Page 64 of About Last Knight

“She’s kind of fancy.”

I laugh. “I know. She’s always dresses extremely well.”

“I like her clothes a lot. Maybe she could teach me about that stuff. Mom is sort of a ripped jeans and T-shirt kind of person. I really like the way Melissa dresses.”

I’ve never heard Jade talk like this. “Is that what you want? Nicer, fancier clothes?”

She shrugs. “I guess. I told you I’m thinking about getting a job. I want to get into graphic design, and if I want an internship this year, I think I need to dress a little nicer.”

My baby girl is so grown up. “I’m happy to get you whatever you need.”

She smiles. “Thanks, Dad.”

Melissa comes back in the room. She’s in a flannel button down of mine. I swallow hard. She looks sexy as sin. I assume she’s in her shorts, but I can’t see them with the size of my shirt. Her long legs are on display. I have to adjust myself at the sight of her sexy body.

She notices, and I see the corner of her mouth rise. She shakes her head and mouths, “You’re a dirty man.”

I can only raise my eyebrows and nod.

We lay down the plastic and get everything ready to paint. We all grab our various brushes and begin painting.

At some point, I say, “Melissa, Jade needs some clothes for a few job interviews she’s hoping to get. If I give you my credit card, would you be able to take her shopping sometime? You have such great style.”

Melissa’s eyes light up. “Hell yes.”

Jade laughs.

“I had three boys who didn’t start dressing well until after college. I wouldloveto take you shopping for girl clothes. Excuse me, women’s clothes. I’ve never been able to do something like that. I have two granddaughters, but they’re not quite old enough for that fun yet.”

Jade asks Melissa a lot of questions about her family. Melissa gives her the whole rundown. At some point, I realize the two of them have been talking and laughing on one side of the room for over an hour while I’ve been on the other side by myself. I’m thrilled they’re getting along so well.

Melissa walks over to me and smiles. “Declan, did you get any spray paint?”

“No, why would I get spray paint.”

She looks behind me. “Forget it, I see it.”

I turn around. Jade is standing there with a smile. She runs her fingers through the bristles of her paintbrush causing paint to splatter all over my body and face.

The girls both giggle. I turn back to Melissa and she does the same thing to me. They giggle louder.

I take a towel and rub my face. “You two are going to pay for that.”

I chase them both as they scream. It turns into an all-out paint war. Them against me. The room is a complete mess, but it’s worth it for the fun we’ve had.

When it’s finally over, I look around the room. “These walls are a mess.”

Jade shakes her head. “Actually, Dad, I kind of like it this way. It’s unique. Let’s leave it.” She’s such a good kid.

She looks at her watch. “Jaime will be here in like fifteen minutes. Can I grab a quick shower?” She looks down at herself. “I’m covered in paint.”

I nod. “Of course. Go ahead.”

Melissa adds, “I have girl shampoo and soaps in your dad’s shower. Feel free to use whatever you want.”

Jade gasps and puts her hand on her chest. “You shower and sleep here, Melissa? I had no idea.”

I widen my eyes for a moment, but then Melissa and Jade start laughing. How did they become a team working against me so quickly?

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