Page 118 of Daddy's Pride
I cannot freaking believe this.
I was driving a car that didn’t belong to me. A car that cost more than my life.
And I had a key to his house.
Who did that?
But holy moly, this was the smoothest ride I’d ever been in. No springs poking my butt through the worn seats. No old dial and cassette radio. Even the mirrors had buttons that moved them like magic. This car was…heavenly.
Can I just say how cute my Daddy looked wearing his scrubbies? There he stood in the parking lot, waving me into the spot next to him as he waited to open my door. “What did you think? How was the drive?”
“Ah-mazing. Nothing poked my bum.”
“Excuse me?”
“The seats in my car need replaced.”
“That car needs to be replaced.”
“Daddy,” I said with a bit more attitude than I should’ve. “I can’t afford a car payment.”
He mumbled something under his breath I couldn’t quite make out as he led me inside. “Table for two, please.”
Since it was a weekday, we didn’t have to wait long to be seated.
“You look very handsome in your work clothes.”
“Thank you, Daddy. You look so cute in your scrubbies.”
“Ha-ha, thank you. Question, do you have a set schedule at work? Since I hired another veterinarian, I only work Monday through Friday. Usually eight to five, though as I mentioned sometimes appointments run over or emergencies come in.”
“Kind of. Unless it’s the holidays, I usually open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.” Don’t even get me started on the holidays. The one time of year everyone should be happy, but they were mean and grouchy instead.
The waitress came by and took our order, then Daddy reached over and took my hand. “Jamie, I know things are moving fast and I hope it’s not scaring you. If it gets to be too much or you get uncomfortable, promise me you’ll tell me.”
“I promise, Daddy. I like spending time with you. The only thing I’m not comfortable about is the car but you pulled the Daddy card on that one.” Daddy laughed and I couldn’t help but smile. “I know, it’s important to you that I’m safe. But I’m afraid of parking it at my apartment. What if it gets damaged or stolen?”
“Well, that’s what insurance is for, but if it will make you more comfortable you can stay with me while your car is in the shop.” Daddy’s smile reached his eyes, so I knew he wanted this. Even if I didn’t, I’d likely do it just for him.
“You don’t have to ask me twice. Yes, please.”
Daddy was a very happy Daddy today. No more frowny Daddy.
“I’ll grab some more clothes after work.” I’d already planned to pick up my stuff from Daddy’s after work but now I got to leave it there. Yay me! I didn’t care if this was too fast. I loved being around him and what better way than to be together all the time? Well, not during work hours of course, but at night when I got to sleep curled up with him.
Was it possible lonely Jamie would be no more?
Daddy kissed me goodbye at the car and watched as I drove off. I went home first to pack my clothes and may or may not have packed nearly all of them along with toys. I’d swing by after work and grab them along with some of the food I had since Daddy’s fridge was nearly empty. Silly Daddy, eating out got expensive and boring when done too often. Grandma taught me how to make the basics and I enjoyed it. I wondered if Daddy would mind if his boy cooked for him.
The back of Daddy’s fancy SUV was full when I pulled into the garage at his house. Daddy came right out to help me. How silly was it that it lit me up from the inside out when Daddy scooped me up and kissed me right there with the garage wide open where anyone could see?
“How was your day, sweet boy?”
“Better now that Daddy has me.”
“That I do.” Daddy kissed me again then set me down. “Okay, let me grab your bag from the back. Push the button to open it.”
“I hope it’s okay, I brought the food I had at home so it wouldn’t go bad.”