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Alice glanced back at me as if looking for backup. “Al, she has to go to work.” Then my eyes found Luna's. “But maybe we can find another night this week to watch a movie together.”
Luna squeezed my daughter. “I would love that, as long as we can beextracozy.”
Alice straightened her arms to get a better look at Luna. “I like being cozy.”
Luna grinned. “Who doesn't?”
“And can we get pizza and ice cream?” Alice asked Luna before quickly facing me, hoping for an answer.
I stood and pocketed my phone. “I'll order whatever food you decide on.”
Alice launched into Luna again, throwing her off balance. I stepped in to brace them both before anyone crashed.
Luna mouthed a silent “thank you” before saying good night to Alice and heading inside.
When all I wanted her to do was stay.
* * *
Alice and I were cuddled on the couch watchingEncantofor the millionth time after Luna left for work.
We were munching on popcorn and singing every chance we got. I loved this time with her. Friday nights were for us. At the end of the long week, I insisted on picking her up from school, making her dinner, and then doing an activity of her choosing. More often than not it entailed movie nights, which suited me just fine.
The unexpected visit from Luna was a bonus. Icing on top of the cake.
During one of the sadder songs, I got up and poured myself a scotch then checked my phone for notifications from Luna. She’d left for Club Deux hours ago and things were probably quiet at the club since it was only eight.
Once I refilled Alice’s water, I sat back down, and she immediately crawled next to me, cuddling close. Sometimes she was still my little baby, and I knew any day now she'd be too cool to spend Friday nights with her dad.
“Did you check on Luna yet?” Alice asked, not bothering to take her eyes off the television.
“Huh?”
“Luna. I know you worry more when she's gone.”
When did my daughter get so observant?
“She's busy working,” I explained.
“Otherwise, she'd be here with us, right, Dad?”
I absently rubbed the spot on my chest over my heart. “Yes, sweetheart. If she wasn't working tonight, I would invite her over.”
Alice finished chewing. “That's good.”
I turned to face her. “Is it? Do you like it when Luna’s here?”
Finally, Alice peeled her attention away from the TV. “I like her, Daddy. She's nice, and she has the coolest outfits.”
I suppressed a laugh. “You like Luna because of her clothes…”
My seven-year-old rolled her eyes. “That's not the only reason.”
“Then tell me the other reasons,” I prodded.
“I like Luna because you smile more when she's around,” Alice said with the confidence and knowing of someone thrice her age. “Except when you guys are fighting. But part of me thinks you like that. It must be some weird grown-up thing.”
I chuckled. “You certainly have that right.”