At four p.m., Mart pulled up to the curb just as Elle arrived at the store, and I waved to Marcus and blew Rocky a kiss. Normally, I felt bad leaving the store at all, but tonight, I knew I needed my people.
I had thought we were going to pick up Mom and Dad at their condo, but when I got into the back seat of Mart"s car, Mom was already there. "Oh, Hi," I blurted. "Where"s Dad?"
She sighed. "He did his usual and bailed when he heard there were going to be four women. Used some excuse about us having girl time, but really, he just doesn"t like to be outnumbered."
"Might be a smart move," I quipped to cover up my hurt. I really needed my dad right now. I needed a man to sit with me and hear me, to take my side. The light buzz of excitement I"d been feeling about the night faded as we pul
