Page 59 of Finding My Charming

She looked at me with a sly smile. “Oh, honey. Who do you think gave me the idea?”

My mouth opened then closed multiple times.

Huh. I couldn’t think of a time I’d actually been rendered speechless.

She chuckled at the expression on my face then powered off her computer and stood. While she gathered her purse, she smiled down at me and patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry, Elle. You all turned out mostly fine.”

She spun and walked out the front door still laughing to herself while I remained frozen in my chair. Insane woman.

At that moment, I heard a door open behind me, and I turned to see my dad closing his office door. I narrowed my eyes as he drew closer.

He looked up from his phone and opened his mouth before snapping it shut. His eyebrows drew together in confusion. “What’s with the face, Elle?”

Slowly, I folded my arms over my chest and gave him what I hoped was a good interrogation face. “You drugged me?”

He nearly dropped his phone in his shock. “Wh-what?”

I narrowed my eyes further and tilted my chin up. “You didn’t deny it. Interesting.”

He regained his composure and took a steadying breath. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Ah. Well then, let me refresh your memory. Three young, innocent, trusting, little girls, who you left in the hands of a seemingly trustworthy woman…” I paused, giving him the chance to speak. Nothing. “Said girls loved to play and dance and sing like all young, innocent, trusting girls.”

“You forgot little.”

I shook my head in frustration. “That’s all you took out of that so far?”

“If you’re going to cross-examine me in my own office, at least do it correctly.”

I waved my hand and continued. “These girls did nothing wrong. They were… well, at least the middle one was… the picture of perfection. Yet!” I paused for dramatic effect, but my dad just waved his hand impatiently. “Yet, their beloved babysitter was drugging the little angels to sleep. Not by her own volition, but by the persuasion of the said angels’ own parents. What do you have to say for yourself?”

I gave him a stern look that I hoped was even the slightest bit intimidating.

“You have a lot of work to do if you want to be a trial attorney.”

Slouching in my chair, I threw up my hands in the air. “Typical. Of course you avoid the conflict.”

He smirked. “Like any good attorney would.”

I rolled my eyes in the ultimate act of maturity and added a huff for good measure.

“Fine. We may have encouraged Sherrie to add a bit of sleep aid to help get you guys to calm down before bedtime. It was children’s medicine, and it was small doses. Calm down. You all survived, didn’t you?”

“Despite our parents, we somehow managed to, yes.”

He smiled smugly. “And that’s what matters.” He shoved his phone into his pants pocket and gestured toward the doors. “Shouldn’t you be leaving here soon?”

“Got a dinner date tonight, and I figured it would be easier to meet here.”

He suddenly looked uncomfortable.

Poor Pops.

“Oh well. Have fun tonight, and don’t stay out too late. You have work in the morning.”

I laughed and waved him off. “Duly noted, boss.”

He waved good-bye as he opened the door and escaped the awkward conversation.