chapter 12

I wait for the girls on the curb until a taxi stops beside me. Zoe gets out and pays for the cab, and I help her grab her stuff from the trunk. “I never knew this place was here,” she says, looking up at the vast hotel. “Kinda creepy—it looks haunted,” she adds, and I chuckle. “Anyway, I am so glad to see you again. I've been so excited I barely slept a wink last night.” She gives me a big hug. “So, is this everything?” I ask her, looking down at the stroller and duffle bag. “Yep, that’s everything, our life in a bag. Pathetic, isn’t it?” “Nah. See that piece of scrap metal?” I tell her, pointing at my busted wagon. She nods her head. “That was home sweet home,” I tell her, and she laughs. “But seriously, as for baby stuff, don’t even worry about it. Valarie went on a shopping spree. The room is packed with 'everything baby'. So much so, we may have to sleep outside to fit it all in the room,” I tell her. “What? Really? How long have you known Valarie?” she asks. “Met her the day befor