I take a deep breath and straighten my tie, fighting off the ball of nerves that’s taken up residence in the pit of my stomach. Tonight, I’m taking Vienna on our first date, and it still hasn’t left my mind that this will be my first date since Sarah died.
Yes, I’ve slept with other women since then, but they didn’t steal my attention the way Vienna has—or give me a reason to want to try again.
Ellis runs into my bathroom. “Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetie?”
“I can’t find my Elsa pajamas.”
“Did you check your drawer?”
“Yes, Daddy. They’re not there.”
I’d bet five hundred dollars that they are.
“Are they in your dirty clotheshamper?”
“No.”
Turning to face her, I plant my hands on my hips. “Then just pick a different pair of pajamas to wear tonight.”
Ellis flings her hands down at her sides. “I can’t! Uncle Fletcher told me that I have to bring my Elsa pajamas because we’re watchingFrozen. Plus, they will match my new shoes and bracelet.”
A few weeks ago, I bought Ellis a pair ofFrozen-themed Crocs and a matching bracelet. She was ecstatic, but I had an ulterior motive with the purchase that no one else knows about.
“You can watch the movie in different pajamas, Ellis.”
“No, I can’t!” Tears start to form in her eyes. “I need my Elsa ones!”
Dear God, help me.
Sighing, I step out of the bathroom and make my way into her room, only to find her entire dresser emptied on the floor. “Ellis Seraphina…”
“I told you that I looked everywhere!”
I pull my phone from my pocket and text Joanne, asking if she knows where the coveted pajamas are, and then text Vienna that I might be running a few minutes behind.
She texts back immediately.
Vienna:No worries. I’m still figuring out what to wear.
Me:How about nothing?
Vienna:Not sure that the restaurant will approve of that. Besides, I thought you didn’t want other men looking at me?
Me:Fuck. You’re right. But don’t stress about it. I’m sure you’ll look incredible in whatever you decide on.
Vienna:Who knew you could be so sweet?
Me:Trust me, a lot of people wouldn’t believe you if you told them that.
Joanne texts back at that moment, telling me that the pajamas are already in Ellis’s overnight bag.
“Did you check your bag, Ellis?” I say, preparing to text Vienna back.
“No.” She races over to her bag and starts ripping things out of it, squealing when she finds the pajamas. “There they are!”
“Great, now they’ve been found, so you get to clean up this mess that you made.”
