way, I can’t risk scratches, and this isn’t a beast. This is the latest model of the best SUV on the market because I have precious goods to drive around.”
We’ve been circling the parking lot of Pioneer Park for only a few minutes, and April wants to comment on my driving at every chance.
“Fine. Looks like we just have to get in line after that birthday party group that just arrived in a big van.” She tips her head forward slightly to the car up ahead.
Ugh, more people, just thrilling. I steer the wheel to an upcoming spot that is far too small for my liking. I don’t even need to look at April while I park to know she has an accomplished smirk on her face.
“Yay, we’re here.” Hadley is already reaching for her seatbelt.
“Just easy when getting out. Let April help you,” I call out over my shoulder.
The next minute, we're working our way out of the car, meticulously holding doors and squeezing through tight spaces before we commence our short walk to the ticket counter—or the gates of hell as I like to call it.
Pioneer Park isn’t quite a major theme park, but it’s a step up from the typical park-district petting zoo. There is a little train you can ride on, a classic merry-go-round, a mini old-fashioned town, animals, and people dressed as pioneers.
Standing in line for the entry tickets, I hear tiny voices chattering, and before I can investigate, April is nudging my arm. I swipe my sunglasses off my face to get a view.
“Aren’t you going to wave hello to your little fans?” April gives me a scolding look.
Looking over my shoulder, I see a few boys maybe a year or two older than Hadley staring at me with amazement.
