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“I do. How did she act when you brought her breakfast this morning?”

“She was surprised. Didn’t get angry like I thought she would.”

“And the flower order?”

“I’m not sure. I think she really liked it, but it was hard to tell.”

Melinda looked at me with a smile on her face. “It got you the date, though, so I’m guessing it must have gone well. Give yourself a little credit. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be standing here trying to find you something to wear. Try this one on.”

I took the hanger from her and stepped into the small washroom, quickly changing into the dress pants and shirt. I glanced at myself in the mirror and then opened the door.

Melinda took one look at me. “That is perfect!”

“It is?” I said, looking down at myself, still wishing I had my uniform.

“Yes, your eyes pop in this. Women are a sucker for eyes,” she said once again with confidence. “Also, roll up your sleeves. You have muscular arms, and the tattoos just add to them.”

I couldn’t believe I was standing here having my daughter tell me what women liked. “You know, I’m not dead. I do know what women like.” I chuckled.

“Okay then, why have you not done it yet?” she said, looking at me with laughter in her eyes.

While I rolled my sleeves, I watched as she hung all my shirts back up and then turned to me and nodded. “Not bad, if I say so myself,” she said, bringing her hand to her cheek. I could see she was contemplating something, and that scared me.

“What is it?” I questioned.

“I hate to break it to you, Dad, but I also think we need to go shopping soon. Get you some new clothes.” She stepped forward and removed a piece of lint from my perfectly pressed shirt. “I can even ask Cici to join us if you like.”

I shook my head. “No to Cici joining us. I can only deal with you.” I chucked. “Now can I ask another favor from you?” I questioned.

“Of course.”

“Do you think I could borrow your car for tonight? I was planning on walking, but I hear that it’s supposed to rain.”

“Well, I don’t see it being a problem. I mean, gas it up and make sure you have it back to me by eleven, latest, midnight,” she said, her voice stern, as if she were the parent and I were the child.

I glanced over at my daughter, unsure if she was joking or not, and then she broke out into laughter. “Sorry, Dad, I couldn’t help it. Of course, you can. I was just joking around.”

“Thanks, kid,” I said, pulling her in for a hug. “Thanks for everything.”

PEGGY

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom and shook my head as my gaze landed on the curves of my hips. How had I let Trinity talk me into this dress? I gently pulled at the fabric that clung to my body. I’d closed the shop a little early, come home, showered and now stood here, almost cringing at the choice I’d agreed to.

Why on earth did I agree to this?I let out a sigh and made my way into my small kitchen and looked around. The place was clean, but it was old and in desperate need of repairs and a fresh coat of paint. I opened the scratched-up cupboard door and pulled out a glass, quickly filling it up with some juice from the fridge.

Perhaps one day I could find a better place to live, I thought to myself. This place was cramped. I’d bought practically the first house I’d seen and had moved from a much larger home into this.

I’d taken another mouthful of juice when the phone rang. “Hello.”

I silently hoped it was Ethan. Perhaps he too had decided that this was a bad idea and was calling to cancel.

“Oh, I am so glad you haven’t left yet,” Trinity said into the phone.

“Why?” I questioned, alarm filling me. “Did you hear something about Ethan? I was right, wasn’t I?”

“You’re doing it again,” she said, irritation lining her voice. “Everything is going to be fine.”

“I know.”