Page 87 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"Until the new year," she says, and relief washes over me.

At least we've got a bit of time together.

I really miss her.

There's nothing more that I hate than missing out on so much of her childhood.

I know I can't make up for all of it, but I'd like to try to make up for some of it.

"Good. We can hang out. Go somewhere nice," I smile.

"That sounds like fun. You'll have to show me around, though. The city is different than the last time I was here," she says, and for the next hour, we talk about nothing important, and as I'm doing the dishes, a knock sounds at the front door.

"Who's that?" Allegra asks.

"I've no idea. Stay here," I hiss, and I walk over to the door.

When I open it, Iris is standing there in a red dress, her hair and makeup flawless. "Iris. What are you doing here?"

"Hi, Daddy," she smiles, her voice soft. "I was wondering if we could talk. I have a few things on my mind."

"Jesus fucking Christ," I hiss.

"What? Who's at the door?" Allegra calls, and with that, Iris steps inside and closes the door behind her.

"You should have called. Why didn't you call?"

"I didn't have the time," she shrugs. "Is this a bad time? Am I interrupting something?"

"Interrupting what?" Allegra asks, walking into the living room. "Oh my God, Iris!"

The girls embrace, and Iris hugs her tightly.

"It's so good to see you," Iris smiles, and my heart sinks. "I didn't know you were coming back already!"

"It's good to see you, too," Allegra says, her eyes on me. "Is this why you didn't want me to come home? You've been seeing someone?"

"No. No, of course not," I shake my head. "We've got things to discuss. You know I bought Satin Dreams, and a house the girls live in. And a bunch of other shit. It's a business arrangement, okay?"

"Right. Sure," Allegra frowns. "How are you? How are you holding up after everything that happened with Lyon?"

"I'm fine," Iris nods. "Really."

"That's good. Do you want to hang out while you're here?" Allegra asks.

"Yes. Absolutely," Iris says, smiling brightly. "It's been forever since we hung out."

"Yes, it has. Come on. We'll make a day of it," Allegra says. "When do you get back from this super important business meeting?"

Iris and I look at each other guiltily.

"Later. Tonight," I manage.

"Good. We'll meet up then," Allegra smiles, and Iris's face lights up.

"That sounds amazing. Where should we meet? Maybe that coffee place in the old town? The one where we had lunch that day after school."

"Perfect," Allegra smiles, and the two women are beaming.

---