I lead her out and we take the short walk to Tiki’s, the diner inside the Kings Security campus. The sun feels nice on my back, and although there are numerous things in my mind ranging from Clementine’s answer to Merida’s safety, I try to relax. “We should do this more often. It’ll give me a chance to get out of the office.”
“Maybe next time Clem can also join us.”
I’m happy to see the spring in her step. “I hope so too.”
We take a bench outside, and after the waiter leaves with our order for burgers and fries, Mere turns to me, her gleaming eyes a bit curious, a bit hesitant. “Did you talk to Clem today?”
“Did you talk to Clem today?” I ask her, raising my eyebrows the same way she just did.
She giggles. “I did and she told me you called her too early for our time.”
“Then why are you asking?”
“She didn’t give me any details, Dad.” Her voice is a bit annoyed.
“I’m also not giving you any details. When it’s time for you to know something, you’ll know.”
Mere sits upright, crossing her hands over her chest. “What does that mean? I played Cupid in your love story and now you’re keeping me out.”
“Cupid?” I bark out a laugh, my usually tensed chest unclenching at my daughter’s happiness. “How did you play Cupid? And if you did, you were a pretty bad Cupid.”
She’s about to say something when the diner’s owner, Tiki himself, arrives with one plate of cheese fries, followed by two waiters carrying our burgers and drinks.
“I heard my most favorite person is here.” He places the plate of fries on the table and Merida throws her arms around his round belly.
“It’s been so long, Uncle Tiki,” she says before settling back in her seat.
“And whose fault is that? You stopped visiting.”
She holds her ears in apology. “Sorry. But I’ll visit more often, I promise. Maybe next time, we’ll bring Dad’s special friend.” She pokes her tongue out at me, throwing me under the bus.
“So does that mean he finally got his head out of his ass?”
I groan. “Man, don’t say things like that in front of her. She’s just fourteen.”
“You guys baby your kids too much.” Shaking his head, Tiki leaves.
“Dad, look here,” Mere squeals as I wipe my mouth with a paper napkin. Leaning forward on the table, she clicks a selfie of us. Minutes later my phone beeps as she forwards me the picture.
Warmth infuses my chest at the sight of her smile. My daughter didn’t need any therapists, she just needed me. A touch of guilt tries to erupt inside me, but I push it away. I’m not going to live in the past.
We both are happy now. And that’s what matters.
“You can send it to Clem, if you like.” Mere puts her phone down and picks up her burger.
“Are you going to bring her into every conversation?” I’m half-joking. I like knowing Merida is as excited about Clem as I am.
“I told you, I’m playing Cupid.”
I return to my office and Mere returns to the apartment for some online group study. I look at the photo of Mere and me again and hit forward.
Me: You and your beautiful smile are missing.
Later that night, I get her text in response.
Clementine: I love the smiles I see. I am in, Keith. If the offer is still open.
My heart beats like a fucking dog that has chased a group of cats miles and miles.