Page 143 of Absolute Certainty
“Dad, can you put on the ‘Elephant Love Medley?’”
Sahar’s jaw dropped open, and she spun back to face Eloise. “That is someamazingtaste in music you’ve got there,” she commented.
Jay put on the playlist Mayahad curated for Eloise, with the movie version, featuring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman.
“I’m not allowed to watch the movie, but my mom was listening to this song, and I love it a lot.”
Jay put the car in reverse, everything in him at ease.
“The movie’s really sad. You’re better off not knowing that kind of pain for a while,” Sahar added.
“Yeah, that’s what she said, too,” Eloise replied.
The song blared through the speakers, as low hums from both Sahar and Eloise echoed in the small space.
Eloise and Saharboth stared at him from the other side of the island. “You two look like lost puppies right now.”
“I consider myself more of an orange cat when I’m promised ice cream, and it isn’t delivered quickly enough,” Sahar noted.
Eloise squared her shoulders. “Me too,” she said.
“Do you even know why she specified an orange cat?” Jay asked.
Eloise shook her head and angled closer to Sahar. “Why an orange cat?” she whispered.
“Because they look like they’re harmless and super cute on the outside, but they can get a little spicy when things don’t go their way.”
Jay laughed, taking a scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream for Eloise. “Spicy. That was certainly an adjective choice.”
“You met Tulip on a good day,” she reminded him. “She’s a real piece of work when she’s not chuffed. The cutest and spiciest cat in all of New York City.”
“Tulip, like the flower?” Eloise asked Sahar.
“Tulip, like the flower,” she confirmed. “She’s my friend’s cat, and she actually looks like an orange tulip.” Pulling out her phone, Sahar searched for a photo and showed it to Eloise, as he continued prepping their desserts.
“She’s so cute!” Eloise exclaimed, then aimed the next words out of her mouth at Jay. “Dad, can I have a cat?”
He slid the two bowls in their direction, coffee for Sahar and strawberry cheesecake for Eloise. The sight of the two of them sitting beside each other made his damn heart soar. “You can have ice cream. We can talk cats later.”
Smiling, Sahar added. “You’ve got to start buying coffee in bulk now that you’ll be sharing with me.”
“I don’t have to share mine with anybody because he doesn’t like strawberry,” Eloise singsonged.
“Lucky you. I’d share mine with you, though,” Sahar said.
Eloise gave her a big smile. “I don’t like coffee that much, but thank you.”
Jay leaned forward and gently poked Eloise’s hand. “You’re not going to offer to share yours?”
“Oh, right. I could share withyou,” she specified to Sahar.
Sahar’s lips curved upward in an adorable grin. “Thanks, cutie. But I’m good with the coffee right now.”
“Dad, is Sahar coming with us tomorrow?”
Jay looked at Sahar, hoping she’d answer the question herself.
“If you’d like me to, I will,” she responded.
