“No. Don’t do that.”Deep breath, Jamie. Time to put on your big boy pants. “I can’t afford to fix it, and it sounds like it’s not worth fixing.”
“Jamie, I’ll take care of it if that’s what you want. If not, you can keep driving the SUV. I don’t mind.”
“No.”
“No, you don’t like the SUV? We can get yousomething else.”
I knew he would if I said yes, but I wasn’t programmed like that. I earned my keep. “The problem isn’t not liking it. The problem is loving it and not being worthy of it. Or of you.”
“Ah, now we’re getting somewhere. Jamie,” Daddy turned my head, so I had to look at him. “I’d love the names of every person who ever wronged you and made you think less of yourself. You’re amazing, sweet and have such a kind heart. I don’t ever see you taking advantage of me—ever. We’ve already had the Daddy and the importance of protecting you conversation. Do we need to have it again? That car sits most of the time and it’s perfect for you. Plus, I like seeing you in it, and in my space. Now the question is, do you like being here? Being a part of my life?”
I bobbed my head and managed to whisper, “I love it here with you.”
“Then it’s settled. You can drive the SUV, or we can buy you something else.”
As if I wasn’t already a drama queen, the dramatic groan, and subsequent head drop, only solidified that. “This is too much.”
“You’re too much.” Daddy tickled me and nibbled my neck. “Now, let’s get some food in you.”
Daddy and I placed our first grocery order together and I put the other stuff I’d brought over away. If Daddy noticedI’d brought more than just the basics, he said nothing. By the time dinner was over, we were stuffed, and the groceries came. I colored while Daddy put them away, then we showered, and I fell asleep while Daddy read me a story.
On my day off, I decided to clean the house while Daddy was at work. Tay-Tay sung away as the mop and I moved in sync to the beat. We spun around at the end of the song and hit the high note I’d never hit before when I saw Daddy standing there and I screamed.
The mop went flying as I clenched my chest. “Daddy, you scared me.”
“I’m so sorry, that wasn’t my intention, but you were having so much fun I didn’t want to interrupt. But what are you doing, little one?”
“Cleaning, silly.” I picked up the mop and got back to work. “I need to earn my keep here and try to pay you back for the tow truck and stuff.”
“Jamie, sweetheart, you owe me nothing.”
“No Daddy, I pay my way.” I was firm on that, and Daddy would just have to understand that.
“I can see I’m not going to win this argument. But I have an idea how to make this work for both of us.”
“I’m listening.” Doesn’t mean I’ll agree, but I’ll keep that to myself. For now.
“How about a chore chart then?”
“A chore chart?” I had an idea what he meant because I had one with Grandma, but just to make sure we were on the same page, I’d let him explain.
“Yes. We set up a chart on the fridge, and you have chores or things to do, and each time you finish a task you get a gold star.”
“Ooohhh, I like shiny stars.”
“Ha-ha, I figured as much. Then at the end of the week we count all your stars, and you can pick a prize from the treasure chest.”
“Treasure chest! Prizes! Yay! I’m in. When can we start?” Now I was too excited to focus on anything else. All I could see was shiny stars and a pirate worthy treasure chest. “Argh, it’s me treasure they’re after.”
Daddy laughed at my horrible pirate voice. “You are a treasure.” He clicked away on his phone then set it aside. “What is that wonderful aroma?”
“I made dinner, Daddy. Grandma’s meat sauce and I fixed up a salad too. Let me get the water going for the pasta.”
“How did I get so lucky?”
“Huh?”
“To find such a perfect boy as you.”
