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“What a complicated puzzle,” Dejonae says, her voice high-pitched and shaking. “I think I might have to stay all night to put this together.”
I pull my lips in to choke back my laughter.
After a few minutes, I get up to prepare snacks for the hardworking ladies. Dejonae’s competitive spirit has been awakened and she does not even notice when I leave.
But Niko’s footsteps follow me into the kitchen.
“Do you need something?” I sign.
My daughter gives me a secret smile.
I know she is here to speak to me about Dejonae. Though I have spoken to Niko about our relationship, the fact that Dejonae is spending the day with us is evidence that she is someone important to me. It is our first time having a guest over.
“Do you want me to go to sleep early?” Niko signs.
“And spoil the fun Dejonae is having with that puzzle?” I touch the top of her head, careful not to spoil the fancy hairstyle.
Niko smiles to herself. And then the smile dims. “Have you told mom?”
“Not yet.” I sign. “Later.”
“I’m worried.”
“There is nothing to worry about.” I kneel in front of my daughter and hold her shoulders. “Even if we are not together, your mother and I have one thing in common.” I touch her nose. “How much we love you.”
She signs, “Fine. And try not to be so boring, dad. Next time, take Deej out on a proper date.”
“Troublemaker.” I tap her nose.
She blinks candidly and signs, “I’m going to get ready for bed.” Her expression turns serious. “Don’t mess this up.”
My smile breaks free. I give my daughter a big hug.
“I love you so much,” I say into her ear.
Although she can’t hear me, Niko squeezes me back as if she understands.
We return to the living room, hand-in-hand. Dejonae is staring at the puzzle, her tongue sticking out slightly and her back bent over the puzzle box. When she glances up, it’s with surprise.
“What’s going on?” Dejonae asks, glancing between both our faces.
“Niko is going to bed now.”
“Already?” She checks her watch. Then her eyebrows arch. “I didn’t realize it was that late.” Dejonae stands gracefully to her feet. Her skirt sways around her ankles and a little more of her dark leg flashes at me. “I’ll help you take out those rubber bands.”
Niko places a protective hand over her head.
Dejonae steps closer to my daughter. “Okay, you can keep it in. But you’re going to have to secure your bonnet with bobby pins. If those twists get frizzy, it’s not going to look as good.” Her expression shifts and she looks up at me. “Shedoeshave a bonnet, right?”
“Of course. I am not an uncultured man.”
Dejonae laughs softly. She takes my daughter’s hand and looks up at me. “I’ll help put Niko to bed and then join you. Is that okay?”
I dip my chin.
Dejonae walks away with my daughter. I start to follow them when my phone rings.
It’s Akira.
