Page 17 of Griffin

“Anyway, I’ve offered to help Griffin out with Melody.”

Dad moves his attention to me, a smile playing on his lips.

“I knew you would. You never could resist a child in need of a friend.”

We grin at each other, and he reaches out to ruffle my hair as he rises.

“Make sure he pays you. I know you’d do that for free, but it’s hard work.”

I roll my eyes. Dad and I have different views on kids.

He’d know, I guess.

“But this isn’t full-time,” I say, glancing out of the window. I love this time of day. Everything is still and silent, and you can imagine you’re the only person in the world awake.

Except for the sound of my dad making another coffee.

“Oh? What have you offered to do?” Dad calls out from the kitchen.

“I’ve offered to give her breakfast and take her to school.”

Dad nods, sinking back into his seat with a steaming cup of coffee.

He’s already got his polo shirt and work trousers on, his boots unlaced and ready to tie on his feet. A rush of love runs through me, and I offer to make him lunch.

“No need, I made it.” Dad waves dismissively, and I relax back into my chair. “You know, Griffin needs help in the afternoons too.”

He watches me over the rim of his cup, and I sit up eagerly.

I didn’t think of that. I just assumed Griffin would want to pick her up from childcare … which I’m sure he does.

But that will mean having to leave work early every day.

I could have her home, bathed, and cook dinner for when he arrived back from work.

It will be a huge help, surely.

“He’d pay you more than you earn at the store, Ivy. Plus, you’d like it more, right?”

I nod.

I would.

“Well, then, let him know. But Ivy … ” Dad pauses, swirling his coffee around in the mug. “Melody is a hard kid. Griffin said so. He didn’t say much, but he said that.”

Melody is amazing. I love her quirks and demands; she’s only five-years-old.

What’s not to love?

I shrug.

“I’m not fazed, Daddy.”

Dad laughs, the crinkles at the corner of his eyes showing when he does.

“I know, baby. I can’t say I’m not pleased; I always wanted more for you than this.”

Dad waves his hand around us, his head bowing.

---