Chloe: I was thinking cereal...
Tyler: Try again. Protein and fruit, remember?
Chloe: Yes, Daddy. I'll make eggs and have some berries.
Tyler: Good girl. Send me a photo when you're done.
This should feel controlling. But instead, it makes me feel cared for. It feels like I matter enough for someone to make sure I'm taking care of myself. And one thing I can say about Tyler is he pays attention. So much attention.
I scramble eggs, slice strawberries, and take a photo of my plate before sending it.
Tyler: Perfect. I'm proud of you for listening.
Chloe: I like making you proud.
Tyler: And I like taking care of you. Win-win.
The morning rush is steady but manageable. Jess keeps giving me knowing looks every time I check my phone. He won’t be coming in today; he has a training exercise or something. His military schedule is pretty unpredictable. It’s a good thing I’m a go with the flow type girl.
"He's texting you a lot," Jess observes around nine a.m.
"He's checking in. Making sure I ate breakfast and drank water."
"That's very Daddy of him."
Heat floods my face. "Can we not?"
"What? It's sweet. Ty does the same thing with Madison. Sends her reminders throughout the day to eat and rest." Jess grins. "Welcome to the Daddy Dom girlfriend club. Population: you and half our book club."
"I'm not his girlfriend. We're just... seeing each other."
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night."
At ten-thirty, Emily walks in, yoga mat over her shoulder and a knowing smile on her face.
"Spill," she demands, sliding onto a bar stool.
"Good morning to you too."
"Good morning. Now spill. How was yesterday? Did you go to his place? Did you let him take care of you?"
I make her usual green smoothie while filling her in on the details from yesterday. I’d spent the afternoon with him after closing the shop. He made me lunch, and we talked at length about our businesses and careers. I confessed to him that I would make more money if I raised my prices but, I’m terrified the increase will scare away my customers. Then, I colored pictures while he worked on his laptop. Then he put me down for a nap and when I woke up, he ordered dinner and we watched movies together before a delicious make out session. He’d given me a couple warning swats throughout the day and I even spent five minutes in the corner after being sassy before he realized I was tired and carried me to his bed for a nap. Tyler sets firm boundaries and expectations.
"He's moving fast," Emily observes.
"Too fast?"
"I don't know. How does it feel to you?"
I think about it. "Right. Scary but right. Like everything is happening quickly but also exactly when it's supposed to."
"That's instalove, babe. When you know, you know." She sips her smoothie. "Madison said the same thing about Ty. They knew within days that they were it for each other."
"What if I'm wrong? What if this feeling fades?"
"Then you'll deal with it if it happens. But I don't think it will. I've seen the way he looks at you." Emily smiles softly. "That man is gone for you."
"How can you tell?"
