Page 106 of Never Really Over

Natalia and Chase were named after my sister and brother-in-law. The baby boy still growing in Layla’s belly hasn’t been named yet.

Layla gives me a look to let me know that she’s got the kids so I can go help Poppy get ready.

“Tootsie Pop?”

“Yeah, Daddy?”

When I walk into her room, I see why Layla and Natalia had the worried looks on their faces. I value my life enough not to comment on the tornado that must have gone through her room, scattering every article of clothing she owned.

“I havenothingto wear, Daddy.”

“You don’t?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“Hmm. Well, tell me what kind of outfit you want to wear and I’ll see if I can help you find something.”

She rolls her eyes. “Daddy.I said there’s nothing here.”

“What about the outfit you had laid out last night?”

“I put it on this morning and asked Maverick how I looked and he judged me. He didn’t even wag his tail or anything.”

I choke on a laugh. Maverick, the dog I adopted at her first birthday party, is Poppy’s sidekick. He sleeps in her room, and rarely lets her out of his sight. Right now, he’s curled up on her bed, snoozing away as if everything that’s happening is normal.

“Can you put it on for me quick and I’ll see?”

She huffs out annoyance but does as I ask.

She slips on a pair of coral – Layla told me the color – shorts and a gray and white striped tank top with a sequined dog on the front. She looks adorable, as always.

“I love it.”

“But Maverick didn’t approve.”

“Maybe he wasn’t sure that he was tasked with something so big. Let’s try this again. Maverick, what do you think of Poppy’s outfit? Do you think it’ll work? Will she like toplay outsidein it?” I emphasize the words play and outside, knowing they’re words that always get him wagging his tail. He does just that, lifting his head to look at Poppy.

“Is it okay, Maverick?” Poppy asks, nervously.

He wags his tail again and I couldn’t be more grateful for a dog.

She sighs. “I guess it’ll do.”

“Today’s going to be great, Poppy. You already know kids from preschool and have plenty of friends. Besides, most kids don’t have so many older kids to have their back like you do,” I say, reminding her of my friends’ kids who are excited to have her at the same school as they are.

“That’s true. They love me,” she says with a curt nod. “Okay, Daddy. I’m ready to go.”

“How about some breakfast first?”

“Pancakes?” she asks hopefully.

“How about some eggs? I want you to have some protein to start your day. We’ll do pancakes on Saturday.”

“With chocolate chips?”

“Sure. Whatever you’d like.”

“I think I’d like chocolate chips in my pancakes.”

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