Rose steps in. “Um .?.?. we’ve had better days, right, Ellie?” She flips over a sixteen-by-twenty canvas covered in scribbles.
Ellie glances at it without a response.
“I would have dropped her off earlier today but Wilder said to .?.?.”
I nod then shake my head. “It’s fine, thank you.” I reach for her art. “And .?.?. I’ll go hang up this thing of beauty.”
Willow straightens and reaches for it, then Ellie’s hand. “I know just the place. Come on, Slippers.”
Rose and I watch them disappear into the kitchen. “I don’t suppose that was the assignment today?” I mutter low.
Rose winces. “It was to draw your house and your favorite thing in it. I’m sorry,” she sighs. “I thought it was fitting, given .?.?.”
“I know, thanks. You know I always appreciate everything you’ve done.”
She glances over my shoulder. “She’s been like this since I picked her up.”
“I’ll talk to her.”About a lot of things. My heart hurts at the thought. All that stuff Willow was saying about Ellie not really being difficult but actually trying to meet me halfway in this relationship—is about to blow up in smoke.
There were times Ellie’s acted out a little, but she’s never downright avoided my eyes, or given someone a hard time.
How do I find out what it is without being pushy or demanding? Rose always talks about gentle parenting but I didn’t exactly get the handbook on that from my parents. When I acted out, Dad yelled and Mom hauled us out for yard work.
“Dallas!”
My head snaps up. “Yeah.”
“You’ve got her tomorrow, right? I’ve got an early class in Denver. Maybe I could leave Willow my cart?”
“Cart,” I grumble, shifting my attention. “She know how to drive that thing?”
Rose smirks. “Who do you think walked me through it when I drove it out of your lot?”
I scoff, feeling a strange ease in my chest. “Shoulda guessed.” I glance over my shoulder, wondering what I’m about to walk into, and thankful she’s here to help me through it. “Other than aiding in auto theft, she trustworthy?”
I don’t know why I ask. Maybe it’s a reminder that Willow’s still a stranger. A stranger I’m counting on helping me through a tough moment with my kid.
But her response makes me glad I did.
Rose smiles softly. “Trust her more than myself most days.”
“Thanks for your help with Ellie today. See you Thursday?”
“Definitely.” She winks.
I close the door and go find out what garbage Glenda—or anyone else—has been feeding my child to make her come home sad.
Willow and Ellie are sitting beside the kitchen counter, Ellie’s legs wiggling as she watches Willow trace her scribble.
I tread carefully. “What’s going on?”
Willow’s got her tongue out, eyes fixed on the canvas. “I’m teaching Ellie to make 3-D art.” She stops and admires her work. “OK, so now you shade it in.”
Ellie pushes it back. “You do it. I’m going to ruin it,” she snaps.
“Ellie,” I call and am immediately annoyed at the tone I just took.
Her eyes widen with alarm and my heart stops a little. She recovers quickly with a shrug of her shoulders. “Hi, Dallas.”
