Page 19 of The Summer Arrangement
Fuck, man, get it together.
You’ll see her plenty—she’s your daughter’s freaking nanny.
The only one who was remotely qualified for the job. You’ll see her plenty of times in the coming months—don’t fuck this up on the first day.
Making a snap decision, I do something I rarely experience.
Go out to eat.
Alone.
With Milli’s love of books, I had to take her to story hour at Booked at the Beach. Having worked there for the last few summers, I know the effort Sophie, the owner of the store, takes into creating the experience for children of all ages. Since it only happens a few times a week, today is the perfect day to start our new summer routine.
As soon as we returned from her swim lesson in Astoria, I quickly grabbed a snack for Milli and loaded her into her stroller. With some brisk walking, we made it just in time to see Sophie start the story.
Today’s book is about a frog princess who lived in a castle by the sea. Sophie had a frog hand puppet dressed as a princess, and she brings the story to life with her fabulous voices for each character.
My heart fills with joy watching Milli roar with laughter at Sophie’s dramatic storytelling. After reading with Milli during my interview, I knew Sophie would have the adorable child beside me eating out of the palm of her hand.
Sophie never disappoints.
Wide-eyed Milli sits beside me the entire time, completely engrossed in everything Sophie says. She cackles at the humor, gasps with the drama, and tries to warn the princess of danger like the rest of the children when the dark moment comes. My heart nearly bursts with joy watching Milli cheer on the frog princess when she doesn’t wait for a smelly old prince to save her. No, this frog princess uses her bravery and courage to save not only herself, but the entire town.
As the story comes to an end, I realize I’m more entertained from watching Milli’s reactions than Sophie’s theatrics. This girl loves her books, and I’m happy I found an activity we’ll both enjoy this summer.
Hopefully, Cameron can make it to story hour because his daughter’s enthusiasm for books is priceless. I’d hate for him to miss something this memorable.
Once the story is done, I stand and offer, “Want to look around the store before we leave?”
“Uh-huh.” Milli nods quickly and darts in the direction of the children’s books.
Before I can say anything, she gasps, “Look, that’s the story!” when she spots the exact book Sophie read to us. “We get it for our house?”
I’d already planned on letting her pick out one book today.
Who goes to a bookstore and doesn’t come home with at least one?
“Are you sure this is the one you want? There’s a lot of other ones we can choose from,” I counter, letting her know she has options.
“No. I want this one. I llooovvee Princess Thea!” The smile she beams my way as she hugs the book against her chest is the spitting image of her father.
“So do I, Mills. Let’s go pay for this, then go home for lunch.”
Milli hugs the book and bounces from foot to foot as we wait in line to pay.
This girl loves reading. Who am I to get in the way? It’s one obsession I can get behind. Most of my books are electronic now, and now that school’s out for the summer, I hope to get plenty of reading in myself.
As we exit the store, I ask, “Do you want to walk or ride in the stroller?”
Placing the book in the basket beneath her seat, she proudly states, “I walk.”
“Hold onto the handle and help me push then,” I suggest so she won’t get separated on this busy street. Tourists are out in full swing, even for a weekday.
The moment her chubby little hand grasps the stroller, I ask, “What sounds good for lunch?”
“Grilled cheese?”
“I think I can do that. Hold on tight; we’re about to cross the street,” I warn as we approach a light.
