“Yeah. Something to keep them entertained. But I got that covered. I got the DJ that does the yacht parties to cover the quick trips. I figured we could make it like a mini party that will help keep the kids distracted just in case the snacks or meds don’t settle the motion sickness. I also made sure to dedicate the whole upper deck to them. That way we can keepthem all together since the ferry will operate business as usual tomorrow.”
I nodded as I added her additions to my list.
“Cool, cool. Good thinking. Oh, and the camp asked if we could scan their fake tickets as they board. Of course, I agreed. So, let’s have one of the girls do that.”
“How cute. Okay. I think that’s it.” The sound of a bell ringing above the door had me looking up to see Ceona and Neela both running in with Tunk behind them.
“Daddy, we’re going to be late for our date,” Cece stressed, making Farrah chuckle. Since Ceona and Neela learned the phrase playdate,they had been using the word date every chance they could. This would be playdate number three for us with Olive and Jo-Jo. We went to the movies the other night and that truly was a kid outing, giving me and Olive an extremely limited amount of time to hold a conversation.
It was hard with the kids around, especially Neela who loved to be on Olive in some type of way. No lie, I couldn’t blame my baby girl. Granted, I hadn’t gained access to those types of space privileges yet. I was still in the hand holding zone. No complaints, just yearning for more.
“Well, I guess that’s time. I promise we’ll be ready for tomorrow. Not a hiccup in sight. Go enjoy yourdate,” Farrah joked as we both got up, me heading for the door, her headed for the back room.
“It’s a play date for the girls,” I yelled just as I reached the door with the girls in front of me leading the way to the car. I double checked the time to make sure it was in my favor as I contemplated whether to get on the ferry or not to head back to the mainland. Once I noticed I had more than an hour to make it, I decided to just hit the bridge over. I instantly regretted that once the girls started in with their million questions.
“Daddy, a boy at camp said his daddy brings his stepmommy flowers on dates. Are we going to get some for Ms. Liv?” Cece asked. Her question alone had me doing a triple take in my rearview mirror at her.
“No, Cece. This isn’t a date for Ms. Liv and me. This is so you kids can play together. And no one gets flowers on those.”
“But why not? He said his daddy told him, real men never show up to a lady emptyhanded. We have to get Ms. Liv a gift or flowers, Daddy, or else she won’t know we like her.”
I’m starting to wonder about this camp and the kids there.
“Well for one, that boy’s parents are married, so the flowers are a must. Ms. Liv and I aren’t married; it would be weird to bring her flowers.”
“But Daddy, his stepmommy and daddy aren’t married yet. And don’t you like Ms. Liv? Why can’t we get flowers or something?”
“I like toys. Can we get her one too, Daddy?” That was Neela joining in on whatever this was right now.
I let out a low heavy sigh as I rubbed my temple.
“No toys, no flowers, no gifts. And to answer your question, Cece, yes I like Ms. Liv.”
The girls groaned from the back with Cece throwing in a whine before the low mumbles began.
What advanced starter pack did my seven-year-old have right now because all this attitude is giving me the fucking blues?
“And now I’m never going to have any more friends. Ms. Liv isn’t going to know then Jo-Jo isn’t going to be able to be my friend anymore because my daddy didn’t buy the flowers.”
The loud exaggerated grunt that came from Cece had me slightly turning to see her tiny arms going up too. That sight had me pulling in my bottom lip to stifle my laugh that threatened to come out.
“I know Ms. Liv will understand. I promise your friendship is safe, Cece.”
“I guess we’re testing the waters there too.” I smirked at her dramatic choice of words, knowing immediately where she heard them from.
“Testing the waters? I swear I’m failing you as a parent. You hang around your uncle too much with this boat talk.”
“Ms. Liv,look! We brought you flowers,” the girls said in unison the minute we made it to the two lanes I had reserved for us at Pin Pals, the bowling alley on the mainland. I hated to admit it, but the way Olive’s cheeks grew rosy red was worth the back and forth with Ceona on the matter.
“Oh my gosh, thank you. They are absolutely beautiful, girls. I love them.” She bent down to hug them both while Jo-Jo made his way over to dap me up.
“Hey Jo-Jo, what’s going on?” I chuckled at his little hand trying to mimic the handshake I showed him the night at the fair.
“Hey, Mr. Lando. Can we be on teams? Mommy said we could if you wanted to.”
“Sure. But how is this going to work if we have two and they have three?” Just as I spoke, the same woman from the fair appeared, but this time with a little boy next to her.
“Hey, I hope it’s okay, but my nephew Darius wanted to come bowling too. Byrdie is just dropping him off before she heads to work,” Olive said as she got up to greet Byrdie who waved at me and the girls as Jo-Jo ran to hug her before coming back over to me.
