“You’re a hero,” Leo said.
“Mother advancing. Must go.”
Kikka strode up, shaking her head, her smile unwavering, one hand out as if to take the cellphone.
“I’m done, Mom,” Rudie said. With Leo on his way, she felt buoyant and scared. But why did Dylan want to see her again? “Let’s do this thing.”
“Everything okay with Rosie?”
“Why are you calling her that?”
“Ma’am?” Pat called from the high chair area. “Your mother has some good ideas of what you could buy.”
“I’ll bet she does.” Rudie dug into her pocket for the list she’d ripped out of her Moleskine but couldn’t find it. She scrabbled around in her purse, lifted her feet. “Oh god. Where’s the freaking list?”
Kikka turned up the wattage on her smile. “Is this what you’re looking for, dear?” She held out the paper. “I’ve selec
