We paid the clerk then quickly put the costumes on. Cota bought me tall shoes and a mustache. I shoved my hair up under a man wig and stuck on the mustache. Then I helped him get set. He put on a long blonde wig and beard, placed a headband around his forehead, and slipped on a beaded vest. We waited by the door until they were distracted. I walked out first and headed in the opposite direction. Cota had planned to follow shortly after. We made a deal to meet at the end of the street. It wasn’t until I got a few buildings down the walkway that I realized I was all alone, away from my protection.
Don’t look back. Just get to the corner.
I reached the flower stand on the corner. I pretended to be picking flowers when Cota walked by whistling. He winked at me when I glanced in his direction, then nodded to follow him around the corner. We were laughing and taking a selfie when Bond pulled up next to us from the other direction.
“Are you two finished with your little adventure?” He leaned out the window.
“How did you know? The clerk said I look like a man,” I complained.
“You do, but most men are not that tiny, and it’s my job to be detailed.”
“What detail gave me away?”
“Your tall shoes.” He pushed his sunglasses up. “Just because they’re black doesn’t hide that they’re not shoes for working.”
“Where is Charlie?” Cota asked.
“He’s still back at the store waiting to see if you were coming back.”
“You followed me right away?” I asked.
“Yes, I did. I couldn’t let you be at risk.”
“Darn, I wanted to trick you.”
“If it makes you feel better, you tricked Charlie.”
“Really? Yay.”
“For about thirty seconds, anyways.” He laughed. “Are you keeping those costumes on all day?”
“Yes, and we’re going to go to Times Square like this.” I grinned at Cota. “You wanna?”
“We can but we still have to find a costume for the party.”
“That’s true. Bond, take us to the next store.” I walked to the open car door.
“You’re not upset?” He stood on the sidewalk still. “I mean, you’re not upset about not going?”
“Why would I be upset? You’re right, we need costumes.” I waved him to the car. “Let’s go, maintenance man.”
ChapterForty-Four
COTA
She’s not mad. I don’t get it. Every girl I know would be mad.
“I have a better idea.” I climbed into the car. “Take us to Times Square, please.”
“Why? We need to get costumes.” Sabrina turned in her seat to look at me.
“We can take a short break from shopping and go to the Hershey store.”
“I like that idea. Chocolate in any shape works for me,” Charlie smiled. “Tiny Dancer, you’re gonna love it.”
“Well, you said chocolate, and that is my new favorite thing.” She smiled back at him.
We pulled up next to the Hershey store with the giant M&M. Sabrina reached for the door handle before I could say “let’s go inside.” Charlie was right behind her. I looked to Bond who just shook his head and waved me out of the car.