Page 41 of Doughn't Let Me Go

Guess that answers my question of who she was talking to.

I lean over the side, brushing my thumb over Nellie’s cheek.

If I didn’t know I had the world’s cutest kid, I’d say it was Nellie. Kyrie just can’t be beat.

“You ready to go, kiddo?” I ask my daughter.

She sips her fake tea. Or at least I hope it’s fake. “No.”

At least she’s honest.

“Well, too bad. We have plans this weekend.”

This gets her attention. “We do?”

“You forgot already?” I crouch down to her level, clicking my tongue. “Gee, spend one night with your aunt and uncle and you’re already forgetting about dear old Dad. I see how it is.”

She pushes onto her knees, putting her little hand on my cheek.

“I’d never forget you.”

There’s my sweet girl.

“You buy me the best presents.”

Annnnnd it’s ruined.

I hold back my laugh. “You little turkey. Come on, let’s get going. Tonight, we’re making pancakes for dinner, and then tomorrow we’re gonna go pick out the paint color for your room.”

When I first told her we’d be moving, she wasn’t too keen on the idea, insisting she didn’t want to leave her friends behind. I understood, but that’s why I wanted to move when I did. She’s young, and it’s easier for her to make friends now rather than later. She’ll be glad for this when high school comes around if we end up staying.

So, I compromised. I promised her she could paint and decorate her room herself, anything she wanted. If she wanted dinosaurs in tiaras or spaceships and puppies, she could have them. I wouldn’t object to anything.

She was on board after that.

She gasps. “We are?” I nod and she jumps to her feet, bouncing up and down. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

I stand. “Now are you ready to go?”

Her head bobs up and down vigorously. “But one question.” She holds a little finger up to her face, next to the smile that’s missing a few teeth.

I already know whatever it is she’s about to ask for, I’ll give her.

“Shoot.”

“Can I wear my princess dress?”

“Only if I can wear your tiara.”

“You, sir, got a deal.”

We shake hands.

Slice Six

Doris

There is no way fate is this cruel.

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