“That’s an actual job?” she asks with a kind of wonder only a three-year-old can express.
“Yep, it sure is. Want to take a look?”
Cassie bounces up and down enthusiastically as I park my Viper in my personal spot, then take her into the shop floor. I introduce Cassie to a couple of my mechanics and show her theengines of the cars up on the blocks. Then I take her to see the fully finished vehicles waiting to be picked up.
“So shiny,” she says, running her hand across the bright purple finish of a Subaru WXR8. “This one’s very fast.”
“Yes, it is,” I laugh, captivated by her enjoyment. “I like to fix them up to make them go as fast as they possibly can.”
“That’s awesome,” Cassie says, shaking her head. “You’re cool, Rhys!”
A wave of affection rushes through me, and I pick her up, cuddling her against my chest.
“I’m glad we came to live with you,” she says, and the intensity of my feelings almost pushes me to tears. I keep my head on her shoulder as we walk towards the front of the shop, struggling to get myself under control as we approach Sadie.
“You didn’t want to come in?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I didn’t want to get my new white sandals smudged with oil. You had a good time, though?”
“I sure did!” Cassie says, bouncing in my arms. “Rhys fixes up cars and makes them go fast!”
“That sounds great,” Sadie replies, ruffling her hair.
“Hey,” I say, knowing I’m pushing it but unable to stop myself. “It’s starting to get late. What do you guys think about dinner?”
“Yay!” Cassie almost shrieks, but I see a look I can’t identify flash across Sadie’s face.
I didn’t do this in an attempt to use Cassie against her. I didn’t even realize the impact my words would have.
Sadie gives me a look, but smiles for her daughter.
“What would you like to eat, baby?”
“Nuggets and spaghetti!” Cassie declares.
“I know just the place,” I say.
We walk back to the car, and even though Sadie looks tense, I really don’t think she’s upset about going to dinner. I take us to a little family diner with a play area, and Cassie runs off immediately to join the other kids. Sadie and I sit down, and I order some wine when the menus are brought out.
“Is everything okay?” I ask her. “I should have made sure it was all right with you before saying it in front of Cassie.”
“It’s okay,” Sadie says quietly. “She’s having a great time.”
I follow her gaze to see Cassie sliding down the big slippery slide, piled into a crowd of kids who are all cheering and screaming. When they hit the bottom, they run as if they’re one many-headed beast, charging towards the climbing net.
“It’s great watching her play like this,” Sadie says, her voice thick with emotion.
“I just want to make her happy,” I say.
Sadie looks up at me, her eyes even darker than usual, and I can’t read her mood. We order food for ourselves and Cassie. Our little girl charges back to the table as soon as we’re served to gulp down cold lemonade and dig into her spaghetti.
As the night goes on, I can see Sadie settling in and enjoying herself. She doesn’t rush through the night, encouraging Cassie to go back and play and order more food if she likes. A few times, she even seems to forget the situation and relax into conversation with me.
I could almost forget that all this is just for show. None of this is real, but I think I’m starting to wish it was.
Chapter 8 - Sadie
In my first week working for Fern, I have to admit I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I get to have a leisurely breakfast with Cassie before work, spend my day doing a job I truly enjoy, and relax with my daughter in the evenings. Fern only needs me three days a week, so the majority of my time is spent with Cassie.
