Alie
Seraphina and I are going into the office today with my dad. Sera keeps him busy the whole ride there. He explains football and the differences between the offense and the defense, even though she already knows them—it’s her favorite story from her Poppy. She can hear the same story over and over again, and she never gets tired of it, especially if it has to do with football, and it’s even more exciting if it’s her Poppy telling a story.
And me? I’m lost in thought, thinking about how I’m going to avoid Liam Pitz. I have a feeling he’s going to be at the facility today. Just knowing he’s there … well, I’m sure it’s gonna be hard for me to concentrate. And I really need to get these reports done.
I knew when we took the trade for him that this could be a challenge, but after seeing him again, I think it’s going to be harder than I expected.
“Okay, peanut, we’re here. Let’s get you to Miss Sandy.” I grab her little Burberry backpack and my matching messenger bag.
“Today, we make cwafts,” she tells us.
“Oh, that sounds fun. What kind of crafts are you going to make?” I ask her.
“Fowers.”
“I love flowers.” I tuck some of the flyaways behind her ear.
“Me too, Mommy. Your favowit?” She looks up at me.
“Hmm … I like a lot of different flowers. What kind of flower are you going to make?”
“Tuwip my favowit.”
“I do love tulips, too.”
“If der’s blue, I make dat. Your favowit color too.”
“Thank you, baby. That’s so sweet. I can’t wait to see it.”
“Lunchey with me?”
I look at my dad and see him watching us with a smile, but there’s also a curious look on his face that I can’t quite read.
“Yes, I will come down and see you on your lunch break as soon as I can. I might not be able to stay the whole time, but I will definitely come and sit with you for a little bit,” I tell her.
“Okay, see fowers too.”
“I can’t wait to see it.”
“Poppy, wan one?” Sera turns to my dad.
“I would love a flower from my favorite girl.” He touches her head.
The car stops, and we exit before the driver can get to the door. Then we walk into the building, her little hand in mine. My dad watches us with a smile on his face.
“She’s the most precious little girl, isn’t she?” he says.
“She sure is.” I smile at him.
“You know, we never asked you any questions when you told us you were pregnant, and although it was a surprise to us, she has been a blessing to this family,” he says, then clears his throat.
I’m not sure what to say to that. Is he fishing for information? “Thank you, Dad. She’s definitely a blessing to me.”
His phone rings, interrupting our conversation, and after he holds the door open for us, we go to the right as he goes to the left, but not before he stops to give my daughter a kiss on the head.
“Have a good day, peanut. I’ll come visit you later today, okay?”
“Bye-bye.”
