Jeanne shook her head and chuckled. “It wasn’t bad at all. I’d tell you if I was concerned about it.”
“Give me a minute, okay?” I said, pulling out my cell phone. I dialed Charlie’s number. I needed him to let me do this with her. He didn’t pick up, and I knew he was in a meeting this afternoon. I sent a text.
Me: Hey. I love you and I’m at the park with Harps, Lily, and Jeanne. Jeanne just went down the demon with Lily. Harper really wants to do this. What if I go down with her?
Charles: I hate that fucking slide. It’s dangerous.
Me: She’ll be with me, and I’m a grown woman. I promise I’ll keep her safe. Do you trust me?
Charles: You know I trust you, Firefly. It’s the fucking slide I don’t trust.
Me: What could possibly happen on a slide with me holding her? Come on, Charles. You’re being irrational. Let me do this with her.
Charles: Fine. But I’d much prefer you both just go get ice cream and stay off tall slides.
Me: I’ll take that as a yes. Thank you for knowing that she’s safe with me. Love you.
Charles: Love you. Keep my little girl safe, Violet.
I tucked my phone in my purse and handed it to Jeanne.
“What if I go down with you?” I asked Harper.
“Yes!” She clapped in excitement.
“Come on, Harps. We’re doing this.” I glanced over at Denise, who was watching us like a hawk.
“Go, Harper!” Lily shouted.
We marched hand in hand toward the back of the ladder.
Of course, Denise jogged up behind us, because she had nothing better to do than taunt everyone around her.
I turned around and glared at her. I didn’t speak a word. I just gave her that look.
Not today, Satan.
Harper went first, and I followed behind her.
Denise stayed right on my ass, and I heard a few boys behind us now as well.
She had a way of drawing a crowd with all her big talk.
“Don’t pay them any attention. I’ve got you,” I said so only Harper could hear me.
“I’m not even scared, Vi,” she said.
When we got to the top, Harper and I both chuckled, because it wasn’t that big of a deal. It was just like any other slide, minus the low sides and the hard ground beneath it.
“You ready?” I asked as she reached for the pole to hold on as she moved to sit.
“You can still change your mind, Harper!” Denise shouted. “That’s what all the babies do!”
I turned around and glared at her.
My God, this kid is working my nerves.
“Let’s do this, Vi.” Harper smiled up at me, her eyes dancing with excitement.
