Page 78 of Accepting Love

Craig is rolling his eyes. “I came in here to tell you a surprise was on its way. I guess it’s here.”

“What surprise?” I ask, standing taller. I’m not sure I can handle a surprise. I’ve had a weird day so far.

“Roman and Lucy have come for the afternoon.”

I grin. “Lucy’s here?”

“Judging by the peals of excitement, I’d say yes.”

I pull free of Daddy. “Can I go?”

He smiles at me indulgently and nods. “Go. But don’t run, angel. You’ll trip and fall.”

“Okay, Daddy.” Unlike nearly every single other Little I’ve ever encountered when hearing this statement, I tend to obey this command. The last thing I need is to fall and break an arm or a wrist. It’s never happened to me in all my life. Yet.

I’m nervous about seeing Lucy because I’m nervous every time I see a new person, but I’m excited too, and this time I’m not nearly as stressed as usual. Lucy is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. She would never judge me or be mad at me for keeping my personal life separate. Nor would she tell a soul about my secrets.

By the time I reach the enormous foyer, Lucy is inside and the other girls are all hugging her in a giant group hug.

Giana spots me and reaches out for me.

I join them because I can’t resist the pull of community. Being here with so many like-minded people is like a constant adrenaline rush. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before because it’s not for two hours. It’s for days on end. Days and days of being Little all the time.

It’s refreshing. I’ve almost stopped worrying about what will happen when I return to the real world and have to adult.

I’m grateful that the next location I’m expected to be at is Daddy’s studio. He will be there with me. He will make sure everything is smooth and I don’t panic.

I don’t need to worry about any of that today though. Not for several more days. Today I’m enjoying being Little and the company of others who agree it’s the best way to live.

“Are you girls going to let Lucy breathe?” Craig asks from somewhere outside of the huddle.

I hear Master Roman’s voice next. “I’m giving Lucy about ten more seconds to greet everyone and then she’s headed for her favorite corner.”

I flinch and then step back.The corner?

Leah groans. “You just got here. How are you already in trouble?”

Lucy pouts. “Daddy is being a meanie is all.”

“Lucy…” Master Roman’s voice is filled with warning. “We can get back in the car and go home if you don’t change your attitude.”

She sighs. “Sorry, Daddy.”

We all step back and she lowers her head and aims for the kitchen.

Since the other girls follow on her tail, I go along with them, but I hover the farthest back when we arrive. I’m still leery about that stupid corner.

Lucy heads straight for the corner, sighs heavily, shoots Master Roman a mean look, sticks out her tongue, and then faces the wall.

I hold my breath, my gaze darting to Master Roman. I don’t think he’s going to tolerate her insolence. It’s not like him.

Master Roman chuckles.Chuckles. Why is he laughing?

“What’d we miss?” Craig asks.

The other girls sit quietly at the long table, so I join them, but I’m all ears. Whatdidwe miss?

Master Roman heads for the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water before nonchalantly leaning against the counter as he takes a sip.

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