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“You had noodles last night. Let’s think of something else.”
Her little brow furrowed in consternation. “But I want noodles. Marina can make them.”
“Marina’s off the clock. Mommy can make you dinner.”
She mumbled something that sounded a lot like, “Not as good as Marina.” While it was objectively true, it still smarted. Jeez, kid. Take that knife out of my back.
I drummed on the steering wheel, ignoring the growling in my own stomach. That smoothie I’d sucked down for lunch hadn’t done the trick. I’d have to make myself a double helping of noodles tonight.
Tomorrow, when we weren’t running late, I’d fight for variety in Nellie’s diet. Tonight, I—
“Mommy, the lights are flashing.” Nellie twisted around in her car seat, trying to look out the back. “They’re blue and red. So pretty, Mommy.”
I checked my rearview mirror, already knowing what I’d find. That didn’t stop the wave of dread from sweeping through my empty stomach when I confirmed it.
“Oh shit.”
Those pretty lights belonged to the police car right behind me. I knew I hadn’t driven over the speed limit—and not because I was a stickler for the rules. This damn traffic wouldn’t allow it.
I couldn’t think of anything I’d done wrong, but the cop was on my ass, not giving up.
Fortunately, I was able to pull into a shopping center parking lot. I didn’t want to be the cause of traffic becoming any more dismal.
“The lights are coming with us,” Nellie singsonged.
“They are. Mommy has to talk to the policeman for a minute, then we can go home for noodles.”
I rolled my window down, keeping my fingers crossed this would be quick. Nellie was being as patient as any three-year-old could be, but I knew my daughter. We were reaching the end of her sweet little rope.
The officer bent down, sweeping a serious gaze over me then back at Nellie.
“Hi!” she burst out. “I’m going home to have noodles. I like your lights.”
His no-nonsense facade broke. Lowering his mirrored sunglasses, he chuckled. “Thanks for that, little miss.” Then he brought his attention back to me. “Are you aware both your brake lights are out?”
My mouth fell open. “No. What? Both? Isn’t that—no, I wasn’t aware.” I hit the heel of my hand against my forehead. Another task to add to the list. I couldn’t help thinking if I had a husband, he would have been on top of this. Well…not Miller. He wasn’t much of a car guy. But if he’d been around, I might have had the bandwidth to pay attention to things like brake lights, oil changes… “Shit. I’ll have to get that fixed.”
“As soon as possible.” He shook his head. “I can’t let you drive home like this. It’s not safe.”
“Not drive home…? What do you mean?”
“You’ll have to get the lights replaced before driving anywhere.”
I hadn’t cried since Nellie was born. It took a lot for me to become tearful. But this drive, my yearning for home, the gnawing hunger in my gut—I was so close.
“I just need to get home,” I pleaded weakly.
With a sigh, he cocked his head to the side. “You’re lucky you pulled over where you did. There’s a Motor Zone on the other side of the shopping center. Go in there, buy new lights, and someone should be able to help you pop them in.” He patted my door. “I’ll follow you over there to be safe.”
And to probably make sure I didn’t drive away like I really, really wanted. Obviously, I wouldn’t have, but maybe…
“Thank you, Officer,” I murmured.
“I want the lights,” Nellie announced, blissfully unaware her mother was about to crack.
“You got it, baby doll,” he drawled before sauntering back to his car.
He gave us the full police escort treatment across the parking lot, lights flashing, siren booping. And while I wanted to melt into my seat, it tickled Nellie to death. I hadn’t done anything wrong, and his presence behind me made me feel guilty and deeply embarrassed—especially with all the lookie-loos stopping to watch.
