Page 140 of If Ever

"Your lips are freezing. We better find this place soon." I softly sing the theme song to Frozen and she laughs as we trek another two blocks and arrive at our destination. "Keeping with the theme of childhood birthday activities, I thought this fit."

She looks at the entrance to Serendipity 3, a quaint, kitschy tourist spot and grins. "Is this the place from the movie?"

I nod. "Want to try some frozen hot chocolate?"

"Can we skip the frozen and just go for the hot?"

"Sure." I hold the door and we enter the charming old-fashioned ice cream parlor crowded with customers. I work our way to the front of the line and give our name to the hostess. As she checks her list, I take Chelsea's coat. She slips off her hat, leaving her hair messed. I smooth it down, but she looks like a kid come in fresh from winter sledding, with her face pink from wind burn. I chuckle to myself, knowing I look the same.

"Right this way, please." We follow the hostess. Chelsea is all smiles as she admires the whimsical white sweetheart chairs and Tiffany lamps.

"I love it!" She chimes, hat in hand, as we're led to a corner table.

I wait for her to sit, but she stops short staring at someone. It's a middle-aged man dining with his family. His wife's head is turned as she speaks to two girls who have their backs to us. "You know him?"

She's frozen in place, like a deer locked in the headlights of a night driver. Her eyes never waver. Her voice comes out in a whisper. "That's my dad."

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