Page 4 of Daddy, Sir

When she realized he was waiting for her to share the information about her vehicle, Tatiana said, “I’m in the back of the lot. I didn’t know where to park so I chose a spot in the last row.”

“Jump in. I’ll take you back there. You can park anywhere past the first row.” He opened the passenger door and waved her in.

“Maybe I should just go home,” Tatiana said. She didn’t have money to splurge. How had she forgotten that? Hopefully, he would understand.

“Whatever you feel is best, of course. But The Hangout has amazing burgers and fries, and your fridge is empty.”

Her stomach roared that time. Tatiana pressed a hand to her empty stomach. “I’ll be sure to check it out in the future. See you tomorrow.”

Before he could try to sway her, Tatiana race walked through the parked cars to her junker. Jumping inside, she peered through the windshield, checking to see if his sedan had already left. She didn’t see it moving or at the exits. He must have already headed for the restaurant.

Sagging back in the seat, she started the motor and headed home. Her great feelings about how well the day had gone evaporated. What was he going to think of her? She tried to tell herself not going out to dinner wouldn’t change his opinion. Hopefully, he didn’t think it was because of him.

Pulling into her apartment complex, Tatiana parked and ran up to her unit. The neighborhood wasn’t the best at night, but she didn’t have anything to steal anyway, and she’d never be out late. Locking her door, she ran to change clothes and hung her outfit up in the doorway to air out so she could wear it again.

“Hi, Hugo. I’m home!” She grabbed the well-loved stuffie from her bed on the floor and hugged him close. “I had a great day. Well, other than one bitchy employee.”

She chattered as she changed into sweats that had seen better days. Picking up Hugo, she walked from the room into the main area in the apartment. It was compact, but clean. Tatiana wouldn’t complain about the limited space as she didn’t have many belongings anyway.

Her tattered slippers dragged on the carpet as she walked to the kitchen. She knew what waited for her. A case of ramen Tatiana had found in the dollar store for a cheap price. It was past its expiration date, but did ramen go bad? At least it would fill the emptiness inside her.

The thought of a burger and fries made her mouth water. She shook it out of her head. She’d have that for a treat when she got back on her feet. That’s it. Tatiana would reward herself when she got her first paycheck.

A knock on her door made her go stiff. Who could that be?

“Delivery.”

She hadn’t ordered anything. Creeping to the door, Tatiana looked out and saw a man wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the local grocery store’s logo and name. Oh, no. He’d gotten the delivery address wrong. Someone would be waiting for that food.

With a couple of flicks of her wrist, Tatiana unfastened the door and opened it. “Hey. You must have the wrong building.”

“Nope. This is for Tatiana Isaac in 405. Is that you?”

“Yes. But I didn’t order anything.” She looked at the bulging bags in his hands.

“Looks like you have a fairy godmother. Can I set these inside for you?” the deliveryman asked.

“Yes. If you’re sure they’re mine.” Tatiana stepped out of the way.

“Waiting for the moving truck, huh? I hate changing apartments. It’s such a pain to get all your stuff transported and arranged,” he said, setting the bags on the empty countertop. “Cute crab.”

“Thanks,” she said with a smile, and followed him back to the door. As the man left, another approached.

“Tatiana?” the new man asked.

“Yes.”

“Here’s your dinner. Please thank Jack for the tip,” the middle-aged man said with a smile as he handed her a bag containing a to-go container.

“Oh. You’re welcome,” Tatiana said as she automatically took the package.

Captain Murphy had sent this? He must have gotten her address from her file. Tatiana smiled. It had been a very long time since anyone had taken care of her.

She peeked up and down the hallway to make sure no one else was coming before closing and relocking the door. The aroma coming from that last arrival was like the finest perfume—if they bottled the smell of meat and something fried.

Tatiana sat down on the floor, abandoning the groceries, and pulled out the items inside the bag. Napkins, catsup packets, and utensils. The smell kept getting better. Opening the Styrofoam container, she stared at the huge burger and fries. Without second-thinking anything, Tatiana popped a fry into her mouth and groaned. They were even still halfway warm!

There on the floor, she had a feast. Each bite was amazing. Tatiana made herself stop when she’d eaten half of the delicious meal. She’d save it till tomorrow. That way, he wouldn’t worry about her.

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