Dragon

24 - Just you and me

Dragon

“I like it when it’s just you and me.”

I smile at Greer as she stuffs more bacon in her mouth. “I like it when it’s just you and me, too.” I wink, making her giggle.

Over the past week, since Kyla woke up, Greer has been in much better spirits. She’s happy that her mother will be home soon and that Kyla is doing well with her physio.

Kyla and I agreed to enroll Greer in school, which she started yesterday. She was sad that her mother couldn’t be there to see her off. But I was there to drop her off and pick her back up again.

This morning, I brought Greer to Mae’s Diner for breakfast. She made a comment about not seeing much of me this past week. I haven’t because I’ve been busy with Kyla and also making sure her house is ready for when she comes home. I saw Greer’s sad little eyes, and I knew spending an hour together before school would please her.

It amazes me just how much my daughter and I have in common. We like the same foods, the same music, and even the same TV shows. Well, age-appropriate shows, at least.

As I watch Greer dipping her bacon into her milk, I know that I can never be without her. I won’t lie, I still don’t feel grown up enough to be anyone’s father. But I’m trying my best to be what Greer needs. I know that I’ll make mistakes in the future, as every parent does, but I’ll never intentionally hurt my daughter.

“Will Mommy be home when I get back from school today?”

I smile and set my coffee cup on the table in front of me. “No, sweetheart.”

Greer’s face sags as well as her shoulders. “Oh. But you said she was getting better.”

“She is getting better, darlin’. And Mommy will be home with us soon. The Doctor said it could be as early as tomorrow, as long as everything is ready at the house.”

Greer’s eyes widen, and she shoots me a massive toothy smile. “Really?”

I nod. “Really. But it might not happen, so I don’t want you to get too excited. But we can be hopeful.”

“But I am excited!” Greer giggles. “Even if Mommy doesn’t come home tomorrow, she will soon. I’m going to help you both. I’ll be really good, and I won’t complain about anything.”

I can’t help smiling. “Baby girl. You’re always good. But your help would be much appreciated.”

Greer giggles while shoving more bacon in her mouth. I watch her for a moment and smile. I see so much of Kyla in the features of our little girl. It’s like having Kyla as a young girl with me all over again.

I never knew having a child could bring me this much joy. Sure, Mom and Dad always told my siblings and me how much we meant to them. They told us how they couldn’t imagine life without us because we filled their hearts with love when we came along. But the meaning never sank in until I held Greer.

I’ve always wondered how parents love each child they’re blessed with equally. Yes, that makes me feel stupid, but I’ve never had a child until now. However, I finally understand because if Kyla and I are ever blessed with another little one, I know I’ll love them just as much as I love the little beauty sitting opposite me right now.

“Hey, there,” I look up and smile at Phoenix. She’s dressed in her signature tight leather pants, but today she’s paired them with a black low-cut t-shirt, and her leather jacket – the one handed to her the day she became Snakes Henchmen’s only female member. “Fancy seeing you here.”

I chuckle. “Just brought my daughter in for breakfast before school.”

I notice Greer’s eyes are wide as she looks at Phoenix. Greer has a beautiful smile on her face. She’s fascinated to see someone who looks like Phoenix. Believe me, not many women do.

“Who is this, Daddy?”

“This is Phoenix. She’s a friend of mine.”

Phoenix nudges my shoulder, forcing me to move across the bench so she can sit down. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Greer. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“You’re a Snakes Henchmen like my dad.”

Phoenix laughs while nodding her head. “The only female member.”

“Wow. Do you ride a motorcycle?” Greer seems smitten with Phoenix. Not that I find it unusual, but Greer has the strangest smile on her face.

“I do. Maybe I’ll teach you how to ride one day.” Phoenix winks, making Greer giggle.

I watch my daughter as she stares at Phoenix. Phoenix is smiling in amusement.

“Do you like boys or girls?”

“Greer!” I snap in shock at what my child just asked my friend.

Why would an eight-year-old ask such a thing?

Why would it even matter?

Greer unashamedly shrugs her shoulders while drinking her milk. She then tells me, “I’m just interested, Daddy. Mommy told me that it doesn’t matter who we love in this life. If it’s real, then it’s not wrong. But Phoenix is a biker and the only female in your club. I just wondered if she might like girls like you all do.”

We don’t all like girls. Rabid is gay, even if he won’t admit it. Or perhaps he hasn’t realized it yet, but most of us have. Not that any of us care about Rabid’s sexua.l preferences. Plus, none of us should out him, either. He’ll tell us when he realizes and when he’s ready.

Phoenix laughs loudly. “I like both,” She winks at Greer.

“Wow, that’s so cool!”

I shake my head, shaking away the shock. Trust Phoenix not to sugarcoat things, even for a child.

“Any boys caught your eye at school?” Phoenix asks.

I groan because the last thing I want is for Greer to notice boys at her age.

“No, boys are dumb.” Thank God! “Hey, who’s that? She’s waving at you both.”

I turn my head and smile. “That’s Grandma’s younger sister, Sophie.”

“Wow, she’s pretty, Daddy.”

I chuckle. “She’s your great-aunt.”

Sophie smiles and comes walking over with a smile on her face. “Hey, guys.”

“Hi, Soph,” Phoenix nods. “Hello, pretty girl.” Sophie smiles as her daughter, Rose, giggles and reaches for Phoenix, who takes her and kisses her cheek.

Rose is three and was born blind. She’s a smart little thing and knows who’s who by sense of smell. Rose also seems to sense when one of us is around, even if she can’t smell us.

“Phoenix!” Rose hugs Phoenix, making us all smile. That little girl adores Phoenix, and my friend has never made a secret of the fact that she loves Rose.

“Hey, baby girl.”

“Dragon!” Rose reaches for me, and I take her. I kiss her cheek and sit her on my lap as Sophie sits beside me. Phoenix moves and sits beside Greer. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too, princess. Rose, I’d like you to meet Greer. Greer is my daughter.”

Rose giggles excitedly as she reaches her hand out. She’s trying to touch Greer. The perfect little girl that Greer is gets to her knees on the bench and leans over the table. She takes Rose’s hand and places it on her face.

Phoenix, Sophie, and I watch in fascination as Rose, using both hands, touches Greer’s face. Her little fingers slide over every inch of Greer’s face, and my daughter smiles.

“Wow, you are so pretty.” Rose giggles.

“Thank you,” Greer smiles. “You’re pretty, too, Rose. I’m your cousin.”

The two girls talk amongst themselves for a moment before Sophie tells us she has to go. She only popped in to pick up something for Rose.

“What’s up?” I whisper toward Phoenix as soon as Sophie is out of the way.

Phoenix looks at me. “Why would anything be up?”

“I don’t know, you just seem like you have something on your mind. What is it? Did Eagle dump you?” I laugh.

Phoenix does not.

Shi.t, did he really dump her?

Or did she finish with him?

Whatever happened, Phoenix isn’t saying. She gets out of her seat and tugs on her leather jacket.

“There’s somewhere I need to be.” She tells me. “It was nice to meet you, Greer. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye, Phoenix.” Greer waves, oblivious to anything being wrong. “Daddy, I’m finished.”

I smile at my daughter. It’s time I got her to school. I also need to speak with Jett later today. He’s not going to wait much longer. However, I’m heading to the hospital first. Kyla’s Aunt Jane arrived this morning. She hadn’t been able to get the time off from work before now, and it’s time I met her.

I get out of my seat and hold my hand out to Greer. She giggles and takes my hand. “Let’s get you to school, princess.”