Page 2 of Abbott’s Lost Spoon

Let us know if you want anything or if you want pictures of any areas. We’ll hook you up.

We went aisle by aisle, and as much money as we spent in the sticker store, we spent even more in there. Once we got to each area, we’d ask Sammy if there was anything he wanted pictures of. With the exception of a little easel, he was good. He said his daddy spoiled him plenty already, which was true, but he deserved it.

Just as we were checking out, he texted again, and I thought maybe he changed his mind. But instead, it was an invitation that he sent in the group chat to a sundae party at Chained. Everybody was an instant yes except for me.

I passed and didn’t give an excuse. They knew I wasn’t really into the super-chaotic events. With daddies there to kind of keep the calm? Yes. Parties that didn’t include lots of sugar? Sometimes. But this? This just sounded loud, sticky, and possibly overwhelming. It was best I sat it out.

No one said a thing about my decline until we got in the car. Before we pulled out of the parking lot, Rowan turned to face me in the back seat and said, “Real talk. You love ice cream more than any of us. You even have your own ice-cream spoon. Come. If you don’t like it, we’ll go home.”

“That’s not fair to you guys.”

“How is that not fair?” Rowan was apparently in one of his stubborn moods.

So were the others. From there, the others all piped in, asking me to come. And the more they hyped it up, the more I realized I loved ice-cream bars. I could go eat only.

I typed, I’m in, and hit send. Their phones all buzzed.

“You know we’re right here,” Brock said.

“But Sammy isn’t. And besides, I don’t want you guys hanging out in the parking lot all day. I want to go home and play with my new dinosaur sensory box.”

It was filled with sand and dinosaurs and had digging tools. Whoever designed it was a genius.

“Fine. We’re leaving,” he said, a smile on his face that said he knew he won.

But the more I thought of it, the more I thought maybe I was winning. I did love ice cream.

Chapter Two

Soren

Every table was filled in the shop. Not bad for a cool fall afternoon, but it meant I was too busy to sit down and visit with Jovan and his little Ernie until well after they’d received their sundaes. But finally everyone was served and the line for takeout wound down.

“Thanks for coming, you guys.” I paused beside their table. “Did you get everything you want?”

“Yes,” Jovan said. “I can’t believe it took me this long to get here. The hospital has been so busy, but wow, you did a great job with the place.”

“That’s nice of you to say.” I looked around, enjoying the opportunity to watch the patrons with their desserts. “It’s a fun business to be in. Hard work, of course, but what worthwhile, isn’t it?”

“Agree with that. The medical business is the same, but without sprinkles.”

“Give me the sprinkle life anytime!” I put in, and we all laughed.

“Actually, Ernie and I are on a mission to try all the ice-cream places in town, and we saved you for last.”

I thrust out my lower lip in my best imitation of a little in a pout. “You came to me last? I think my feelings are hurt.”

Ernie hopped up and gave me a hug. “Daddy told me we saved the best for last,” he whispered before stepping back. “Everything here is so good.”

“Ernie isn’t the quietest whisperer, but he’s right. We did save the best for last, judging by our experience so far.”

“That’s very kind of you to say. My staff and I take a lot of pride in both our product and the experience of coming here.”

“Looks like you have a good takeaway business as well.” Jovan pointed to the line from the door to the checkout next to the prepacked freezer. “Should we buy something to take home, Ernie?”

He bobbed his head and slid back into his seat. “For after dinner.”

“With all the ice cream you have had this week, you want more that soon?” he asked.