“Sorry to disappoint you, but no. I’ve never done any of that.”
“I am disappointed but not at you. At…”—I couldn’t say her father. I was sure he did the best he could after losing his wife and being forced to take care of a teenager by himself.—“the universe for not allowing these things to happen. But I’m going to change that.”
She scowled. “What? Daisy, I’m almost thirty. How are you going to change the past?”
“Magic,” I said. “I’m going to create the childhood you never had. I have made it my mission to do everything you just said you’ve never done. Starting with making snow angels.”
“Daisy—”
“Don’t even try to get out of it. It’s happening. I will give you a childhood if it’s the last thing I do!”
“There’s really no arguing with you when you get like this, so fine. If you must.”
“I must. Now get back to your filthy book, and I’ll get back to mine.They were just about to pull out the strap.” Her eyes widened, and I loved messing with her. “I’m joking. They were only about to eat each other out, which I know is your favorite thing. Want to switch books?”
She blushed so hard I was sure she’d pop a blood vessel in her face. I smiled triumphantly and returned to my book. I looked up a few more times and caught her looking at me. I smiled and returned to my book, trying to forget about my comment and envisioning what Kaia would look like while doing her favorite thing, or if someone was doing it to her. I’d be going to bed soon, and that was not the image I needed.
Chapter Ten
KAIA
“Thank you everyone for coming.Take some refreshments home so I don’t. Have a good night and drive safely,” I signed as I spoke, and waved goodbye to everyone.
Another great sign language class in the books. Everyone loved Daisy. She wasn’t just knowledgeable, obviously; she was patient and so sweet. She didn’t make anyone feel less than her for not getting it, and when they did get it, she cheered them on. I loved watching her teach. But to be fair, I loved watching her do anything.
“You did amazing, as always.” I smiled at Daisy when the last person left and she slumped in a chair, exhausted from the class.
“Thank you. I’m trying, but I feel like they’re getting it. I still can’t believe how many people actually want to learn sign language.”
“Well, I, for one, think it’s amazing and more people should learn it.”
She smiled and stood up, giving me a hug I wasn’t expecting but still wasted no time returning. Her hugs were like little gifts, and I was raised to always accept a gift.
“Thank you, Kaia,” she said when we broke apart.
I looked at her, confused. “For what?”
“Just for… telling Drea to hire me, and for being you. Always.”
I smiled and tried to hide my blush. “Come on, let’s get this place cleaned up so we can get out of here.”
She nodded, and we began stacking the chairs and rolling them to the back.
We were cleaning up the tables when Drea was getting ready to leave.
“Hey, Kai. Are you ready for the game tomorrow? Blair said she’s excited to see you! She misses you.”
I smiled at the mention of her girlfriend. I adored Blair, and we had become really close over the past two years. Especially after their breakup.
Cara, Blair’s publisher and best friend, was the only person who didn’t know they were together at the time. Theyhatedeach other until they came back from a festival and didn’t anymore. Long story short, they didn’t want to make things weird with Cara, so they asked us all to keep their relationship a secret. They all had a big falling out, but I was glad everything worked out in the end.
“Yeah. I’m so ready. I’ve never played pickleball, so I don’t know how good I’ll be, but it should be fun.”
She turned to Daisy. “So, Daisy, I’m glad I caught you guys. Cara got sick and had to cancel last minute, so I was wondering if you wanted to join our game tomorrow? You and Kaia against me and Blair? What do you say? I’ll buy lunch after.” She grinned.
Daisy nodded. “Sure. I can’t say no to free food. It sounds fun. See you guys tomorrow.” We said goodbye to Drea, but we weren't far behind her.
During the ride home, I kept looking at Daisy, like I did all the time. I tried my best to make sure I wasn’t caught. Especially since the other night when we were reading together. She threw me off with that eating comment, although she wasn’t wrong, and I couldn’t help but look at her. I wanted to see if she was looking at me too. Maybe it was stupid, but it was true.
