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“That could work.” He nods. “That means I would give you Hazel’s salary on top of what I’m paying you to take care of Syd.”
“Connor, that’s too much,” I argue.
“Ellie, this isn’t up for discussion. You clearly didn’t sign up to deal with me. I insist.”
What is it with him insisting all the time?
“Fine,” I concede. “Now why don’t you eat your dinner.” I tilt my chin to the plates on his nightstand.
He takes it and I wait a moment for him to try the quesadilla, probably because I’m feeling proud about making such delicious food.
“This is amazing,” he hums as he eats. He must be starving because he’s eating so fast.
Syd stays beside him and watches him.
I go to the kitchen and get him a third quesadilla and he polishes off that one too. I also bring him a large glass of water.
“Syd, would you like to come watch some TV or play a game with me?” I ask.
She whispers in her dad’s ear as he’s drinking his water and he chokes a bit. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Sweet Pea.”
“What do you want, Syd?” I ask.
“She wanted you to stay here with us and watch some TV,” Connor says. “But we are watching the game tonight.”
“If you want to spend some time with your daddy, that’s fine. I can go clean the kitchen and come back soon,” I offer. “Besides, I don’t like hockey.”
Connor gives me a look that tells me I may have offended him about the hockey comment. I just don’t know anything about hockey and I’ve never been very athletic.
The little girl shakes her head. Then she whispers in her daddy’s ear. I wait to hear what she will say now.
Connor sighs. “She wants you to stay. Sorry if that’s awkward. You don’t have to,” he says to me. “Syd, she doesn’t like hockey,” he states, as if that says it all.
Syd watches me with disappointment, and I can’t take it.
“Where do you want me to sit?” I ask Syd.
She pats the bed beside her.
Oh dear.
I’m divided on what to do. There needs to be some boundaries because Connor is my boss. I can’t just sit on his bed with him and his daughter and watch a hockey game.
“This is awkward. Don’t worry. Go ahead,” he urges.
My stomach twists. Syd is clearly in need of love and affection and not because her father doesn’t give her any.
“Sure, I can stay for a bit,” I concede. This little girl pulls on my heartstrings.
Syd smiles, pats the bed beside her, and so I find myself sitting on Connor’s bed with my legs crossed and Syd between us.
“These muffins are delicious,” Connor moans after his first bite.
Syd whispers in his ear and I hear her say, “I told you so.”
That makes me smile. My life has been lonely. I’ve been scraping to get by and living in all kinds of weird situations. I find myself comforted and comfortable being around this father-daughter duo.
“Thanks,” I reply. “I’ve made Pinterest recipes my best friend.”
