“Daddy, you know you can’t wear a jacket with this.” She smoothed down the pleats of her tutu attached to a black denim overall-style dress. “It will smush down the bottom.”
“Would you rather have smushed down bottoms or a hot bottom?” I held up the jacket I found for her outfit. She dropped her arms to her side and let out the cutest sigh before stomping over to me. She reluctantly slipped on the cropped jacket, which left the black and grey tulle free to spin.
Kylie skipped back over to the small platform in front of the mirror and jumped up with both feet as if it were five feettall. After executing some controlled spins, she came to a stop, looking at the mirrors. The rustling of the skirt filled the room as she twisted and turned. Then she paused and looked at me in the mirror.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing, Daddy.” She turned to face me. “I’m just having the best time. Thank you for the clothes. I’ll pay you back for them.”
“No, you won’t, but I appreciate you offering.” I stood behind her and placed my hands on her hips. Even with her on the stage, I stood taller than her five-foot five frame. She reached back for my hand and placed them around her waist. Her white socks ruched like dancers’ leg warmers, and a new pair of sparkly Chuck Taylors completed the look.
“Daddy,” she whined. “You know I get paid since you’re my boss. I can afford it.”
I kissed the side of her face. “When you are with Daddy, Daddy pays.”
“Your offering to pay because you know I may soon be unemployed?” She pouted.
I spun her around and kissed her until she melted into me. “Monday,” I said and patted her on the butt. I stared down at her, shaking my head. “I assure you. I can afford it.”
“Okay.” She spun and leaned back, rocking us back and forth.
I looked at my watch. “Come on, little sneak. We don’t want to be late for the next adventure.”
I droppedKylie off at her place and ran back to mine to shower and change. I told her I’d be back in thirty minutes to help herget dressed. When I returned, she was sitting in the bathroom at the vanity, frowning. Her shoulders were raised to her ears.
“Hey little girl.” I knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m nervous.” She tapped the hairbrush against her open palm. “Rayna and Tinley will be there tonight. What if they are still mad at me and don’t want me there? I don’t want to ruin their night.”
“You are entitled to enjoy the fun too.” I kissed her cheek, hating that she felt such guilt about what happened with the girls. “Do you want to talk to the girls before we go?”
“Yeah, but–” She slapped the hairbrush again. I took it out of her hand and placed it on the counter. “I don’t want to interrupt their fun, either.”
“Let me check with them.” I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and dialed Kyler’s number. I stood and took the call in the next room, in case Raynawasn’treceptive to the idea.
“Patrick.”
“Hi Uncle Pat,” she giggled. Kyler had me on speakerphone. “Patrick. Tell Daddy to stop being grumpy.”
“Be careful, Rayn Drop, or you will see who’s grumpier when you have a red bottom.” Kyler laying down the law mademewant to watch my mouth.
“Yes, sir.”
Works on Rayna, too, apparently.
“What’s up, Unc?”
“I believe he called me, Little Ninja.”
“Actually, I’d like to speak to you both.” I started. “Kylie would like to meet with Rayna and Tinley before the party tonight. You have every right to feel how you feel, but Kylie and I have discussed the incident from yesterday, and she would like the opportunity to explain herself and apologize if you and Tinley are open to it.”
Rayna didn’t speak, but she took a deep breath and exhaled.
“She understands she betrayed your trust.” I added.
“Yours too.” She sighed.
“Remember what we talked about, baby.” Kyler said.
