Geneva's smile softens. "You always did know how to pick good people to have around her." She stands and smooths her dress. "Well, I should let you get back to work. I guess I'll see you Thursday night. And Grant?"
"Hmm?"
"You're a good father and person. The way you've managed all this—your career, Hazel, keeping good people around her, being supportive of me—you're doing it right."
Something in my chest tightens. If she only knew how complicated I've made things, how I'm risking everything by falling for Sophia.
"Thanks, Gen." I clear my throat. "Oh, and on Thursday, Sophia will be there, too. Presenting an award."
"Well, then." Geneva grins. "I look forward to meeting the woman who's going to turn our daughter into a star. Think she'd give me some acting tips? I have this perfume campaign coming up…"
I laugh, grateful for how easy this is, how uncomplicated. "I'm sure she'd be happy to help."
She's already heading for the door, phone in hand. “I can’t wait to meet her then. Kisses!"
The door closes behind her, and I sink back into my chair. Thursday night. Sophia. Geneva. All in one room.
I reach for my phone again. I should warn Sophia, prepare her, but what would I even say?
Hey, you know how we can't seem to stay away from each other? Well, my extremely perceptive ex is about to spend an entire evening watching us pretend we barely know each other.
Instead, I pull up Lucas's number. Maybe he was right about needing a heads-up for these things because something tells me that Thursday night is going to be interesting.
twenty-five
. . .
Sophia
After a few hoursof trying to focus on memorizing my lines, I finally give up and shower. Then I spend the afternoon scanning some of my favorite princess movies for an age-appropriate monologue and have three solid choices for Hazel. Rapunzel when she stands up to Mother Gothel, Moana's speech to Maui, and of course, Belle taking her father's place with the Beast. It's a role I know quite well. All winners.
"Sooooppphhhhiiiiiaaaa!" Hazel's voice grows louder as she runs up the driveway to the guest house. I slide the door open just as she reaches it.
"Hey, nugget!"
She wraps her arms around my hips again. She gives the best hugs.
"Hey, Sophia! How are you?" Sarah gives me a quick hug and readjusts what appears to be several bags hanging from her shoulders.
"Here, let me help. What is all of this?" I grab a few totesoff one arm as she shifts a few others onto the arm I've just emptied so the bags are more evenly distributed on her body.
"Let's see. Costume possibilities, snacks, and possibly a Lego set we didn't need at all."
I love that Grant's sister loves Hazel so much. We're all just a pawn in Hazel's game.
I wrap my empty arm around her and squeeze her in solidarity. "Alright, let's see what we're working with, then, shall we?"
We all head over to the main house, and Sarah unloads the bags as I lay out the printed monologues on the island. Hazel crawls up on a stool and gazes up at me with a look of surprise.
"What's this?"
"Some options for you!" I'm feeling smug and proud that I have some killer choices and can actually really help her with this. I watch as she picks up the papers and reads through them carefully. Her eyebrows scrunch together, and I can't tell if she's confused or something upset her.
"Sophia, I can't do a princess monologue. They are for babies."
My eyes open wide, and I steal a glance at Sarah. I'm relieved to see that she's got the same look.
"Oh?"
