Page 55 of Sparrow

AMELIA IS DIFFERENT,I’ve always known that, but what I’m doing right now is proving just how different she is.

Cadence is sitting next to me and we are video calling Mills to ask her on a date, with both of us, on a Friday night.

Friday. Not my usual Saturday date night.

I never see women on Fridays and I never include Cadence, but this is Mills. She should be in the dictionary next to the word exception.

“You’re my wingman on this, right, Cadence?” I ask before Amelia has a chance to answer.

“I’m not a man, Daddy. I’m a little girl.”

“Right, I know that, it’s a figure of speech. Just be cute and smile.”

“Easy peasy.”

“That’s my girl.” I give her a little fist bump, just as Mills’ beautiful face fills my screen.

“Hello?”

“Hi, beau—”

“Amelia! I’m Daddy’s wingman!” Cadence shouts, interrupting me.

Narc. Little, adorable narc.

“Wingman, huh?” Mills laughs at my expense.

I finally speak. “Since my wingman decided to out me, I’ll just say yes. I planned on using my daughter’s cute face to seduce you into a date with us tomorrow night.”

“Us?” she asks.

“Me and Cadence. I thought all three of us could go do something fun tomorrow night. What do you say?”

I look down, giving Cadence our cue and she puts her hands together and says, “Pleeeeeeease.”

Nice job, kid. I officially revoke your narc title.

“Well, how can I resist that?” Mills replies.

“You can’t, so you’re stuck with us,” I say.

“Then it looks like we have a date.”

“We’ll meet you tomorrow. How does six o’clock sound? I’ll text you the address.”

“It sounds perfect. What should I wear?”

As Cadence is around, and I absolutely cannot answer the way I want to, I just say, “Whatever you feel pretty in.”

I’m rewarded with the smile that knocks me off my feet every time.

“I’ll be ready. I can’t wait.”

“Neither can we. Tell Mills bye, Cadence.”

They exchange goodbyes and we end the call, and I can’t wipe this stupid grin off my face.

“You, little lady, deserve a big ice cream sundae for that.”

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