Page 21 of Hidden Truths

Harlow

I disagree. She babbled at me earlier, and I’m pretty sure she was saying she wanted to play with her blocks. So we played with her blocks. Cora girl is the boss.

I laugh out loud. Harlow isn’t wrong. The moment Cora started making noises that could be interpreted as anything at all, she became the boss.

Harlow

Shouldn’t you be leading the singing instead of being a helicopter parent?

She sends a picture of Cora asleep in her crib. Probably to get me to relax and leave her alone. But she’s annoyed me too much for me to let her off so easily.

Shouldn’t you be more respectful of your employer?

Harlow

I’m sorry, Vocal Daddy. I’ll do better.

Harlow…

Harlow

I’m going to go clean up a little. See you later, VD!

I groan and rub my hand down my face. I asked for that. I really did. I need to trust her, and she’s not going to let me forget it.

I walk in my front door and hear the best and worst sounds in the world. The first thing that hits my ears is the belly laugh coming from my daughter, but that’s immediately followed up by the most off-key rendition of “Wheels on the Bus” that I’ve ever heard.

Making my way into the kitchen, I see Harlow on her knees, holding Cora under her armpits as they dance along to Harlow’s singing. Cora is smiling and laughing so hard it puts a smile on my face. I’ve been grumpy all day, and this was the best thing to come home to. It was my first full day away from Cora since I brought her home, and I definitely could have handled it better.

I stay in the doorway, watching. They haven’t noticed me yet. My dad is at the stove cooking dinner and Harlow’s back is to me. Cora has just recently started wanting to stand. She obviously can’t do it herself yet, but she loves it when she can hold your hand and bounce. The sight of my happy daughter just proves how much I didn’t need to worry.

Cora catches sight of me and screams “da!” It’s not dada yet, but it’s close enough for me.

“Hi baby girl,” I say as I make my way over and scoop her into my arms. She snuggles into my neck, and I kiss the top of her head. “How was your day? I hope Harlow didn’t hurt your ears with her singing.”

Harlow scoffs and mutters, “Says the guy who sings the pitchiest version of Fortunate Son.”

I freeze and look at her. Her eyes are wide, realizing I heard her. Then I smile. I haven’t sung that song in years. Six years. And there’s only one person that’s ever insulted me over it.

“Firecracker,” I say with a laugh. I watch as her cheeks turn the prettiest shade of pink. But she crosses her arms and stares me down, like she’s readying herself for a fight.

“Vocal Daddy,” she says with so much sass it makes me want to spank her.

Nope. Don’t get turned on by thinking about spanking the nanny, Cal.

“Care to explain that one? Or should I not ask?” my dad says, looking at me with amusement in his eyes.

“Harlow was just trying to get herself fired earlier,” I explain.

Harlow laughs and so does my dad. Even Cora giggles along with them.

“Traitor,” I mutter to my daughter, who just smiles and grabs my cheeks with her pudgy little hands.

“Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes,” my dad says, turning back to the stove.

“Today really did go well?” I ask Harlow. The look on her face that said she was ready to fight me once I realized I knew who she was softens.

“I promise, Cal. We had a great day.” She squeezes my arm and rubs Cora’s back before moving to help my dad with dinner.

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