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Would Mae care about my lack of artistic ability? I doubt it. Thinking about her makes me miss her company. I bet we’d have fun if I took her on a date.
“Okay, I’m finished,” Gwen says.
We clean up and carefully carry our canvases to the car, laying them on the back seat. However, mine is better suited for the trash.
“Thanks for bringing me here. This was awesome.”
“You’re welcome. What do you say we grab milkshakes before I take you home?”
“Yes, please.” She bounces on her toes. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, I steer her back onto the sidewalk toward our favorite ice cream shop.
When we enter, the bell jingles, and we step right up to the counter to order. And we always get the same thing.
“Can we please get a vanilla cookie milkshake and a chocolate cookie milkshake?”
When the server walks off, I turn to Gwen. “Should we get your mom and Dean shakes?”
Her eyes light up. “Yes, that’s a great idea. Maybe it’ll help Mom be in a better mood.”
“I’m sure seeing you will be enough to do that.”
She rolls her eyes. “Pfft.”
When the server brings our cups over, I add the additional shakes to the order. Gwen and I grab extra napkins and slowly sip our ice-cold treats while we wait.
“Did you finish your homework?” I ask.
“Mhmm. Don’t worry, Mom can’t yell at you.”
“She doesn’t yell.”
Gwen’s expression is skeptical. “If you say so.”
The server brings over a tray with their shakes, and I hand over the cash.
The ride to Claire and Dean’s is quick. Gwen adds her cup to the tray for me to carry while she handles removing her painting from the back seat. I close the door for her, and we walk up the driveway.
Dean opens the door for us and smiles at Gwen. “Hey, stranger. How was your weekend?”
“It was good.”
Claire appears. “Hi, honey.”
“Hi, Mom.” Gwen hands me her painting so she can properly hug her.
“Dad bought us all milkshakes.”
Claire’s gaze swings to me. “Thank you, Trey.”
“No thanks needed.” I hand the tray to her. “Gwen, I’m gonna head home.”
She hurries over, hugging me. I press a kiss to the top of her head. “Be good. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Bye, Dad.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too,” she says, and my chest fills up to overflowing. Knowing my daughter loves me trumps everything else in my life.