“No, a couple of hours ago. Now I’m going to go try and sweet-talk Gloria into giving me a couple of espresso shots to wake my ass up before Minnie kicks it in class. I’m tired as fuck today. Raelynn figured out how to set an alarm on my phone, so I’ve been up since four.” Haven stifles a yawn. “Sorry.”
Lizzie shakes her head and laughs. “That kid’s so damn smart. I can’t wait to see her be my flower girl.”
“It’s like the only thing she talks about, except for TheNutcracker and our new neighbors.” Haven uses her thumb to motion toward the girl next to her. “She thinks Piper here and her brother Dax are pretty cool.”
Piper laughs. “We think she’s pretty cool, too. I’m going to run in and use the restroom before class starts.”
“Okay, I’ll be right behind you after I hit Gloria up.”
“Did you say The Nutcracker?” I ask Haven, puzzled. “It’s August, not December.”
“Yeah, but auditions were last week, so Angela can figure out the parts and start rehearsals next month,” Haven explains to me.
“Ah, okay, that makes sense. I’ve never really been a part of this kind of thing.”
“Haven’s been dancing here since she was little, just like Minnie, only a few years behind her.” Lizzie frowns. “Saying that makes me feel old.”
Haven shrugs. “You are old.”
“Jerk. You’re all cool shit now, going into your second year of college. Wasn’t it just yesterday you were forcing us to play dress-up?”
“No,” Haven says with a laugh. “Although I did play dress-up yesterday. Raelynn threw a princess tea party in the backyard.”
Lizzie turns to me. “Did I tell you that Minnie and I used to babysit Haven?”
“Oh, jeez,” I say, shaking my head at the thought.
Haven chuckles. “See? This guy gets it. I don’t know what my mom was thinking, letting me hang out with the two of you during my formative years.”
“Who knew you would end up being the snarkiest of the bunch?”
“Not my mom, that’s for sure. Major regrets.”
“And now here I am babysitting Raelynn whenever I getthe chance,” Lizzie says with a grin. I’m enjoying sitting back and watching her interact with her friends while I’m here. It’s something I’ve never really seen in New York.
“Gotta keep the corruption going.” Haven smirks at my daughter.
Lizzie cocks an eyebrow. “So, the new neighbors, huh? They seem cool.”
Haven’s cheeks turn pink. “Yeah. Raelynn loves them.”
“Don’t think I missed that adorable blush,” Lizzie teases. “You do that every time Dax’s name comes up. You like that cute boy who moved next door to you!”
“Ugh, I don’t know. Maybe. Probably. Yes. Shut up.” Lizzie smirks at Haven’s answer. “What’s not to like? I mean, yeah, he’s gorgeous, but he’s also nice. And sweet. Raerae invited him to the tea party, and he came dressed as a Jedi. But it’s complicated, you know?” Haven shrugs, and Lizzie smiles softly at her. “Anyway, I need to go get my caffeine fix.”
“Tonight’s jazz, right?”
“Yeah. You should come join us! Then stay for the dance-off.”
“I’ve been trying to talk my dad into taking class with us tonight for the last hour.” Lizzie elbows me in the ribs and winks at Haven. “I think I’ve almost got him convinced.”
Haven grins and heads into the coffee shop. My daughter wags her eyebrows at me and walks toward the studio.
“No dice, kiddo.” I shake my head again, but she just laughs as I follow her through the door.
“Beanie Weanie!” Raelynn runs and throws her arms around Lizzie’s legs.
“Raerae!” Lizzie leans down and picks Raelynn up, propping her on her hip. “How’s my little buddy?”
