“Lenni?What kind of name is Lenni for a girl?”Dad asked.
“It’s short for Lenora,” I informed him.“And you of all people want to ask that question?You named me?—”
“Lenora is a beautiful name!”Mom said.“So elegant.But Lenni is an adorable nickname.The next time we video chat, can we meet her?I’d like to put a face to the name.”
“I’ll ask her,” I said.
“Is she shy with strangers?”Mom asked.
The school doors opened, and Lenni popped out, her yellow backpack slung across one shoulder.She was talking to a classmate.
“I don’t think so, but a few days ago her guardian literally just showed up with her and dropped her off with a father she’d never met.That’s a lot for anyone, but especially for a kid who lost her mother only six months ago.”
“Oh, thepoorthing,” Mom crooned.
“No pity,” I warned.“Especially if you want to meet her.”
“You’re right.”Mom sniffed.
“Okay, honey, your mom’s about to cry, so we’ll say goodbye.Love you.Talk soon.”
“Love you back,” I said.“She’ll be okay, Mom, I promise.I’ve got this.”
“I know you do,” Mom said.“You’re perfect.”
My own throat was suddenly full of emotion.“Okay, bye for real this time.”
I pressed the End Call button just as Lenni tromped into the parking lot.Mildred perked up immediately when she saw Lenni at the passenger side window.
I leaned over and pulled Mildred back so Lenni could get in.
“Hi ya,” I greeted.
“Hey,” she said, tossing her backpack onto the floor of the passenger seat before climbing in.
“So, tell me all the things,” I began.
Lenni shut the door and I let Mildred go.She immediately climbed over the center console and crawled into Lenni’s lap.
“It was fine.Good,” she corrected.“My teacher, Ms.Thomas, is nice.And pretty.”
“Nice is good,” I said.
“Archer met her this morning when he filled out all the paperwork,” Lenni said as she stroked Mildred’s back.“He made her laugh.She’sreallypretty when she laughs.”
A spear of jealousy went right through my ribcage.
“Well, good,” I gritted out.“What else happened?I saw you talking to another girl.Did you make a new friend?”
“Summer Harding,” Lenni said.“She sits next to me in history class.”
She bowed her head and closed her eyes, pressing her cheek against Mildred’s neck.
“Lenni?”I prodded.“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she muttered.
I waited.
