"What about things labeled mechanical?" she asked. Ryan gave her a look. "Especially those." Mia grinned. Ryan returned to reviewing work orders while she drew beside him.
20 minutes later, Emily entered the corridor with Hannah and stopped when she heard a child laughing. Ryan looked up immediately. "Ms. Parker." Emily's attention moved to the little girl. Mia studied the blonde woman in the tailored cream jacket with open curiosity.
"You are Dad's boss." Ryan closed his eyes briefly. Emily smiled. "I am. The really big boss."
Mia. "What? You said she was the chief executive officer." Emily crouched slightly so they were closer to eye level. "Your father is correct."
Mia considered this. "Is he good at his job?" Ryan started to speak, but Emily answered first. "One of the best." The words were simple.
Still, Ryan went quiet. Praise was common in corporate offices when someone wanted something. This felt different. Emily had said it to the one person whose opinion mattered most to him. Mia nodded with satisfaction.
"I knew that." Then her eyes narrowed. "Have I seen you before?" Emily's smile faded by half a degree. Ryan noticed.
"I do not think so," Emily said carefully. Mia tilted her head studying her. "Maybe in a picture." Hannah suddenly became very interested in the folder she was holding. Ryan caught the movement.
Before he could ask, Mia reached into her backpack and pulled out a bright yellow flyer. "My school is having a fundraiser Thursday. There will be cupcakes and a raffle and terrible singing." "The singing is not advertised as terrible," Ryan said. "I heard rehearsal."
Emily laughed. Mia held out the flyer. "You should come." Ryan gently lowered Mia's hand. "Sweetheart, Ms. Parker is busy."
"Thursday at 6:30?" Emily asked. Mia nodded. Emily looked at Ryan. "I can make 6:30."
Ryan stared at her. "You do not have to." "I know." That answer stayed with him. Thursday evening, Ryan stood inside Maple Grove Elementary beneath paper stars and handmade banners, helping Mia arrange cupcakes when the gymnasium doors opened.
Emily walked in alone. No assistant. No driver waiting beside her. Jeans, a blue sweater, blonde hair loose over her shoulders. For several seconds, Ryan barely recognized her.