Page 28 of Playing the Neutral Zone

I couldn’t help but smile at how she remembered things.

“That would be the one.”

“You’re buying her flowers because she dropped coffee on my head?”she questioned, her face scrunched up in curiosity.

“No, silly.Now, put your crayons away and eat up,” I said, placing the bowl of hot oatmeal in front of her before sitting down beside her with my bowl.“Just make sure you blow on it, it’s hot.”

“But, Daddy, why are you buying her flowers?”

“Because she is my friend.”

Mia looked up at me and nodded, then smiled.“Can we get her pink flowers?”

I smiled to myself as I took the first mouthful of oatmeal, then added a handful of blueberries.

“We can, now eat up.”

“I will.I want to finish my picture first,” she said, humming away to herself as she continued to color.

“Okay,Levi, what time will you be home tonight?”Mrs.Fletcher asked as I shoved the last of the food into the fridge that I’d grabbed at the grocery store.

“I won’t be too late.Probably ten, but if you’re tired, please crash in the spare room.”

“No worries, Levi.Ten isn’t too late.I hope you enjoy yourself.”

“Thanks, you guys have a good night.Pizza should be here shortly,” I said, winking at Mrs.Fletcher and grabbing my keys and wallet from the counter.

“Levi, I told you I’d make dinner.”

“I know, but you already do so much for us.”

“Daddy…don’t forget the flowers,” Mia said, running over to where we were standing, carrying the bouquet.

I bent down and took them from her and kissed her on the cheek.“You be a good girl tonight and do as you’re told.”

“I will,” she said, taking off for the living room where she was watching cartoons and playing with the new toy I’d gotten for her.

I made my way down to the thirteenth floor and knocked on the door.Finally, I heard a movement on the other side and was greeted with a smile when the door opened.

“Hey.”I smiled, shoving my one hand in my pocket and holding out the flowers for her to take.“These are for you.”

She smiled and took the bouquet of light-lavender and pink-colored carnations mixed with baby’s breath.

“Mia helped me pick them out.She insisted you needed some pink.”I chuckled.

Scarlett smiled.“What does that mean?I need some pink?”

I shrugged.“I haven’t got a clue.She calls you the lady who dumped coffee on her head, so maybe it has something to do with the colorful shade your cheeks turned that day.”I winked.

“Well, let me put these in a vase, and then we’ll get going.Where are we off to?”

“You’ll see.”I winked as she placed the flowers in some water and then grabbed her jacket.

We made our way down to the parking lot and over to my car, where I opened the door for her and waited for her to get in.

“Levi, I can open a door.”

“I know you can.Just trying to be a gentleman.”

---