“I thought I’d invite some of the local businesses to set up a booth or table. With a rich-bitch crowd like this, they are bound to get some sales,” Harlow says, watching Neo and Rosie take off to the booth that the local animal shelter set up.
“You know...” I say, pulling her into my arms. “You might be a ‘big bad’ killer, but you really do have a heart of gold.” I grin down at her as she glares at me, and gives my ass a pinch, making me laugh.
“Watch what you say, Cassy Boy. I don’t need people thinking I’m going—”
“Soft. Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes with a smile, earning me a jab to the gut.
“Just making sure you know.” She grins and takes off after the others.
“Are there going to be clowns?” Axel asks, an uncomfortable look taking over his face as his eyes survey the crowd.
“Why? Are you afraid of them?” Dean asks with a laugh, teasing his best friend. They haven't been as close as they once were, especially since Harlow came back into our lives. Dean hates the way Axel talks to Harlow. I hope Axel gets his head out of his ass before he not only loses the love of his life but ends up losing his best friend too.
“No!” Axel defends. “They’re just stupid and outdated. No need for them anymore.” Axel takes off, heading for the beer gardens. Harlow really has thought of everything.
When we reach the animal shelter booth, I ask, “Ready to have some fun tonight, baby girl?” I take Rosie’s hand and steer her away from the adorable puppies before she gets any ideas.
“No,” Harlow says, pulling Neo along to follow us.
“But they're sooo cute!” Neo protests. Sometimes I really do wonder who the child is.
“Even I know when enough is enough, Pet. Now be good, or no after-party.”
“After-party?” Neo lights up. “Like a ‘sexy time’ after-party, or the bloody kind?”
“Better.” Harlow switches to Queenie a little too fast as her eyes sparkle at the idea of a bloody fuck. “Both.”
Neo lets out a whoop, spinning Harlow around before grabbing her hand and mine. “Come on, let the festivities begin!”
We walk around for a while, playing games and tasting a bit of every food available. An announcement lets us know the show will begin shortly. When we enter the tent, there's already a crowd filling up the seats, but Harlow blocked off the front row for us, labeling the bench ‘Reserved for the Birthday Princess and her Knights.’ I smile as I sit down, pulling Rosie into my lap, and kissing the top of her head as we start eating popcorn while we wait.
The show begins and out comes a ringmaster, announcing the start. From that moment on, and from one act to the next, we sit in awe as we watch everyone perform.
There are aerial silk performers, acrobats, jugglers, mimes, and even people who blow up balloons for the kids. And not just any regular ol’ balloons, but like full-on crazy designs. Of course, the birthday girl got to go first, and she asked for a princess crown. It's big as hell, and people started to complain that they couldn't see, but Harlow just turns around, glaring at them to shut them up.
When the fire-spinning started, Harlow and Neo were disturbingly entranced. Evie, Rosie, and Dean couldn't look away either. I wonder if I should be worried about this little one spending so much time with the crazy people.
When the show is over, the crowd claps and cheers, but there's one kid who boos, screaming out. “Where are the elephants? Where are the lions!”
Harlow lets out a harsh sigh, clearly having little patience for the bratty kid. “How about you thank the nice people for putting on an amazing show, and stop complaining, you spoiled little brat! This was all free and done last minute. You could be at home doing crap all, so try to be a little more grateful.”
“You can't talk to him like that!” his mother gasps.
“Maybe you should teach your kid some manners and respect then.” She cocks a brow. The mom grabs her son's hand and pulls him away. “Thanks for coming!” Harlow calls after them with a big smile, then looks down at Rosie.
“It was amazing!” Rosie cheers, hugging Harlow’s leg. “Thank you so much, Mama.”
Looking around I notice that Neo is gone. I look at Dean and he just shrugs, but I see a smile creep onto his face.
“That was actually pretty cool to watch,” Axel says, looking around like he's waiting for something to happen. “And, thank God, there were no clowns.”
Something creeps up behind him and a finger taps him on his shoulder as a voice says in an overly perky, yet creepy tone, “Are you sure about that, buddy?”Axel spins around coming face to face with a person wearing a Pennywise mask, and he lets out a high-pitched, girly scream like Dean Winchester in the episode of Supernatural with the cat that jumps out of the locker.
Rosie lets out a scream of her own, clinging to Harlow.
Neo rips off the mask, and shows Rosie it's only him. “It’s okay, Rosie Posey. It's just Uncle Neo.”
“What the fuck!” Axel roars. “Why would you do that? You scared the crap out of me... I mean her!” Axel argues, his face a little red.