Page 14 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
Kids could be cruel. I’d lived it. I’d survived my fair share of comments and questions about only having a dad attend every school event over the years.
“You know what I’ve learned?” I said, surprised that I was injecting myself into this father-daughter moment, as that usually wasn’t my style. But she’d mentioned me, and I had experience with this.
“What did you learn, Winnie?” Melody turned and smiled at me, eyebrows cinched together with curiosity.
“I learned that having a rock star dad was the best thing ever. My dad and I talk about everything. We’ve always been close, just like you and your daddy. And some people don’t have that with either of their parents. So we’re lucky to have someone who loves us that big, you know?”
She nodded, flashing me her little white teeth. “We’re lucky, Winnie. And now I’m lucky that you’re going to live with us.”
“I feel like the lucky one.” I shrugged as I stood up. “I should probably get going.”
Melody jumped up and gave me a hug, and Archer told her to go get her jammies out and he’d meet her in the bathroom for bath time.
He walked me to the door.
“Sorry, that got a little heavy,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “She’s never talked like that before.”
“That’s all right. I want her to feel comfortable with me. So I’m guessing we’re giving this a shot, right?” I said with a laugh. “Or is this still going to be a trial basis?”
“Yeah. Let’s do it. Are you comfortable with the living conditions?” he asked before quickly adding, “That interior door to the house locks, so you’ll have complete privacy.”
“I’m not worried about you sneaking into my room in the middle of the night, Archer,” I teased, but I realized that it probably sounded flirty. “Oh my gosh. That’s not what I meant.”
He chuckled. “It’s fine. There will be no sneaking into anyone’s room, I assure you.”
Ugh. I’d just made this so awkward.
“Of course. So when should I plan on moving in and starting?”
“The sooner the better for me, so whatever works for you.”
“Okay. How about I start immediately. What time do you take Melody to school?”
“Eight a.m.”
“I’ll be here at seven a.m. tomorrow and observe your morning routine, and go with you to take her to school so I can get the hang of everything. I can get my things moved into the casita while she’s at school.”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
“Sure. See you tomorrow. Thanks for dinner,” I said.
He nodded. “See you tomorrow.”
I walked to my car and slipped inside, noting that he was still standing at the door, as if he was waiting to make sure my car started. Or maybe I was making that up in my head, and he was just staring at the moon or something more exciting.
I blew out a breath and pulled out of the driveway, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.
Because this was a fresh start.
And I was ready for it.
five
. . .
Archer
The doorbell wokeme from a sound sleep, and I sat up in bed.
