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"Yeah." She looked away, suddenly shy. "I feel dumb. Everyone has plans with each other to take pictures together at each other's houses, but I wasn't invited anywhere."
"What happened with you and your friends?" I asked, easing down onto the bed beside her.
She shrugged. "They were never really my friends. At first, they only invited me places because they wanted me to do their homework. But then..."
"Then what?"
"When I wouldn't, they started making fun of me, and then when you and dad started dating, they thought I could get you to give them A's without question."
"Hailey, you know I would never do that, right?"
"I know." She was quiet for a long time. When she spoke again, her voice was barely a whisper. "Is it bad that I'm kind of glad they're not my friends?"
"No." I pulled her into a hug. "It's not bad at all. You deserve better than that. And you'll find your people. It just takes time."
"Could you not tell my dad? It’ll just worry him."
I didn’t answer. I was all for keeping her confidence, but bullying was a line I didn’t want to make a promise on. Instead, I changed the subject. “Let's get you ready for the dance. Are you excited?"
She perked up immediately. "Yes!"
We spent the next hour doing her hair and make-up, giggling, and telling silly jokes. When she was all done, I had to admit she was breathtaking. Her hair cascaded down her back in loose curls, the light make-up I used accentuated her delicate features, and her dress made her glow.
"Maybe yellow wasn't a good idea. You're wearing dark colors like a starry night. I look like the sun."
I pulled out my phone from my clutch and search “yellow in our galaxy,” moved to the images tab, and then I turned the results to her. "See? It’s perfect."
She lit up as her eyes scanned over all the pictures. "Wow! Thanks, Molly."
“Now let’s go shock your father with how beautiful you are.”
We made our way downstairs, and as soon as we stepped into the family room, Jake's head snapped up from his phone. His eyes widened, taking her in from head to toe. For a moment, he looked like he was about to say something, but then he cleared his throat and gave her a nod of approval.
"You look beautiful, Hailey," he said, his voice gruff.
Hailey beamed, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks, Dad. Molly helped me with my makeup and hair."
Jake's gaze shifted to me, and I could see the reluctant admiration in his eyes. "You did a good job," he said.
I smiled, feeling a warm surge of pride. "Thank you, Jake."
With that, Hailey tugged on his arm, pulling him towards the door. "Come on, Dad. We're going to be late."
As we made our way towards the door, I caught sight of Jake's expression softening slightly as he looked at Hailey. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from him, and I knew he was trying to mask it with a gruff exterior. I could tell that the sight of Hailey, all dressed up and ready for her first dance, was touching him in ways he didn't want to admit.
Outside, he paused, taking my hand as Hailey got in the car. “Thank you.” He pressed his lips to my hand, and my heart tingled. Hailey wasn’t the only one giddy for the dance. Even if Jake and I were chaperoning, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the heady excitement usually reserved for teenagers.
The gym and courtyard were completely decked out for the dance—twinkling lights and balloons hanging from the ceiling, music pumping from the speakers, and couples mingling about, not yet on the dance floor. Jake took a deep breath, looking around at the scene before him. I could tell that the normality of the event was distressing him, as if he wasn't sure how to navigate it with Hailey and me in tow.
"Are you okay, Jake?" I asked, putting a hand on his arm.
He looked down, the muscles in his jaw tightening. "I don't know," he admitted, voice heavy with uncertainty. "It’s nothing."
"Hey, whatever it is, put a pin in it," I said, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "We're here to keep these kids from having too much fun and getting into trouble. Plus,” I shrugged, “it’s kind of romantic. It is my current life mission to make sure you have fun."
He smiled, “You’re amazing. You know that?”
I quirked my brow. “Of course I know. It’s about time you noticed too. Now come on.”
