“I’m honored you allowed me to do it. There. I’m done. Come take a look.”
I get up and walk over to the easel. I smile at what I see. He’s painted me on the stool as I was, but instead of the little summer dress I’m wearing, he’s put me in the white dress I’m supposed to wear for the play. My hair is also done in a 1940’s style and I look like I just stepped out of the era.
“That looks amazing Dad.”
“Glad you like it.”
The doorbell rings and we look toward the door.
“That’s him now.”
“Yeah. I’ll go get the door.”
I move to go but he catches my arm.
“Baby girl, why don’t you two spend some time together. You don’t have to worry about cooking me anything.”
“Dad—”
“No, I never got to do this with you. He cares about you, or he wouldn’t be here.”
“He could be here with my stuff.” I hope he’s not.
“I think he could have brought your stuff around days ago if it was just about your stuff.”
I smile at that. “Okay.”
He releases me and I make my way out the front to open the door.
Eric is standing on the porch and I’m glad when I see his hands are empty.
This is the first I’ve seen him in a week, and it feels weird.
“Hi,” he says.
I can’t help myself; my body takes control and I rush into his arms. It feels so good when he holds me, and I realize just how much I missed him.
“A man could get used to that Summer Reeves,” he says when we pull apart.
“I’m sorry I was just happy to see you.”
“That’s a good thing. You look good.”
“You too.” But then he always did. “I spoke to the director of the play, and I got the part.”
“That’s perfect. I told you, you would.” He looks genuinely happy for me.
“It’s next week. I um… I’m sure you’re busy but I was wondering if you would come and watch me.”
He smiles at me and reaches out to touch my face. “Of course, I’ll go. I was hoping to see you before then though.”
“You were?” I ask unable to tamp down the bubble of excitement rising within me.
“Yeah. Didn’t I tell you I wasn’t going to leave you alone?” He gives me a disarming smile.
“You did, but you also said you wouldn’t leave me alone until you were done with me.”
“I don’t think I’m going to be done with you.”