Chapter 42

“You can make something yummy and I can show him all my toys!” She beams at me, sure this will sell me on the idea.

“Do you really think he wants to see them?” I ask, now stalling for time myself.

Riley gives me a sardonic look that’s much older than her years. “Of course he does, Daddy. I have allthe My Little Ponies!”

I’d laugh if she weren’t so serious. “I’ll think about it,” I say, but she gives me a stern glare and I change it to, “I’ll ask him, okay? But tomorrow.”

“Daddy…”

“It’s late, honey,” I point out, “and unlike you, he’s probably already asleep. I’ll ask him, I promise. Now can we pleasefinish this book so you can get to bed?”

For a moment longer, she stares at me, as if trying to decide if I’m telling the truth or not. Finally she gives in and flops back against me, her attention back on the book. “I’m not even tired.”

“But I am, and I’m sure Foo is,” I say. “I’ll ask Derek if he wants to eat over when I talk to him tomorrow, okay?”