Before he left, Daisy made up her mind. He and Amelia were scrolling through photos of an enormous black dog when she said, through gritted teeth, “Yes.”
They both turned, startled.
“Yes, we can go to the aquarium.”
Amelia exploded into a hop-dance around the living room for a full minute.
They picked Friday. Amelia had early dismissal and if they were lucky, there’d be lighter crowds.
“Okay, silly pants,” Daisy said at last.
“I’m just so excited! Jameson, you’re gonna love it. There are otters and stingrays and—”
“You know I’ve been before,” he teased.
“When?”
“In high school. I believe it was the third date I took your mum on.”
Amelia giggled. “You dated my mom?”
He winced, flicking an apologetic glance at Daisy. He expected anger. Instead, he found something softer, sadness edged with longing.
“Just for a bit,” Daisy said. “Anyway, it’s time for your shower. Say goodbye to Jameson.”
Amelia ignored that. “Did you know my dad?”
Daisy’s breath caught. Panic slowly crept in. “Amelia. Shower. Now.”
Amelia stared at Jameson one more beat, then stomped off. When the bathroom door clicked shut, Daisy whispered, “You should go.”
Jameson stood and walked slowly toward Daisy. “I’m sorry. That was thoughtless on my part.”
Daisy gulped hard. “It’s all right. I just wasn’t prepared for that. I hate lying to her.”
“You’re a good mum, Daisy. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
She tried not to smile but failed and walked him to the door. “See you Friday.”
“Can’t wait.”
“I can’t believe we’re going to the aquarium!” Amelia squealed as they waited for pickup. Daisy wasn’t thrilled about letting him drive them, but he’d insisted; of course he had.
Some things didn’t change.
“I’m going to show him everything. The penguins, the jellyfish—”
“He’s been. I’m sure he remembers.”
Amelia tilted her chin and incredulously smirked. “Oh right, when you two were boyfriend and girlfriend. Did you kiss?”
She eyeballed the persistent girl. God, she was so much like Jameson.
“You’re hesitating… that must mean you kissed a lot.”
“I’m going to need you to stop talking.”
“Mom.”
