Here's the next installment on this short. Thanks for the support. Glad you're liking this unconventional one. Updates for other stories are coming too.
Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE. Typos are my bad.
Mary Lou's POV
Finding a parking spot was nearly impossible at this busy hour. I had to circle the lot five times until I lucked out, snagging a freshly vacated spot right by the glass front doors. After unbuckling my youngest son, I grabbed the bag containing the meal I packed before closing the sliding back door and beeping the minivan closed.
"Let's go find your big brother and God-Momma Steph." My happy suggestion had my baby boy flashing me a gummy smile as if to declare conspiratorially that he's onboard with his Momma's plan.
"Welcome." A teenage girl dressed as Supergirl greeted us as we entered. Smiling sweetly, I kept us moving so I wouldn't be blocking the way for incoming people.
Both of us were immediately drawn in by the activity upon entering the bustling store. The upbeat atmosphere screams Halloween. Unafraid, my baby was automatically entranced by the huge vibrant display directly ahead of us. Knowing he'd get a kick out of it, we went through the spooky maze. The colorful, bubbling water tubes bookending the entrance to the pathway immediately had my son's eyes widening with amazement. Pressing our faces close to the nearest glass tube, I watched his changing awed expression as he tried to track all of the fast moving bubbles while narrating the scene in his baby babble.
"Agghgh!" His shriek made me smile even before he clapped enthusiastically as a creepy clown sprung forward when it sensed us passing by. The swinging zombie skeleton sitting inside of a hanging cage elicited a new fit of gurgling laughter from my son when it groaned beside our heads. Guess the littlest Stankovic is going to love Halloween just as much as his godmother, aka my BFF, Stephanie.
"Ahahahah!" It was my turn to shriek with laughter when I stepped on a buzzing section of floor just before the maze's exit. My baby joined in as our bodies vibrated in sync as I remained still to keep myself from falling.
I rounded the whole mini maze twice just to hear my baby's joyful merriment. My face probably mirrored his as we continued our path at a leisurely pace. Lenny took our two elementary aged sons to their fall ball practices. Being his own boss, Lenny likes to clear his Friday afternoon schedule so that he can take the boys to practice. After I leave here I'm due to pick up our second oldest son, Alexander, when he returns from his school field trip. Alex's class is due back in about an hour, so I have plenty of time to kill.
Before I could attempt to fish my cell phone out of my pocket, I spotted a flash of red, blue and gold blurring by ahead of us. Stephanie. Those curly locks are unmistakable.
Grinning at my sudden impromptu plan, I stealthily rushed after my friend. Stephanie stopped abruptly, busying herself with fixing various costumes on a side wall. Her hands were moving fast as she rearranged the items on the appropriate hook, instantly giving the area a more appealing visual. This is the main reason Steph's store is the best selling in our area. She strives to make the shopping experience a memorable one, from keeping her store well stocked and organized, to the exceptional customer service. When she bent to pick up a mask that had been shoved under the lowest shelf, I took advantage of her bent position to strike.
"Looking good, sweet cheeks." I murmured seductively, smacking her left ass cheek. To avoid getting punched in the face for the butt smack, I reared back before Steph reacted.
Stephanie straightened, a murderous look crossing her pretty face. "Mare!" The heat evaporated from her icy glare the second she saw I was the handsy culprit.
"Couldn't help myself." I shrugged, saying that she looked really hot in her iconic costume. God, the thing looks like it's painted on her sinful body. Steph looks really, really good today. Stephanie's in her element, enjoying what she's doing even if she tries to be strictly professional.
"They're not booty shorts." She defended in faux outrage, always struggling to accept a compliment. Stephanie has a hard time believing that she really is freaking gorgeous.
My son abandoned ship, wiggling in my hold and extending his arms towards Steph as soon as he heard her voice. Stephanie took him from my arms, anchoring my little David against her right hip. David's chubby hands explored the foreign outfit, his tiny fingers tangling with Stephanie's distinctive curls and cape. Laser focused, my son studied the hair and fabric grasped in his fingers while he sported a look of utter concentration on his angelic little face.
"Hi." My BFF greeted, receiving a gummy smile in response. Deeming this Wonder Woman as his familiar godmother, David rested the side of his face against Steph's enhanced cleavage as he continued to toy with her curls.
Sighing, I too appreciated the view. "I remember when my boobs were still that perky." Reaching out, I also traced in wonder the top of Steph's killer costume tank.
"Ugh, I always knew you two were more than a little weird." An annoying voice we're both unfortunately very, very familiar with resounded behind me.
"Shut up, Joyce." I grumbled, pointing out that she's just jealous that Stephanie looks really good while even her million procedures haven't helped Joyce in the looks department.
"No straight woman touches another one's breasts with that stupid longing look on their face." Joyce accused, sporting that insufferable smirk she gets whenever she's trying to torment Stephanie. And of course, as if on cue, Joyce just had to twist the knife in the wound and bring up Dickie. She's never going to let that go, even if Stephanie has moved past it, because she considers it her biggest victory over Steph. "What's it feel like to be so religiously vigilant in avoiding a pregnancy, only to end up being a glorified babysitter?" Joyce just doesn't know when to disappear. There's other stores she could have gone to, but no, she chose Steph's just to be a pain in her ass.
"We don't sell dominatrix outfits. Sorry." Stephanie said in her fakest sweet voice, completely ignoring the whole 'Your husband slept with me on your dining table' jab. Good for my BFF to ignore the bait.
"Whatever." Joyce rolled her eyes in a poor imitation of my BFF's signature quirk. "I'm looking for an emergency replacement." Smiling smugly, Joyce revealed that she's going on a date with Morelli of all people. Well, not like a traditional date. Joyce is referring to a Barnhardt type of meet up. Eww.
"Hosiery's in the back." Steph jerked her head before directing Joyce where to go with her chin.
Feeling like she did something earth shattering, Joyce spun on her heel and exaggeratedly sashayed her hips in her wake.
Both Stephanie and I sported a disgusted face at the interaction that left us with a sour taste in our mouths.
"Brought JC and you some four cheese tortellini and snacks." I said to my BFF, changing the subject.
"Yummy." Steph thanked me before leading the way to the break area in the back. Holding the curtain open, I walked in ahead of Steph. I felt like a VIP entering an employee only zone.
JC shared when he first started working under Stephanie's leadership that they have a table and chairs, along with a fridge and microwave, in their break area hidden from view behind the walls of merchandise. I don't mind bringing him food so he doesn't have to spend the money he makes on buying himself a meal. Plus, with how busy they get, I wouldn't want my son or Steph to waste most of their meal break heading out to get food when they can simply sit and enjoy their bite to eat instead. This once bustling shopping plaza now only consists of Steph's store, which took over the two smaller spaces that were once different businesses. Aside from this mega storefront, only a tiny coffee shop exists on the far left corner of the parking lot. The nearest fast food place is at least a five minute drive away. The later it gets, the more isolated they become. Even the mall and other plazas up the road close way before Steph does.
I waited until Steph took a quick restroom break before we returned to the sales floor. The back area inaccessible to the public is massive. I know there's a locked office where the safe is and some additional storage on one end of the hall, whereas the restrooms are on the opposite end. This place is huge!
"JC is zoned in masks and weapons today." Stephanie shared over her shoulder as she led the way.
As we walked along the back part of the store, Joyce made another unsavory appearance.
"I'm looking for this." Joyce shoved her cell phone screen in Stephanie's face, showing a garter belt and thigh highs set. A very suggestive piece that was meant to push Steph's buttons rather than excite Morelli. Joyce's purpose in life is to fuck with Steph and suck money out unsuspecting fucks. I doubt she's even in Morelli's bed seeing as he's not in the tax bracket she likes to target, but who knows.
"Third row, second hook, sixth item." Stephanie pointed to the next section of hosiery and kept us moving.
As we passed Joyce, she called after us. "You're a freak, Plum." Joyce grumbled when she found what she was looking for exactly where Steph told her it would be. Stephanie's visual memory is super impressive.
Stephanie and I laughed, sending my little boy into a fit of giggles when his body shook thanks to my BFF's rumbling laughter. God, it's so good to see her returning to less gloomy days. Steph deserves to be happy.
"Hi." I said to my firstborn, placing my hand on his shoulder for support as I rose on tiptoes to be able to kiss his left cheek. He's been taller than me for years. Even wearing sky high heels, I can't surpass his height.
"Mom!" Even with the Spider-Man mask on, I could make out the horrified expression his voice was laced with. JC is at the age where he thinks it's super uncool to have a publicly affectionate mother. Because I don't care that he thinks I'm as embarrassing as I thought my mom was at that age, I gave him another quick kiss.
"What?" I asked in mock shock. "Stephanie and your brother don't find me embarrassing. See?" Cupping my BFF's face in one hand, I placed an equally obnoxious kiss on her left cheek. David got two noisy kisses on each flushed cheek.
"Very fruity." Joyce felt the need to add her smug insult, obviously having nothing better to do than stalk us.
"The only thing fruity around here is the overly cheap chemically sweet smell of your knock off perfume." I threw back, dismissing Joyce. Doesn't she allegedly have a hot and heavy date with Morelli? She can skedaddle and none of us are going to miss her.
"The line to pay is over there." Steph pointed to the nearby makeup section, indicating that the line is wrapped around two thirds of the store.
"Bye." I waved to Steph as I took my son back from her arms. Duty was calling and she's needed up front.
"Bye, bye." Stephanie waved at us, getting another bright smile from David in the process, then not so discreetly flipped Joyce the bird.
Ignoring Joyce's existence, I watched Steph's retreating back. With her cape billowing behind her as she hauls ass towards the register area, I got a good look of my friend's toned legs and booty. Yup, my BFF looks hot!
"Ma." JC grumbled when I gave him a hug in parting.
"Fine. I won't bug you anymore." Wishing him a good shift, I told him I'd see him when he got home. Since it's Friday and it's extremely busy, I expect I won't see my eldest until after midnight.
"Steph can give me a ride home tonight too." JC reminded me, as if I didn't already know that Steph offered to drive him home on Friday nights so that I wouldn't have a late night prior to hectic game day Saturday mornings. My BFF is a Saint.
"Bye, bye." David and I said to JC as we parted.
As I made a move to leave, a sexy little number captivated my attention. Ambling over, I was ecstatic to find that the sexy angel costume that caught my eye was available in my size. Lenny will love the surprise, hehe.
"Mom!" JC groaned when he saw me reach for my amazing find.
"What good is it to have a son working here if I can't take advantage of that juicy thirty percent discount?" I beamed, waving my find just to watch him squirm.
"It's employee appreciation day, so we get forty percent off today." JC shared defeatedly. I know he's happy that his parents are still madly in love. He just doesn't want the visuals.
"Oh, really." A good deal is a good deal, so I grabbed the sexy devil version of the costume as well. Now Lenny and I can have private fun spooky time, times two.
"You and dad already have way too many kids!" JC felt the need to remind me as he watched me take my lucky finds towards the register.
"See you at home." I said over my shoulder, making a quick run for it just to hear David's bubbling laughter.
Not wanting to cut anyone off, I dutifully waited in line to pay. It seems like the whole Burg, if not the whole town, is either in the store or descending on it. It's crazy busy!
Despite the long line, it moved pretty fast. When we inched through the impulse section, I understood why it's called that. By the time I reached the register Steph's manning to help move the long line, I had a bunch of extra items with me. From cups, to shot glasses, to candy, to socks, to toys and jewelry… you're bound to have added items practically jump into your hands.
Waving to Stephanie, I confidently dumped the big loot I somehow ended up with after meandering through the store.
"Wait!" I hollered when a car honked three times to get me to hurry up. Taking my time just to spite the irate driver, I made sure David was properly secured in his seat. Only when my son was good to go did I angle into the driver's seat.
If the parking lot was bursting with cars when I arrived, it's now a certified traffic jam. Knowing that I can just loop around the building instead of struggling to navigate through the craziness, I hooked a right and drove using the side route deliveries come through. Usually the area back here is deserted, but today there were two big SUVs parked near the large recycling trash cans. Guess these people didn't wan to wait until a parking space freed up. They're lucky a tow truck hasn't been called on them for blocking the fire lane. Barely squeezing past the oversized vehicles, I finally got to leave the feverish location in my rearview mirror fifteen minutes after sitting behind the wheel. Phew.
The rest of the afternoon flew by. By the time Lenny got home with our other two boys I was already prepping dinner. It wasn't until bedtime that some semblance of peace and quiet descended on our home.
"Coming to bed?" Lenny asked, kissing my lips softly, as he readied to call it a night.
"I will." It's already past eleven, so I'd rather wait for JC to get home.
"Goodnight, baby." Lenny said he'd keep my spot warm before he headed upstairs to our bedroom.
By the time midnight neared, I began fixing a plate for both JC and Stephanie. I'm positive they're going to be tired and starving. If Steph doesn't want to stay for a bit, at least she'll have a warm meal to take back to her apartment before she gets some well deserved rest.
How's it going?
Almost done, Kiddo?
I texted JC and Stephanie separately. Usually, regardless of how crazy hectic their shift was, growing more and more fast paced the closer Halloween looms, it normally takes JC a few minutes to reply to me when they're already closed to the public. He knows that one of my main rules is that if momma is reaching out, he needs to answer so I don't go certifiable with worry. I don't care if he's mad at me, but I need some sort of heads up that he's okay even if he needs some space.
As the minutes continued to tick by, the food now cold, the knot in my stomach twisted painfully. Something I couldn't put my finger on told me that I needed to check on my son.
Calling JC, my worry grew exponentially when my son didn't answer. I called again, still no answer.
"Something's wrong." My voice cracked as I shook Lenny awake after barging into our bedroom without caring that I was rudely jerking him awake.
"Wha-…" My husband squinted up at me, using his hand to shield his eyes from the bright light I flicked on when I burst into our room.
Rapid fire, I rambled on. Maybe I'm crazy and just one of those overly protective helicopter moms, but my heart's telling me that my son is in danger. I can't describe the feeling with words, possibly looking deranged to my hubby, yet I persisted in my attempt to get my point across.
"There's probably a lot of clean up and restocking needed." Lenny tried to appease my growing fear. "You said yourself that it was packed when you dropped off food earlier." Lenny is usually a master when I'm in the middle of an emotional crisis. Tonight, though, even his voice of reason doesn't help.
"I'm going to go see for myself." This presentiment isn't going to go away until I see with my own eyes that JC is indeed fine.
"Mare." Lenny called after me, too groggy to react in time to stop me.
Shrugging my coat on as I ran to the car, I prayed that I was simply overreacting and would cross paths with Steph's SUV along the way.
Tears threatened to spill as I tried to distract myself from doomsday foreboding by blasting music. Trying to picture JC's horrified reaction at seeing me barge in during their final closing moments gave me the strength to continue driving.
"Mom!" I mockingly mimicked JC's signature whine, choking down a sob as my emotions continued to be all over the place. My head is telling me that I'm overreacting, but my heart is telling me that I'm not.
He's fine. JC is fine and he's going to be appalled to see his embarrassing Momma Bear all teary eyed over nothing.
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm going to find when I see him and Steph.