I smile behind the cup at the innocence on her face. “Just talk slower.”
“Okay.” She takes a deep breath and starts to speak at half the pace as before. “So I did what you asked. I took time and thought about if I could give everything up if I work for you and get caught. I thought long and hard about it, Nix.”
I raise an eyebrow and feel optimistic she’s going to say what I hope. “Yeah?”
She drums her hands on the counter. “Yup.”
“And?”
“I didn’t change my mind. I want to become your protégé.”
“Fuck,” I whisper and try to muster a smile because she’s so excited. “As long as you’re sure.”
“I am!” She nods quickly. “Can we start today?”
I take a few gulps before placing the mug on the island counter and giving her my undivided attention. “We’re going to do this at my pace. There are things you need to learn first, and once you’ve mastered them, we’ll go a little deeper.”
She crosses her arms, drops a shoulder, and frowns. “Am I going to be old and gray before you actually let me do anything exciting?”
I laugh softly at her dramatics. “No, love. I just need you to learn the basics. This isn’t something you can dive right into. Everyone has to start somewhere.”
Her shoulders straighten a little, but she’s still not happy. “Fine. Where do we start? Do I get to go out with you tonight?”
“No,” I say in a calm tone even though my insides are jumping. “We’re going to start with computer basics.”
She rolls her eyes. “I know how to use a computer, Nix. I’m not an idiot.”
“Facebook and Twitter don’t count.” I smirk.
“Hey, do I get to pick a badass nickname?” She taps her chin as her eyes move around the room. “What’s yours?”
“Nix,” I laugh and start to pour another cup of coffee. I can already tell this is going to be a long day.
“Well, that’s not really original. You should be something like Hammer or Flames.”
“Nope. Just Nix. It’s easier for me.” Even though she’s having fun, I’m having anything but.
“I’m not going to be that lame.” She climbs off the stool and twirls in a circle, pushing herself around using the counter as a catapult. “I want something spectacular.”
Every time I look at her, I still see the fragile, scared teenager I caught on the streets. She’s come a long way since then, growing into a young woman, but she still has so much to learn. “How about Shortie?”
“Ugh,” she groans, stops spinning, and hops off the stool, taking a few steps backward. “That’s not powerful.” She flexes her biceps and draws her eyebrows downward. “I’m tougher than I look.”
“When picking a nickname, you have to select something people will remember when they see you. You’re not a big thing, Coco. Shortie is perfect for you.”
“Fine.” She walks toward the stool, dragging her feet with every step. “Shorty with a -y, not an -ie.”
“Sure,” I say to appease her. No one is going to ask how to spell it, but anything to make her happy.
“I reserve the right to change it later, though. It doesn’t sound tough enough to me.” She shrugs. “Where do we start?”
“Let’s get you a computer and get you started with the basics.”
“Can’t I just use yours?” she says with a whiny voice as I round the island and stand next to her.
“No, kid. A person’s computer is sacred. There’s no sharing. We’ll get you everything you need today, and we’ll start your lessons tomorrow.”
She glances up at me with the biggest eyes. “What am I supposed to do all day?”
