Leah’s disguise works. As Tina pushes the cart through the store, multiple people coo over Leah, calling her a very handsome little boy. Leah allows herself to relax a bit.
“Hi, Tina!” a voice says. Leah tenses. Her disguise is about to be put to the test. Her best friend, Tonya, comes over. “Where’s Leah?”
“She wanted to stay home while I ran errands,” Tina lies.
“Oh. Okay.” Tonya smiles at Leah. “Who’s this little guy?”
“My nephew, Aspen. Isn’t he adorable?” Tina asks. Tonya pokes Leah’s nose.
“He sure is! And you can tell he’s Leah’s cousin. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was Leah dressed up like a little boy. But Leah would never do that.”
“She would not,” Tina agrees. She smiles at Tonya. “Would you like to join Aspen and me on our errands?”
“Sure! Let me go tell my mom really quick.” Tonya leaves. Leah glares at Tina.
“Why’d you offer that?” she hisses. Tina shrugs.
“I want to spend more time with your best friend. If, at any point while she’s with us, you get sick of her being around while you’re dressed like a little boy, just let me know, and I’ll send her home.”
“…Fine.”
“Don’t worry, I have a plan to keep Tonya from figuring out you’re not really my toddler nephew,” Tina says with a wink. Tonya returns.
“My mom said it’s okay.”
“Excellent! Let’s finish getting groceries,” Tina says, pushing the cart down an aisle. Leah sits in the cart seat, wondering what Tina’s plan is for keeping Tonya in the dark.