Free Sewing in Circles by Chloe Taylor Page B

to the car where his dad waited.
    The painting was a small autumn landscape, and the colors were bright yellows and reds and golds against the earthy browns of tree trunks. Looking at it, Zoey suddenly had a wonderful idea: She could take the digital photographs of Ezra’s paintings and screen print them onto scarves and headbands to sell at her booth as a surprise for Ezra. That way, she’d have more accessories and he’d get moreexposure for his art. She could even give him the profits from the sales, because they’d be printed with his artwork.
    It seemed like the perfect solution to both problems. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction. She loved his surprise. She hoped he would love hers.

    â€œThis is the first baby shower I’ve ever been to,” Marcus said as they walked up to the door to Aunt Lulu and Uncle John’s house, which was decorated with yellow, white, and silver balloons. “Well, except for mine, and I don’t remember much about that.”
    â€œI haven’t been to many myself,” Dad said. “They used to be ladies-only affairs, but I guess the times they are a-changing.”
    â€œWhy shouldn’t it be coed?” Zoey asked. “If both parents are supposed to look after the baby, then they both should have a party.”
    â€œTrue,” Dad said.

    When Aunt Lulu answered the door, Zoey noticed right away that she wasn’t wearing the outfit she’d made.
    â€œCome on in!” Lulu said.
    Zoey handed her the gift bag containing the sweet baby outfit she’d made for her new cousin, and Dad handed Lulu the very professionally wrapped present he’d told them the Mystery Lady had chosen—even though she’d decided not to come to the shower.
    Aunt Lulu kissed them all.
    â€œWhere’s Buttons?” Zoey asked as she looked around for her aunt’s adorable dog, who usually greeted Zoey at the door.
    â€œHe’s at doggie day care today, since there are so many people here for the party. Let’s go join them,” she said. “Your new cousin-to-be is the star attraction. I’ve never had so many people touching my stomach in my life!”
    Zoey watched her aunt entertaining her friends, laughing as they felt the baby move under their hands. She desperately wanted to ask Aunt Lulu why she wasn’t wearing the dress, but with her aunt and the bump being the center of attention—not to mention the hostess with the mostest—it was impossible to get a quiet moment to pose the question.
    Already a little worried about being relegated to second place when the baby arrived, Zoey wondered if Aunt Lulu would be able to keep her promise that she’d still consider Zoey as her first daughter. She tried to push the thought out of her mind and enjoy the party—after all, this was Aunt Lulu , who had always been wonderful and loving toward her. But why wasn’t Aunt Lulu wearing the dress? Was she lying when she said she liked it? It wasn’t like her aunt to lie to her, but everything seemed to be changing at the moment.
    â€œYou look way too serious for a baby shower,” Uncle John said. “Have a cupcake!”
    â€œThey look great,” Zoey said, taking a yellow frosted cupcake.
    â€œThey taste pretty good, too,” Uncle John said, winking. “I had to eat one for quality control.”
    Zoey giggled and took a bite. It was good.
    â€œDon’t go anywhere with those cupcakes before I get one,” Marcus warned, walking over from the other side of the room, followed closely by Dad.
    â€œMe too,” Dad said. “I’ve been eyeing those since we got here.”
    Uncle John offered them each a cupcake, then said, “I better go circulate before the Webber family decimates dessert.”
    As he walked off, Marcus said, “I can’t believe your girlfriend wouldn’t come to this, Dad. Wouldn’t she want to join you since it’s such a