“Sorry,” I say automatically, tightening my grip and hauling him back. “He’s—”
“Enthusiastic?” she finishes, pushing one earbud out. Her ponytail’s pulled tight at the back of her head, and the blue tips are darker now that they’re not under café lights. She’s in tight blue leggings and a matching running jacket, cheeks flushed from the run.
“I’ve been called worse,” she adds, glancing down at Gus, who is now attempting to sit on her shoe.
“Gus,” I warn.
“He’s fine,” she says, crouching to give his ears a firm rub. “Nice to meet you, Gus.”
“That’smydog,” Elle announces, scampering up to appear at Penny’s elbow. “He’s not s’posed to jump on people unless they are burglars, though.”
Penny’s mouth twitches. “Do I look like a burglar?”
“Not really.” Elle studies her very seriously. “But you run fast.”
“Well, that’s good, because I was trying to,” Penny says, pushing herself back upright. Her eyes lift to mine. “Hi again.”
“Hi,” I reply.
Her gaze flicks to Elle, then back to me, and I see the moment the realization clicks into place.
“He also likes to chase birds,” Elle adds matter-of-factly.
“Oh?” Penny’s eyes twinkle at my daughter. “Is Gus a bird expert?”
“No—I am!”
“Well, now I’m going to have to test you just to be sure,” Penny says gravely. “Are you up to the challenge?”
Elle’s eyes light up. “Yes!”
“What’s your favorite type of bird?”
“Penguins. They take turns with their eggs. That’s called incubating.”
Penny nods, impressed. “That’s a big word. Do you think they argue about whose turn it is?”
Elle frowns, considering the logistics. “No. Because then the egg would get cold.”
“Excellent point.”
Gus nudges Penny’s hip, demanding continued attention. She laughs and steadies him with one hand while keeping her eyes level with Elle.
“You have blue hair,” Elle says bluntly.
“I do.”
“Is it because you like the ocean?”
Penny pauses. “That's a very cool reason to have blue hair. I might start saying yes when people ask me.”
Elle nods approvingly.
“Do you run every day?” she asks next.
“Most days.”
“Daddy runs too. But only if the loud alarm goes off.”
