Page 111 of DadBod

“Is she?” Why does that make me feel better?

“Yeah. She’s in love with you too.” Under her breath I hear “Lord knows why.”

“Hey.” I frown. “I’m a catch.”

“A catch? Like herpes, right?” Ryann starts to cackle at her little jab, and I don’t have the heart to yell at her. It’s rare when she laughs.

“I don’t have herpes. And by the way, how do you even know about that?”

“School. We’re taught all sorts of important things.”

“Jesus. I need to pay better attention to what goes on at school.”

“It’s health class, Dad. Don’t you want us to learn about communicable diseases?”

“No. I want you to learn about unicorns and fairies.”

“I know all about fairies.” Cal grins, showing me his adorable toothless smile. “Tooth fairies.”

“Good.” I pat Calvin’s head. “Keep it that way.”

“I will, Dad. Promise.”

“What time are you meeting Elizabeth at the shelter today?”

“Noon.”

“I guess that means I should feed you guys.”

“We ate.”

“You did?” I glance back at the kitchen and see a pile of dirty pans in the sink. “What’d you make?”

“Ryann made the blue box of mac and cheese.” Calvin rubs his hand over his belly. “Yum.”

He used to bitch and moan about Elizabeth’s crappy meals. Now he’s saying yum? “Is there any left?” I’m suddenly hungry for processed food.

“A little.” Calvin jumps up. “I’ll get it for you.”

My daughter hasn’t stopped giving me the eye. “What?”

“You need to (a) shower and (b) put on some clean clothes and (c) get your shit together so you can win back your girl.” She makes a gagging noise. “When did I become this sappy person?”

“Please. Stop with the cussing.”

“I will when you get your shit together.”

“Promise?”

“Sure.” She stands, looking down at me. “Win her back, Dad. Everyone misses her.”

“Even you?”

“Even me.”

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