“I don’t want to just collect books like they’re trinkets or toys,” I say…practically.
“Maybe I can’t read one a day, but I definitely can read themall year long,” Mia insists, taking over the argument from her counsel. “And, like you said, books are better than junk.”
“She’s got a point,” Isla chimes in with a mischievous smile. “Plus, you can still have her read to you every night. And the long-term reading value, stretched out over twelve months, is fantastic. And fewer trips to the bookstore means more quality time for the two of you. And she’ll never be caught in that dreaded state of being without a book to read again.”
I narrow my eyes at Isla. “You’re not supposed to help her team up against me.”
“Why not? She’s clever. I like clever people.” She tilts her head toward me, her smile deepening, then she nods to the fluffball in my arms. “She must get it from the dog.”
I snort. “Low blow.”
Isla laughs, and Wanda gives a little bark of agreement. I look at the critter in disappointment. “I thought you’d be on my side, at least, wonder pup.”
But she wags her tail Isla’s way, giving puppy-dog eyes to my best friend’s sister. Damn, even Wanda is making this hard for me.
“Nice sweater,” Isla says, while nodding to the dog. “She’s full of holiday spirit.”
I pluck at the offending garment. “Mia put this on her.”
Isla smirks a little. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
“She did,” I insist.
“Sure.” Isla lowers her voice and murmurs to Mia, “Or maybe your dad is a secret holiday fanatic.”
“Like someone from Whoville,” Mia interjects enthusiastically.
“I am not like anyone from Whoville.”
“A ‘Deck the Halls’ devotee,” Isla counters.
“Not one bit.”
“A ‘Let it Snow…’” Mia begins, and Isla finishes, “Lover.”
They high-five each other, then Isla turns back to me. “It’s fun teaming up against you. I can’t believe you were trying to pull off a practical version of an Advent calendar. Why don’t you just make one for chores while you’re at it?”
“Nothing wrong with chores.”
Isla grins and singsongs, “On the first day of Christmas, my grinch-father gave to me…a new vacuum to help clean!”
Ouch. Mia laughs, the perfect audience for Isla’s a cappella routine.
“On the second day of Christmas, the practical grinch gave to me…two wash rags and a new vacuum to help clean.”
Another burn.
Mia claps like the studio audience at Isla’s comedy special.
“On the third day of Christmas,” Mia and Isla sing together. I don’t know what’s worse—the lyrics or the fact that Mia has joined in on the opening line. Isla finishes with: “he gave to me…three brand-new brooms.”
More laughter blooms between them. Damn, the pair went from acquaintances to fast friends in the span of ten minutes. Sure, I’m still wary about who hangs out with my daughter—especially if that person is a woman for whom I harbor an inappropriate crush—but I don’t mind that they get along.
Doesn’t mean we need to do this every day. And it definitely doesn't mean anything more will come ofanyof this.
It just means this—right now—doesn’t suck.
Yeah, I hardly have a hate list.
