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I pull my phone from my pocket and send her the photo of Chloe that Scooter sent to me, along with a simple text.
Wish you were here.
I haven’t heard from her all day. I thought for sure she would call Chloe this morning to say “happy birthday,” or at least send her a text, but she’s been completely silent, and I don’t know how I feel about that. Has she been busy? If so, what has she been doing? It kills me that we’re this far apart, and I know absolutely nothing about her day.
Over the next hour and a half, I send her at least another dozen photos. Everything from pictures of Chloe and her friends to Scooter making an obscene gesture, and even a photo of Rick sitting on the edge of the pool with his feet dangling in the water.
She doesn’t reply to any of them.
Not one.
This is ridiculous. I can’t believe I’m spending Chloe’s party staring at my phone, waiting on Scarlett. Chloe deserves better than that from me on her birthday, and I deserve better than that, too.
Determined to enjoy the rest of the party without being attached to my phone, I shove it into the pile with Dean’s and Scooter’s clothes. That way, I can’t check my phone every ten minutes without it looking like I’m ogling their underwear, and Scooter would never let me live something like that down.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“Can I open my presents now?”
I look around. All of the kids have eaten, and the caterers have cleared out. “I don’t see why not.”
“Yes!” She fist-pumps the air, then rounds her friends up and digs in. She gets gift cards from most of the boys in her class, and a variety of perfume, clothes, and makeup from the girls.
When she gets to Scooter’s present, she tears into it and frowns. “A dog bowl?”
Scooter smiles proudly. “You’re welcome.”
“Thank you?” She grabs Dean’s present and rips it open. She pulls off the top to the box and pulls out a dog leash, dog treats, and a tennis ball. “Uncle Dean, what’s all of this for?”
“Ask your dad, kiddo.”
She turns to me, eyebrows raised. I signal the lifeguard in the pool house, and she opens the door. Chloe gasps when a tiny ball of fur comes barreling out. The puppy I picked up this morning stumbles twice as she runs across the concrete but gets back up each time. Chloe runs after her and scoops her up.
“Oh. My. Gosh. He’s perfect.”
“He’s actually a she.”
“She’s perfect,” Chloe coos, cuddling the wiggly body to her chest. “But I thought you said I couldn’t have a dog.”
“Because I wanted it to be a surprise. You’re old enough now, and it’s time.”
With the puppy clutched to her chest, Chloe hugs me. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This is the best birthday present ever. I promise I’ll be the best dog mom ever, and I’ll train her.”
“You’ll also be pooper-scooping the yard, taking her out at night, and making sure she stays groomed.”
“Yes, yes, and yes. This is amazing, Dad. You’re the best.”
“Love you, Chlo.” I kiss the side of her head and then release her so she can show her new puppy off to her friends.
Everyone crowds around, oohing and ahhing over the newest member of our family.
“You did good, son,” Dad says, patting my back.
“Thanks, Dad. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing up.”
Mom steps up to my other side. “Just wait, one of these days, you’ll be standing here with Chloe, watching your grandson or granddaughter the way we’re watching her.”
I smile at my mom and then look at Dad. They’re so happy, in love, and content just being here, spending time with their family. That’s what I want with Scarlett. When I picture my future, I see the three of us living in the country. Maybe another kid with Scarlett’s brown hair, my eyes, and Chloe’s smile. I want evenings spent on the porch, watching the sun go down, and Sunday dinners with Rick. But we can’t have any of that if Scarlett isn’t here.
She should be here, enjoying the moment and making memories. Instead, she’s on stage somewhere, entertaining tens of thousands of fans.
“We’re going to go, sweetheart,” Mom says, pulling me down so she can kiss my cheek. “Tell Scarlett we said hello.”
“I will.” I hug her and then Dad. “Thanks for coming.”
I walk them out and then come back to finish cleaning up. The kids all jump back into the pool, determined to enjoy every last second before it’s time to go. Scooter and Dean step in to help me clean, while Rick corrals the puppy.
I pile my arms full of trash and carry it to the garbage can. Voices from the bathhouse catch my attention.
“Can you believe her?” a girl says in a snotty voice. “What a joke.”
