“Hey, pretty girl. What took you so long?”
“I had to use the bathroom and my boo boo took a long time coming out.”
I let out a light chuckle while shaking my head. “Was it taking a long time or were you in there playing on your phone?”
“Huh?” she said, cocking her head to one side.
But I knew her little innocent act was just that…an act. “Don’t even try it, you heard what I said.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Still pretending, she tossed her backpack higher on her shoulder and strolled towards the door. As soon as she was close enough to see the raindrops, she yelled, “Oh Daddy look, it’s raining outside.”
“Mmhmm, but you are going straight to the car.”
Ignoring my words, she attempted to push the door open. But her attempts only led to failure since the door was too heavy for her tiny hands. I laughed at her little grunts and groans as she gave it all the effort she could.
“Daddy, come help me,” she squealed.
“Aw, how cute,” Shannon said before gazing at me with soft eyes. “Go help her, Daddy.”
I cleared my throat, trying not to make it too obvious that I was feeling her choice of words. Shit like that always got my attention.
Tossing back the illicit thoughts that had just crossed my mind, I turned my attention back to Dakota. “Give me your hand.”
“But, Daddy,” she whined.
I didn’t bother repeating myself. Instead, I gave her a stern look. A look that she was very familiar with. Knowing that I meant business, she lowered her gaze, walked towards me, and placed her hand into mine.
Looking back at Shannon, I said, “It was nice seeing you again.”
“It was nice seeing you too. You should call me sometime so we can catch up.”
I nodded. “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I just might take you up on that.”
“I hope you do.”
Giving her one last glance, I squeezed Dakota’s hand a little more and made my way out of the building.
The rain hadn’t eased up at all, so I hurried to my car as fast as I could. Thankfully, Dakota didn’t give me a hard time and hopped right into her seat. But she didn’t say much to me for the first five minutes of the car ride.
“Are you mad at Daddy?” I questioned while looking at her through the rearview mirror.
She frowned. “Why wouldn’t you let me play in the rain?”
“Because Daddy needs to get home. I need to fix dinner, get you in the tub and I would like to relax for a little while before I call it a night.”
Folding her arms, she slammed them against her chest. “Hmph.”
“Don’t be mad, sweetheart. I’ll let you play in the rain another day.”
Completely ignoring my words, she said, “How much longer is Mommy going to be gone? I miss her. And why can’t I see G-Ma every day? I miss her too. Oh, and Titi Nova…” she paused for a second. “I don’t like this, Daddy. I don’t get to see anyone.”
I froze for a second, my hands gripping the wheel tighter.
I was prepared for the questions about her mother. But the rest came as a bit of a surprise. I knew Dakota enjoyed spending time with family, but this was the first time she seemed unhappy about being away.
“Well, as far as your mother goes, it’s going to be a while.”
“How long is a while?”
