Page 37 of Wizard's Spitfire

“I guess I know your orders,” I say, laughing.

Wizard gets out and opens the rear driver door before coming around and opening the other two, letting us all out. He slips his hand in mine and opens the door when we get to it. His hand in the small of my back as the host gets our number, gathers menus and escorts us to a large booth. Wizard and I sit on one side, his impressive shoulders taking up space in the roomy booth. The girls sit on the opposite side of us.

When the server comes, we quickly place our order. The girls knew what they wanted before we sat down. Wizard orders an omelet while I indulge in white chocolate bread pudding pancakes.

An hour later, we’re all stuffed and high on carbs. We load back into the SUV. I realize after a few turns we’re not headed toward the compound.

“Where are we headed?” I ask.

“It’s a surprise.”

Ten minutes later, I hear the girls squeal collectively.

“Is that the Crescent City Galleria?” Lucia asks.

“I hear it’s the GOAT,” Valentina adds.

Wizard smiles and pulls into the parking lot, heading straight for one of the parking garages.

“Wizard, why are we here?”

“I’m taking the girls back to school shopping.”

“I can’t let you do that.”

“I want to. Besides, I have tickets to the Quickening and the new virtual dressing room.”

“Please, Mom.”

“Please let us go.”

“I’ll die if I don’t get to see the virtual dressing room.”

The statements all came at once and I had no idea who said what. Wizard takes my hand, rubbing his thumb across the back of it. He leans in close so only I can hear what he has to say.

“I promise the shopping trip won’t put a ding in my wallet.”

“We can talk more after the girls are safely ensconced in the Quickening.”

The Quickening is a Tatum Quick experience. The world’s top female performer. Tatum has millions of followers around the world who worship her. The experience has three-D interactive videos, games, music booths, a snack area, clothes, merchandise and more.

We escort the girls to the mall’s top floor. The Quickening takes up half the floor while a movie theater takes up the other half. In between the experience and the movie theater is a small sitting area with a concession stand.

Wizard leads us to a table, pulling out a chair for me before taking a seat across from me.

“Charlie, you don’t have to do this alone anymore.”

“They’re not your responsibility.”

“Maybe I want them to be.”

“What do you mean?”

“I like you, Charlie. I more than like you. This is not me rushing you. This is me stepping up and acknowledging that you come as a package deal and I’m ready, willing, and able to take care of you.”

I opened my mouth to say something and shut it three times. I had to chase their father down to get him to pay for anything and here Wizard is offering to take them back to school shopping.

“You know clothes, shoes and back to school stuff isn’t cheap.”

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