I was watching Maddie today, as Aunt Mel had agreed to go to a golf tournament with Uncle Jim. I don’t know what he bribed her with, but she was all too willing to go. Maddie and I were making cookies in the kitchen with Barlow sniffing around for any crumbs that might have fallen. He had become such an important part of my day. I hardly went anywhere without him, and the comfort he gave me was indescribable. I wanted to do something nice for Carter, so Maddie and I were making a basket of goodies for his first day of work. I figured I owed him something nice after the outrageously successful payback I executed on him a few days ago. Last week, Carter begged me to get these lacy underwear and bras at Wilkins, one of two department stores in Elk Creek. “Come ooooon!” he tried to persuade me, holding up a frilly black thong about the size of a toothpick. Two older ladies nearby in the sportswear section looked up to stare at us. I was completely mortified, and felt my entire face grow red and hot.
