But did you like her for real? Not just because she's rich. Ethan looked at his daughter, too perceptive, too aware of adult complications, too familiar with the weight of things that shouldn't concern 8-year-olds. Yeah, he said honestly. I liked her.
She's different than I expected. Good. Different. I think so. Sophie grinned and it was like watching the sun come out.
Then you should see her again. Maybe I will. No. Maybe. You definitely should.
She poked him in the arm. You smiled when you said her name. Did not. Did too. You got all smiley and weird.
Sarah laughed. She's right. You do look smiley and weird. I hate both of you. No, you don't.
Sophie hugged him fiercely, her small arms wrapped around his neck. I'm glad you went on the date, even if you got all muddy. He hugged her back, breathing in the smell of her strawberry shampoo and the lingering scent of Sarah's house. Me too, kiddo. His phone buzzed on the nightstand.
All three of them looked at it. Is it her? Sophie whispered like the phone could hear them. Ethan picked it up and his stomach did something complicated when he saw Vivien's name. "What does it say? " Sarah demanded.
He opened the message. "Good morning. I'm assuming you survived the drive home without the truck dying. Should I be worried? " "She's asking about the truck," he said. Sophie peered over his shoulder.
"That's boring. Tell her you had fun. " "I'm not taking dating advice from an 8-year-old. " "Why not? I'm smart. " Sarah grabbed the phone from his hands, ignoring his protest. Let me see. Okay, this is good.
She's initiating contact. She's being playful, but not too eager. She's Can I have my phone back? In a minute, I'm analyzing. She typed something and Ethan lunged for the phone.
Sarah, what are you? Relax. I just said the truck is fine and you had a good time. See, professional and friendly. I could have written that myself.
Yes, but you would have overthought it for 20 minutes first. She handed the phone back. You're welcome. The response came almost immediately. "Good.
I'd hate for my handiwork to be wasted. " "Are you working today? " Sophie read over his shoulder again. "What's handiwork mean? " "She fixed the truck yesterday," Ethan explained, then caught Sarah's raised eyebrow. "Long story, I'll tell you later," he typed back. Shops open 9 to5. "Why? " "Just curious.
I like to know where my mechanics spend their time. " Sarah made a strangled noise. She's flirting with you. She's not. She absolutely is. My mechanics.
That's possessive flirting. You're reading too much into it. And you're not reading enough. Sarah grabbed Sophie's hand. Come on, Sofh.