“I’m here. What did she say?”
“Well, after she accused me of using my niece as my wingwoman, she said it was okay to—”
“Uncle Killian, come on!” Ellie yelled. “I’m starving.”
“I’m coming, lil’ girl.” I chuckled. “As you can see, she’s impatient. We’ll see you in about fifteen minutes, okay?”
“Okay.”
I hung up and shoved the phone into my pocket as I left the kitchen. When I entered the living room, Ellie was standing by the door with her little arms crossed.
“You took forever,” she complained.
I playfully mushed her head before opening the door. “You can’t be rushing people when you can’t drive yourself.”
“I can drive.”
“Your little pink convertible doesn’t count. Come on here, girl. We have to pick up a friend.”
That started a whole round of questions as we made our way to the car. She wanted to know who we were picking up and why they couldn’t drive themselves. When I told her Alayah’s name, she asked if she was my girlfriend, if she had any kids, and if I was going to marry her. The questions continued the whole fifteen-minute drive. When we pulled up to the shop and Alayah walked out, Ellie gasped.
“Uncle Killian! She’s so pretty!”
I smiled. “Ain’t she?”
“She looks like Moana.”
I chuckled. I could see where she would think that. Alayah’s curls were wild, free, and blowing in the wind today. I got out of the car and went around to open her door. She smiled as she approached me.
“Hey,” she said.
“Hey, beautiful.” I leaned in and kissed her cheek, noticing the redness in her face when I pulled back. “I hope you’re as hungry as Ellie.”
I opened the door, and she climbed in. Rounding the car, I hopped in the driver’s side.
“Ellie, this is my friend Alayah.”
Ellie was looking at her wide eyed with a smile. “Hi,” she said excitedly.
Alayah matched her smile as she extended her hand. “Hi, Ellie. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“You’re so pretty. You look like Moana. She’s my favorite Disney princess.”
“Well, thank you. I’ve never seenMoana.”
Ellie gasped. “No way! It’s only the best movie ever. Uncle Killian, you have to show her the movie.”
I chuckled as I pulled out of the parking lot. “Who said she wants to watch all that singing, Ellie?”
She scoffed. “That’s the best part. Can you play a song for her?”
I sighed. “Which song, baby girl.”
“‘You’re Welcome.’”
I searched my music because of course I had the soundtrack for her. As soon as the music started, she started singing and dancing in her booster seat.
“I’m sorry about this,” I whispered to Alayah.
