Mississippi businesses often like to diversify. It’s common to see hand painted signs that advertise proudly, “Snacks & Bait” shops all over the countryside. I try to never eat at those places, but renting costumes was an entirely different proposition.Bitty was dismayed when she saw the costumes I chose for us. “Maids? You’ve got to be kidding me!”“No, I’m not kidding. At least these should fit us and not fall down around our ankles.” I said the last as a not-so-gentle reminder of one of Bitty’s former schemes that hadn’t worked out well for me. When Bitty didn’t respond, I knew she remembered exactly what I was talking about. That didn’t stop her from blowing out an irritated puff of air, but at least I didn’t have to hear protests of innocence.We left the shop with our costumes and a pug wearing a tiara. Don’t ask. Bitty has her peculiarities. Chen Ling looked smug all dolled up in a pink taffeta tutu and tiara big enough to fit the average first grader.Once we were in the car I dropped my next bomb on poor Bitty: “Now we have to rent an old, beat-up car or something that looks like a work van.”I thought Bitty was going to pass out from sheer horror.
